THE DUNBRODY music sessions provided the perfect platform for a rare live performance of New Ross town’s most successful music last weekend.

Barrowside, who released a number of critically acclaimed albums, is one of Co. Wexford’s most prolific recording groups ever and their appearance at the Dunbrody created a buzz of excitement on Friday night.

The Dunbrody ship provided an exquisite backdrop as the group enthralled its audience with a set packed with old favourites and some new tunes.

In addition to their five albums the band also released a large number of singles and many of those were included in the set at the weekend. The come-back concert also coincided with the fact the band has begun recording again. They will be releasing a new single in September – for which a video is also being filmed.

The group always prided itself on being from New Ross and the members, who are well known around the town, include Bob Van Son, Ollie Grace, Jack Stacey, Yvonne Breathnach, and Sean Reidy.

The haunting vocals and exquisite harmonies which led to Barrowside getting signed to Round Tower Records in the early 1990s were very evident on Friday night. The prolific song-writing of Bob Van Son was also very much to the fore.

Commenting about their reformation and forthcoming recordings lead female vocalist, Yvonne Breathnach, commented to the New Ross Echo: “We have never lost our enthusiasm for performing together. The old magic and buzz is still there.”