Sharon Shannon plays The Thatch

Fresh from receiving her 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at this year"s Meteor Ireland Music Awards, Sharon Shannon will play The Thatch on Friday April 3 as part of her current Irish and UK tour. Sharon received the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Irish Music Industry over the past 23 years and was the youngest recipient so far. A prolific composer, Sharon is currently writing an album of traditional tunes for full Concert Orchestra arrangement. She is also working on a new album with guest singers to be released in the Autumn of 2009. The genre-defying star has had multi-platinum album sales and has had several number one albums, singles and DVDs in her home country. Her recent success is a collaboration with Mundy on the Steve Earle penned hit The Galway Girl has been in the top five in the Irish charts for over three months and won Ireland"s number one download single at the Meteor Awards in 2008. And of course, the fans will be expecting to hear a version of the legendary song next week in Rahan. Tickets cost €26.50 and are available from Heartbeat City, Bridge Centre Tullamore and www.tickets.ie