Latest news with #RyanHennessy
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Hugely popular Sligo festival is expected to be another sell-out
Each year, the event brings festival goers from across Ireland and the UK to Ballygawley. Thomas Walsh, one of the festival organisers said: 'With the success of our festival in 2019, 2022, 2023, & 2024 we are now in the final planning stages of this year's event which will be our 5th anniversary. 'The festival has gone from strength to strength and is a showcase of what partnership, volunteerism, community spirit and what participation is. 'We are excited about this year and we will have people returning from many parts of Ireland but also from the UK and many other countries.' The festival is run by a group of energetic volunteers from the community with the support of many sponsors. 'For such as small village, we continue to attract top acts and have a great music line-up annually. 'Our festival has continued to grow and has become recognised now on the festival circuit across Ireland.' This year's event will take place from the 17-20th July. The event will take place in the festival Marquee in Ballygawley Village. 'We have invested a lot in this year's event and we will introduce a second stage, named Village Vibes. ADVERTISEMENT 'On Friday night 18th July, local acts will open such as Cathal Herron and Ryan Hennessy. Claudia Buckley and her band will open for the headline act who are just back from a UK and Australian tour, The Tumbling Paddies. 'On Saturday, Fermanagh`s Sean Magee will open main stage, followed by up and coming One for the Road and Derek Ryan and band will close Saturday night, local acts Ryan Hennessy and Aneta Moran Sax will play Village Vibes. 'Sunday, 20th July, Ryan Scanlon and Siobhan and Thomas Mc Partland will support Mike Denver and band, followed by Johnny Brady and his band. 'There will also be a children's event in the main marquee on Thursday evening 6-8pm, on the 17th July. 'Kids soccer, a magic show, creator van, Maia Purposeful Play. Ocean FM will be live from the festival site for the Kids Fest, 4-7pm'. Tickets are now limited but they are available via or from Foleys Buses will be providing as shuttle service in Sligo and Leitrim. They can be contacted on 086-8326450.
Irish Examiner
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Picture This keep Good Vibrations going at the Marquee
The clouds were rolling in over Cork, but the vibe was all sunshine and lollipops as the crowds ambled towards the iconic Marquee tent for the first of two homecoming gigs from Picture This. Some 20 years ago, Beach Boy Brian Wilson opened the very first Live at the Marquee with his debut Cork show in 2005. On Wednesday, the Athy pop-rockers stepped into that legacy with the first of two sold-out gigs — bringing their signature mix of stadium-sized emotion and small-town charm back to a stage that's helped define their journey. It was a fitting band to keep those Good Vibrations going. Inside the tent, Gen Alpha and Gen Zs in festival fits mingled with Millennials, with a few Gen Xers dotted about — highlighting the multigenerational appeal the band has quietly cultivated since their 2015 viral debut. Picture This first headlined the Marquee in 2017, selling out both nights, and even played a Cork wedding that same summer after a bride-to-be cheekily propositioned them during a fan Q&A. You can't say they're not a band of their word. Crowds screaming as Picture This perform. Picture: Darragh Kane Another sell-out on Thursday, and the atmosphere was electric, the energy dialled up to the max. 'Are you ready for the best night of your lives, Cork?' frontman Ryan Hennessy roared, and is left in no doubt of the answer. Plus the crowd had a brand new floor to stomp their feet on — perhaps a birthday gift? With this tarmac, Mr Aiken, you are spoiling us. Though Picture This are by now regulars on Irish stages, this gig felt more reflective, more celebratory. With their 2023 album Parked Car Conversations still in rotation and rumours of new music in the pipeline, this set played like a love letter to their fans and a flex of their maturing sound. The pacing, the interaction, the stage production, it was all pitch perfect. Not even an impromptu 'Olé Olé Olé' from the crowd threw them off their beat. They kicked off with a soaring 'Act of Innocence', an arms-aloft statement of inte Margo, Jack, James, and Emma Ryan, Tipperary, at the Marquee. Picture: Darragh Kane nt, and from there, the emotional hooks kept coming. The setlist is heavy on fan favourites, with Hennessy working the crowd with his signature mix of sincerity and swagger. He reminisced about other Cork gigs, riffed with the crowd, continuously thankful for the energy in the room and — more than once — seemed genuinely moved by the raptuous reception. It was a high-energy, emotionally engaging experience that bridges the gap between stadium-scale anthems and intimate crowd connection. Ryan Hennessy's vocals were on point, his bopping stage presence magnetic, and the band leaned into the unique closeness the Marquee offers —turning the tent into a sing-along sanctuary. Picture This returns to the Marquee on Thursday night for round two — likely just as loud, loquacious and loved. A band on fire, and so in tune with their fans. Next up on the Marquee calendar: The Coronas and Christy Moore, followed by a change of pace with comedian Dara Ó Briain. It's shaping up to be a summer to sing about in Cork. Wilson would approve. Here's to the next 20.
