Welcome

"Sonny Condell & Leo O'Kelly continue to defy real time!"

(Kevin Courtney - Irish Times)

"Startlingly original lines in songwriting and arrangements"
(Siobhan Long - Irish Times).

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Tír na nÓg, the duo formed by Leo O'Kelly & Sonny Condell in Dublin in early 1970, caused somewhat of a sensation, both on the folk and rock scenes, almost as soon as they stepped off the boat train from Ireland. Within two weeks they had signed a deal with Chrysalis Records and, by the summer, they had established themselves in the London clubs, with their impromptu appearances and beautiful original songs, typically featuring intricate acoustic guitar playing and close harmony singing.
They immediately started touring Britain and Europe with Jethro Tull and Procol Harum before releasing their first album, entitled simply, Tír na nÓg. The album was Melody Maker album of the month. They gathered followers of every musical persuasion from their appearances with bands as disparate as Hawkwind, The Who, Fairport Convention and Roxy Music, while at the same time headlining their own college and club gigs.
Their music, which is often described as progressive folk, was championed by John Peel, resulting in many Peel sessions in the early 70s. Two further studio albums, A Tear and a Smile and Strong in the Sun followed on through to 1974, after which they returned to Ireland to go their separate ways.
In 1985 they got back together again, whilst still pursuing their individual musical careers. Some UK appearances occurred up to 1995 but it wasn’t until 2010 that they revisited these shores, launching a series of highly successful, intensive short tours. The audiences throughout 2010 and 2011 were thrilled to see them back. Tír na nÓg will be back on the road again for many more 2012 performances.

Photo courtesy of Stuart Smyth -
taken 17/12/11