THE BIGGEST NAMES IN IRISH COUNTRY MUSIC UNITE FOR “COUNTRY ROADS” ON THE LATE LATE SHOW
It was a night of nostalgia, pride, and pure celebration on RTÉ One as The Late Late Show Country Special brought together the biggest stars in Irish country music for a finale that had the audience singing at the top of their lungs. The closing number, a rousing rendition of John Denver’s timeless classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” became the defining moment of the evening — a unifying anthem that showcased both the talent and the spirit of the genre in Ireland.
The stage was filled with icons: Philomena Begley, Margo O’Donnell, Daniel O’Donnell, Susan McCann, Cliona Hagan, Nathan Carter, and many more, all joining voices in a performance that felt both celebratory and deeply moving. Each artist took a line or a verse, with the crowd responding in kind, creating a chorus of thousands that blended seamlessly with the stars on stage.
For Irish audiences, Country Roads has always held a special resonance. Though an American classic, its themes of home, belonging, and the pull of the land have long mirrored Ireland’s own traditions. When sung by the voices that have defined Irish country for decades, the song took on a new depth, becoming not just a cover but a heartfelt expression of identity and pride.
The performance built steadily in energy. Philomena Begley, often referred to as the “Queen of Irish Country,” opened with her unmistakable power, while Margo brought her warmth and Donegal charm to the verses. Daniel O’Donnell’s smooth, heartfelt delivery followed, prompting cheers from the crowd, before the younger generation — led by Nathan Carter and Cliona Hagan — added their fresh energy to the mix. By the time all the performers joined together for the final chorus, the studio had been transformed into a sea of clapping, swaying fans, every voice raised in unison.
Viewers at home quickly took to social media, describing the finale as “spine-tingling” and “a proud moment for Irish music.” For many, it was a reminder of how deeply country music, though imported from America, has become woven into Ireland’s own cultural fabric.
The Late Late Show Country Special has long been a highlight of RTÉ’s calendar, offering a platform not only to established stars but also to emerging voices in the genre. This year’s finale, however, struck an especially powerful chord, uniting legends and rising talents in a single song that spoke to multiple generations of fans.
As the final notes of Country Roads faded, the standing ovation that followed said it all. This was more than just a performance — it was a declaration of love for country music, for Ireland, and for the artists who have carried its torch. For those in the studio and those watching across the country, it was a moment to remember: the night Ireland’s country music family stood together, shoulder to shoulder, and made Country Roads their own.