Longford icon, Declan Nerney, calls Marquee in Drumlish a 'blossoming' event

The Marquee in Drumlish wouldn’t be the same without the immensely popular Declan Nerney night, which traditionally brings the festival to a close.

Taking place on Monday, August 18, the night always features a myriad of recognisable songs, new faces and plenty of joy.
“It’s always a great buzz to come back to the Marquee in Drumlish,” said Declan Nerney. “It’s gone from strength to strength. Every year is more powerful. It is one of the top ten events in Ireland at the moment in its nature.”

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The line-up for this year’s Nerney night includes The Highstool Prophets, Ruaile Buaile, Una Healy, Jack Keogh and the Declan Nerney Orchestra.

“It’s changed a little to a folkier style now. You have to be involved with the prevalent scene in the music terms. Those bands are creating a great euphoria for the younger audience. I always give a new artist a platform. The one this year is called Jack Keogh. He’s the new kid on the block we’re putting on there.”

As the 2025 Marquee in Drumlish promises to be a memorable spectacle, Declan took a moment to reminisce about the past Marquees that have been a highlight.

“The years that we brought back Big Tom and Ray Lynam. There were an awful lot of people who saw Big Tom. It was a brilliant night and people tell me that it was the best entertainment and most exciting night when he came back to Drumlish.”

However, the night is not just about the headlining artists. This year, the musicians get the opportunity to showcase their talents with their own setlist.

Declan explained what the musicians would be doing. “It is our band plus extra musicians who will come in on the night. It’s deemed as an orchestra. There are my old and popular songs over the years like ‘Stop the World and Let Me Off’, ‘Hooley in the Sun’ – all those great songs that have been synonymous with Declan Nerney over the years. That’s what people want to hear over the years. The repertoire will be that.”

Declan explained how the ‘Marquee in Drumlish’ song was created alongside Henry McMahon to look through the eyes of a young person who happens to be cycling by. It has since become synonymous with the Marquee in Drumlish.

Declan is delighted to see the music scene flourishing once again. “It took a bit of a turn during the lockdown. Hopefully, it will continue to blossom. It is going well again. It’s flourishing.

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“New, young acts are performing and making a livelihood for themselves by playing music. It’s important to enjoy what you’re doing. To get on stage and play your songs, to see people sing them is very satisfying. That’s what I’d love to see, live music becoming popular and more young acts being involved.”