Acclaimed Irish singer/songwriter Declan O’Rourke received a warm welcome amid the atmospheric surroundings of St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal on Saturday, February 27. where he gave an outstanding performance to the appreciative crowd. This event attracted the largest audience so far in ongoing series of concerts in the ancient church, promoted by Bobby Lee from Sacred Roots productions. Photo Michael Hussey Youghalonline.com

Declan O’Rourke is a gold record singer/songwriter from Ballyfermot Dublin.He embarked on a major nationwide tour in March.
At the age of 13, when living in Australia with his family, O’Rourke was given his first guitar by a priest in Kyabram who recognised his potential and love for music; Hence the title of his debut album “Since Kyabram”, which was released in October 2004.

Having launched his career in 2000, O’Rourke gradually made a name for himself as an extraordinary writer and performer, building up a solid fan base around the country.

However, the release of his 2004 debut album ‘Since Kyabram’, which went straight in at number five in the album charts, earned him widespread acclaim among critics and the record buying public.

The album also resulted in him gaining a number of high profile fans including Paul Weller, who when asked which song from the past 20years he most wished he had written replied Galileo one of the standout tracks from the Since Kyabram album.

His songs have also been recorded by Brian Kennedy, Maura O’Connell and Eddie Reader among others.

His second album, Big Bad World released in 2007, was also well received by the record buying public reaching number four in the charts.

O’Rourke, who is currently recording his third studio album, has toured extensively across England and mainland Europe supporting the likes of Paul Weller, The Cardigans, Paulo Nuttini, Paul Brady and The Beautiful South.

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