Reflecting on 25 Years of Musical Journey: My First Night on the Road

Hard to believe that this day (27th Oct 2000) 25 years ago I was excitedly preparing for my very first night on the road in Ireland with my new band under the management of Henry McMahon.

A few weeks earlier, I had returned back home to Irvinestown from my years living in London and moved back in with my beloved “Ma” Delia (RIP).

The band and I had rehearsed in Mahon's Hotel (a big thanks to Joe Mahon for the complimentary hire!) and we were ready to launch!

We set off that Friday afternoon in the red van heading for Bourkes Of Irishtown, Co Mayo for our very first gig, a great night and thankfully we had a good crowd. On Saturday we played The Shamrock Inn, Kilross, Co Tipperary and finished our first weekend at The Castle-A-Han, Enniskeane, Co Cork on the Sunday.

It honestly feels like it was only yesterday, but somehow 25 years have flown by. They say time flies when you’re having fun and that’s definitely true!

It certainly has been a great journey full of highs, lows, trials and tribulations but I wouldn’t change a thing.

And of course the journey isn’t over yet! Fhiona and I are still going strong and looking forward to whatever the future brings.

Massive thanks to everyone who’s been part of the journey — Henry, Esther, Karen & Fiona in the office, all the promoters, venues, band members, roadies, drivers, songwriters, DJs, radio stations, Country TV shows, journalists, my Fan Club secretary Helena, hotels and B&Bs, family, friends, and of course, every single person who’s come to a gig or supported us along the way.

I’ve uploaded a few pics from the early days — if you’ve got any memories or photos from back then, please email them to thomasandfhiona@gmail.com . Would love to see them