Country stars to line out for Kilbride in Longford Arms

The charismatic Longford man is arguably one of country music’s longest and most assiduous servants having spanned a career both on stage and in the management side of the industry for over four decades.

Having left school in his early teens, Kilbride first cut his entrepreneurial teeth working with Pat the Baker before the lure of Ireland’s rapidly emerging showband industry came calling.

The north Longford man’s first foray into the industry saw him enjoy a successful spell with local group ‘Go Lucky’ before he later joined The Virginian’s Showband.

It was, however, during a tour of the UK where he would meet his lifelong friend and businessman Mattie Lennon who would later go on with Kilbride to open Edgeworthstown’s Park House Hotel.

The popular midlands venue would soon become a mecca for some of Ireland’s leading country bands and artists.

Kilbride’s ability to draw some of the biggest names to a small provincial town like Edgeworthstown would also see him play a key part in the shaping of RTE flagship show, Country Irish.

A presenter with Shannonside Radio for over three decades, an undertaker for almost four decades, a postmaster for 22 years and a county councillor for 15 years, there isn’t much this affable Longford man hasn’t taken on and mastered.

A proud campaigner in raising thousands of euro for various charities during that time, arguably his biggest challenge arrived only two years ago when he was diagnosed with cancer.

It was a battle he took on and overcame in true Kilbride style, a virtue which more than lived up to his well known moniker of ‘The Comeback Kid’.

To mark those achievements and outstanding contribution to the industry, an aptly dubbed ‘Celebration Night’ will take centre stage in the Longford Arms Hotel tomorrow night.

Among the leading acts lined up to appear are Jimmy Buckley, Philomena Begley, Foster and Allen, Brendan Shine, Trudi Lalor and many more. There will also be special appearances on the night from former Irish soccer greats Pat Jennings and Niall Quinn.

Tickets are priced at €20 at the Longford Arms Hotel or alternatively attendees can pay at the door on the night itself.