Sunday World
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Picture This frontman can't wait to see Oasis live as the Irish band hit the road
Back with a new EP and set to tour Ireland, Picture This star Ryan Hennessy is also bracing himself for the Oasis live experience. He was too young to see his idols the first time around, so Picture This star Ryan Hennessy is bracing himself for the experience of his life when Oasis come to town in August. Back with a new EP and set to tour Ireland, the Picture This frontman tells Magazine+ that he understands his own band's appeal to fans because he's a 'superfan' himself. 'For us it's always just naturally been about the fans, I think because we're such big fans of music ourselves,' Ryan says. 'I love being a fan of things, I'm a huge Man United fan, I'm a huge Oasis fan, I'm super passionate about Leonard Cohen… people like that get me so excited.' Ryan, Jimmy, Owen and Cliff are releasing a new EP News in 90 Seconds - 6th June 2025 'I'm a super fan and I don't find it embarrassing. 'I'm sorted for a ticket for Oasis in Croke Park and it will be a huge moment for me because I've never seen them live. I was just too young to catch them and they mean everything to me and have meant everything to me since I can remember, and have informed so much of my life. 'It's going to be a crazy moment for me to see them on stage. I don't know how I'm going to feel, actually, seeing them. I've seen Liam and Noel separately playing their solo stuff and that alone is just so amazing to see. But the two of them standing on stage together is going to be an incredible moment.' Picture This lead singer Ryan Hennessy on stage at Belsonic I've been interviewing Picture This since the start of their career and have seen them navigate the often shark-infested waters of the music business… and live to tell the tale. Nearly 10 years down the line, frontman Hennessy, Jimmy Rainsford (drums), Owen Cardiff (guitar) and Cliff Dean (bass) are enjoying the self-assurance that comes with experience. 'We're leading an extraordinary life, but we're ordinary people and I used to be afraid of saying that. I think it was maybe an ego thing,' Ryan says. 'I didn't want people to think I was ordinary. I wanted people to think I was extraordinary, but the older I get and the more mature I get I realise that I'm just as ordinary as anybody else. 'I'm just very lucky that I lead an extraordinary life and very, very grateful that that's the case. But I like being grounded and on earth with the boys and not being away with the fairies.' Rainsford acknowledges how their wealth of experience has shaped the band. 'It's true that we're very experienced now, we know what we're doing, we have great trust in our team and our fans and we've never been happier creating music than we are today,' Jimmy says. Picture This 'We're always trying to up the stakes a little bit because that's what the fans expect. That's what I would expect from my favourite band anyway. 'I want to be challenged as a fan. I want to be told what to listen to and like and I want to be inspired.' Picture This have weathered many a storm throughout their career. 'Oh we have!' Jimmy says. 'We've had some big storms, the biggest one being the coronavirus. It was just a terrible time and our career was hanging in the balance. 'But in a way I feel kind of thankful for that happening because it really made us stop and realise what we have and how lucky we are. I probably subconsciously still think about that. 'To weather those storms and come back stronger was really important because this is all we do. We don't have any other hobbies.' Picture This will play all over Ireland this summer, coming to a town and city near you. 'It's that old-school approach,' Ryan says. 'We're from Kildare so we know how it feels to forgotten about or overlooked or passed through while people are on the way to Dublin. 'So instead of people travelling to see us, we're coming to see them in their home area.' Releasing today, their new EP, Let The Light In, which includes Let's Try Love and A Thousand Times, is a set of stripped down songs with their unique storytelling. 'It was just the four of us hanging out and playing songs together and they just ended up coming out in that more acoustic stripped style,' Jimmy reveals. 'There are no bells and whistles… just pure storytelling and pure heart and pure craic between four friends.' THE LOWDOWN: Picture This released their new EP, Let The Light In on Friday. For tour dates go to
Dublin Live
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Picture This say Kneecap make them 'proud to be Irish'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Picture This said rappers Kneecap makes them 'proud to be Irish' for 'standing up to worthy causes'. The controversial Belfast group hit headlines last week after it was revealed they are being investigated by counter-terrorism police in the UK following a video allegedly showing them calling for the deaths of Tory MPs. They also received backlash after Coachella festival in California where they described Israel's onslaught in Gaza as a US-funded genocide. As a result, group members have been called anti-Semitic and 'terrorist sympathisers' of Hamas and Hezbollah and have had a series of summer festivals and show appearances cancelled in Europe and America. But defending Kneecap, Picture This drummer Jimmy Rainsford said artists have every right to express themselves. He said: 'Yes. That's the whole point about being an artist. It's expressionism. You should be allowed to express whatever you feel and whatever opinion you have, people should be allowed to say whatever they want. 'That is what makes art so great. It might not be appreciated in the moment but it's art. We're just artists. We're not running the country, but we're allowed to say what we want to say. 'I love that about art and even when you look at history over the last 100 years and the amazing art that has come up from terrible situations or incredible situations, there's always amazing people there that have expressionism. 'That's what being an artist is all about and I love the fact that we can do that for a living. We can be expressionist in a way, and we can translate the world and put it into an art form.' Frontman Ryan Hennessy praised Kneecap for 'standing up to worthy causes'. He said: 'I think it really depends on the person. I think you can go a few ways about it. I think what Kneecap are doing is amazing. 