Barry Tierney

Barry Tierney interview 19th July 2010

Although only 21, seasoned entertainer, singer songwriter Barry Tierney, from Kinsale has toured extensively, including Ireland, England, Germany and America over the past number of years, sharing stages with Cork songwriting legends Mick Flannery (Video clip) and John Spillane.

His hit single “Da Rocket Boy”, was the winner of the International Festival 4 Stars competition in London in 2008, because of its success he then decided to recorded it in  Claycastle studio in Youghal under the watchful eyes of Warren Tivy and John Burke with Darren Donohoe on violin, Jason Brown on double bass, Sara-Lou another singer songwriter and recording artist on vocals, Tony Kiely on guitar with John Bourke & Dermot Goodie providing vocal harmonies.

He has won countless songwriting awards despite his young age and has been described as a genius by such songwriters as Robin Gibbs of the Bee Gees.  Barry has written with some of the world’s best songwriters including Alan Glass, a two time Grammy award winner.  To date Barry has released several albums “Losers Lounge”, “Barry Tierney”, “Live from Kinsale” and “Shelter from the Rain”

Speaking on Community Radio Youghal, Barry had the listeners enthralled with his stories. He sang several songs and his voice was solid, strong and very mature. Accompanying himself on guitar and belting out songs you can feel yourself being pulled along on what ever musical journey he takes. His own personal favourites and influences are varied with Christy Moore, Luke Kelly, Shane McGowen, Ronnie Drew, Willie Nelson, and Bob Dylan in that list.

As he says himself a lot of great music was written down through the years in Ireland, it’s a pity to see it getting lost to the new generations. He sees himself as a modern day bard who will carry the traditional songs through for the next generation to come albeit in his own style and unique voice. 

Barry is currently playing and recording with a group of musicians known as the Oh Dears and can be seen regularly playing venues in East Cork. The Oh Dears features drummer Tiz McNamara {of the Anybodies} and Edan Ray on bass guitar and the lead guitarist is none other than Sam Clague, a musical genius and son of Les Clague.

Barry Tierney launched his latest single “Love is sweeter than Wine” this week in his home town of Kinsale. This latest release features Freddie White and Pat Crowley and is causing quite a stir in the music industry. He is currently getting ready for an appearance on TG4 so be sure to look out for him over the next few weeks. His albums and music will be available from his website online at www.barrytierney.com or from shops in the locality.