“The Queens of Country Medley”: A Tribute to Ireland’s Female Country Icons
DUBLIN — On a night devoted to celebrating Ireland’s rich country music heritage, The Late Late Show Country Music Special on RTÉ One delivered a finale that fans will not soon forget. Closing the program was “The Queens of Country Medley,” a special performance that united three of the most influential women in Irish country music — Philomena Begley, Margo, and Susan McCann — in a moving collaboration that honored both their individual legacies and their collective impact on the genre.
The medley was more than just a performance; it was a symbolic moment. Each of the three singers has been a defining figure in shaping the Country & Irish sound over several decades, bringing rural Irish storytelling into harmony with the traditions of Nashville and beyond. By uniting them on stage, RTÉ created a powerful tribute that resonated with audiences as both a celebration and a reminder of the enduring legacy of women in Irish country music.
Philomena Begley — Known as the “Queen of Irish Country,” Begley’s career has spanned more than 50 years, with hits such as “Truck Drivin’ Woman” and “Blanket on the Ground.” Her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence have made her a household name and an enduring influence on generations of performers.
Margo — A pioneering female voice in the Irish country scene, Margo rose to prominence in the 1960s and inspired countless singers, including her younger brother Daniel O’Donnell. Her heartfelt ballads and unshakable connection with audiences secured her place as one of the genre’s most beloved figures.
Susan McCann — Often referred to as Ireland’s “First Lady of Country Music,” McCann became one of the few Irish artists to achieve international recognition in country circles. With her smooth, distinctive tone and polished performances, she helped bridge the gap between Ireland’s homegrown scene and global audiences.
Together, these three women formed the heart of the medley, each bringing her unique style but blending seamlessly into harmonies that underscored their shared heritage.
The Country Music Special has become one of the most anticipated annual broadcasts on RTÉ One, shining a spotlight on the genre’s most celebrated names. By dedicating its finale to Begley, Margo, and McCann, the show acknowledged the pivotal role female performers have played in shaping Irish country music’s legacy.
For viewers, the segment carried layers of meaning. It was nostalgic, reminding longtime fans of the artists’ decades-long contributions, and celebratory, affirming their continuing vitality as performers even after years in the spotlight. The medley also placed women at the center of a tradition that has sometimes been male-dominated, reinforcing their influence on both peers and younger singers now emerging in the Irish country scene.
The medley’s emotional power came not only from the songs themselves but from the visible camaraderie among the three performers. Each carried decades of history — sold-out shows, chart success, and loyal fanbases — but the performance transcended individual achievement to highlight the bonds between them.
Fans described the segment as both uplifting and deeply poignant. The staging emphasized simplicity, allowing the focus to remain on the voices and the emotions they conveyed. Viewers noted how the harmonies carried a sense of shared struggle, resilience, and triumph, reflecting the broader story of Irish country music itself.In the end, “The Queens of Country Medley” was more than just a highlight of a television special; it was a cultural statement. By honoring Begley, Margo, and McCann together, RTÉ celebrated not just their music, but the generations of fans and future artists they continue to inspire. For Irish audiences — and country fans worldwide who later discovered the performance online — it was a fitting reminder that the legacy of these women is not just history, but a living tradition carried forward in every note.