The head of Warner International Music and the man responsible for signing The Darkness, Korda Marshall, described Dessie O’Halloran as “One of the few remaining unique Irish singers...a national treasure”
Dessie O’Halloran was born on the Island of Inishbofin off the Galway coast but worked for many years in England as a tradesman. Having always played fiddle and sung in a very unique style, Dessie returned to Inishbofin during the 90s. He was discovered by Sharon Shannon during a visit to Inishbofin and she included Dessie on her triple platinum album The Diamond Mountain Sessions, where he sat very well alongside the other guests such as John Prine, Steve Earle and Jackson Browne.
Dessie subsequently released his debit solo album in 2001 entitled The Pound Road after his address on Inishbofin, it has now reached platinum status.
During 2005 Dessie was back on the airwaves as part of the team that brought us Courtin’ in the Kitchen, Sharon Shannon assembled Mundy, Damien Dempsey and Dessie O’Halloran to make the single as part of a Ray Darcy special which came from Sharon’s kitchen.
This line up as well as singer/songwriter Roesy, dUnbelievable Jon Kenny and a who’s who of Irish musicians including Richie Buckley and Gerry O’Connor joined Sharon on a sellout tour of Ireland in April 06.
Dessie will be appearing at Dolans Warehouse, Limerick on July 23rd & 24th and The TF Royal Theatre on August 4th ....along with Sharon Shannon’s big band, Mundy, Jon Kenny and Roesy
To celebrate the re-release of his album 'The Pound Road' and to acknowledge Platinum Album Sales in Ireland, Dessie will be presented with a platinum disc presentation for sales of The Pound Road by Minister for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamonn O’Cuiv. Presentation will take place on July 10th at Days Hotel, Inishbofin House Hotel & Marine Spa, Inishbofin Island (www.dayshotel.ie).
The album with bonus tracks and new mixes and featuring Mundy and Damian Dempsey and to coincide with the appearance at Oxegen, Dessie has a new single “Come Down From The Mountain Katie Daly” released July 2006.
Oxegen finished
on a blast when Jerry Fish, Mairead Farrell from the Ray D'Arcy Show and
Edward O'Rourke (Declan O'Rourke's brother) joining Dessie on the main
stage for the Sharon Shannon big band performance doing backing vocals.
