PHOTOS: Laois singer back home after successful first US tour

A Laois folk singer has just completed her first USA tour, finding new fans and forging Laois connections on her travels.

Emer Dunne from Mountmellick has returned home after completing her first US Tour across the East Coast of the United States.

She describes it as a milestone that was “a long time in the making and only possible with great support from home.”

Emer and her band performed concerts across four US States; Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania, visiting a series of Irish Cultural and Heritage Centers and Venues.

The tour was warmly received by both audience and venue organisers, marking an important step in her career.

“Performing in the States has been a goal of mine and a dream since I was a child,” Emer told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Emer Dunne with musicians Shane Meehan and Eamonn Moran.

She said that it takes a huge amount of groundwork and progress at home to reach a point where someone can apply for an artist’s working visa for the US and Emer is very grateful for everyone who has helped so far.

“To the audiences who have come out to support my shows, to buy and stream my music, to all the venues who have hosted my band and I, the press and media and to all here in Laois, where it all started,” she said.

Emer credits several local organisations for supporting her journey to the US, including Mountmellick Credit Union, Laois Arts and Creative Ireland Laois, along with assistance from Culture Ireland, which also helps Irish artists with travel costs to
share their work internationally.

Emer with Fran and Mike Dunphy from Ballinakill and Seamus and Josephine Foynes from Clonaslee.

One of the highlights of the trip was the number of Laois connections she encountered during her time in the States.

“People from my own hometown of Mountmellick and various parts of Laois came out to see us in Massachusetts, New York and in Pennsylvania. I feel I now have new friends there. Meeting people and having that support along the way and moments like that mean more than people realise.” Emer said.

In New York State, members of the Laois Association of New York came out to see Emer’s show, people who have been
living in the US for many years.

Emer with Michael and Sylvia Dooley from Mountmellick. 

“It was incredible to meet people with Laois roots who made the effort to come hear us and support us. I also met people from many other counties too, and you really feel the strength of the Irish community abroad. You can sense how people want to stay connected to home and to the Irish folk music even when living in the states for over twenty years or more.

“From a musical perspective – there were people of all ages emotional during some of the great Irish ballads and then they were up dancing, clapping and singing along for the up-tempo numbers – as an artist this is exactly the reaction you dream of receiving.”

Emer Dunne with Mary Dowling originally from Mountmellick, and with author Tom Phelan also originally from the town.

The tour has given Emer new energy and inspiration, helped her achieve one of her life goals, and she thanks her local
community and county for getting behind her.

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“It was an amazing experience, and I’m proud to have represented Laois abroad. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who supported me — both at home and across the Atlantic.”

Find out more about Emer Dunne on her website.