'I've been a fan of them for a long time. They're great people. They use their voice exactly how they should and given their background and where they come from and their upbringing, I think it makes so much sense, and it's inspiring and amazing to see them use their voice. 'But some artists are more politically leaning and more politically forward. 'I think for us, we've always been about spreading love, really, our songs are love songs. 'So that's kind of our way with our band is kind of bringing people into our inner world. And that's because that's what we know, that's what I know about. But I think it's amazing for artists to use their voices. I think Irish artists particularly have been amazing, especially over the last couple of years at standing up for amazing and worthy causes. 'So it makes you proud to be Irish when you see people standing up for worthy causes like that.' Picture This was speaking ahead of Virgin Media new series The Secret Headliner, which kicks off on Sunday. In each episode, one of Ireland's biggest acts will offer an up-and-coming artist – a chance to share the stage as their support Act. Picture This will be the first act to perform on the TV series as they return to their roots to play a secret gig in a small venue that was central to their journey to success, they have the chance to 'give back' by offering support and mentorship to an emerging act who dares to dream. The Secret Headliner selects the venue, a small space that was central to their journey to stardom. It might be the venue where a particular gig led to their record deal, or where they had their first ticketed show – where only 50 people turned up … and half of them were family and friends. The identity of the established artist remains a secret to the attending audience until they walk on stage at the Secret Headliner gig. The Secret Headliners include Picture This, Cian Ducrot and Belters Only, with the support acts Simple Things from Kerry, Paddy Keyes from Sligo, and Groveline from Leitrim. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
Irish Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Picture This defends Kneecap saying band makes them 'proud to be Irish'
Picture This has defended Irish rappers Kneecap – saying the controversial Belfast band makes them 'proud to be Irish' for 'standing up to worthy causes'. Kneecap hit headlines last week after it was revealed the trio are being investigated by counter-terrorism police in the UK following a video allegedly showing them calling for the deaths of British Tory MPs. They also received backlash from their performance at the Coachella music festival in California last month during which they described Israel's military action in Gaza as a US-funded genocide. As a result, group members have been called anti-Semitic and 'terrorist sympathisers' of Hamas and Hezbollah and have had a series of summer festivals and show appearances cancelled in Europe and America. But defending Kneecap, Picture This drummer Jimmy Rainsford said artists have every right to express themselves. He said: 'Yes. That's the whole point about being an artist. It's expressionism. You should be allowed to express whatever you feel and whatever opinion you have, people should be allowed to say whatever they want. 'At the end of the day, that is what makes art so great. It might not be appreciated in the moment but it's art. We're just artists. We're not running the country, but we're allowed to say what we want to say. I love that about art and even when you look at history over the last 100 years and the amazing art that has come up from terrible situations or incredible situations, there's always amazing people there that have expressionism. 'That's what being an artist is all about and I love the fact that we can do that for a living. We can be expressionist in a way, and we can translate the world and put it into an art form.' Frontman Ryan Hennessy praised Kneecap for 'standing up to worthy causes'. Ryan said: 'I think it really depends on the person. I think you can go a few ways about it. I think what Kneecap are doing is amazing. 'I've been a fan of them for a long time by noting them. They're great people. They use their voice exactly how they should and given their background and where they come from and their upbringing, I think it makes so much sense, and it's inspiring and amazing to see them use their voice. 'But I think from artist to artist, some artists are more politically leaning and more politically forward. I think for us, we've always been about spreading love, really, our songs are love songs. It's all I can write about. I've tried to write about other things. I can't. All I can write about is relationships and messing up relationships and friendships and all of those things. 'So that's kind of our way with our band is kind of bringing people into our inner world. And that's because that's what we know, that's what I know about. So I would feel ill informed on most things to talk about most things. So I tend not to personally. 'But I think it's amazing for artists to use their voices, and I think Irish artists particularly have been amazing, especially over the last couple of years at standing up for amazing and worthy causes. So it makes you proud to be Irish when you see people standing up for worthy causes like that.' Picture This was speaking ahead of Virgin Media Television's new three-part entertainment series, 'The Secret Headliner', which kicks off on Sunday, May 11 on Virgin Media One. In each episode, one of Ireland's biggest musical acts will offer the opportunity of a lifetime to an up-and-coming artist – a chance to share the stage as their Support Act. Picture This will be the first act to perform on the TV series as they return to their roots to play a secret gig in a small venue that was central to their journey to success, they have the chance to 'give back' by offering support and mentorship to an emerging act who dares to dream. The Secret Headliner selects the venue, a small space that was central to their journey to stardom – it might be the venue where a particular gig led to their record deal, or where they had their first ticketed show – where only 50 people turned up … and half of them were family and friends. The identity of the established artist remains a secret to the attending audience until they walk on stage at the Secret Headliner gig. The Secret Headliners include Picture This, Cian Ducrot and Belters Only, with the Support Acts being: Simple Things from Kerry, Paddy Keyes from Sligo, and Groveline from Leitrim. Picture This feature in the first episode of the brand-new music series, The Secret Headliner, airing this Sunday at 8pm on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.
