Offaly band's ‘surreal’ launch of their first original song

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Offaly band Rise And Shine have launched their first single 'All My Friends Are Gone' to much support from locals.

The band consists of brothers Eoin and Ross Egan from Shannonbridge, and their friend Shane Daly from Cloghan, with Ross on the cajon, Shane on the fiddle, and Eoin on guitar.

The triple act have become fan favourites across Offaly, and even opted to give locals a sneak preview of their single in Kelly's Bar in Birr ahead of its release on October 1.

“It's been crazy. People have been so good – and we didn't think it would actually go so well,” said Eoin.

“I work in Portlaoise College and all the kids are singing the song, and people are sharing it to their stories.”

Rise And Shine Band have been together since 2016, however they recently lost their original member Donal Mahon as he moved across the world to Australia.

The message behind the band's first original single is one we all know only too well.

“We all know someone who had emigrated, or someone who is planning to leave soon,” Ross said.

Eoin added: “It's just so topical. I know so many people who have left. All the young people are gone from Birr. It's also about the people left behind, wondering if they should go.”

The band took a quick trip overseas themselves earlier this year, flying out to the US to play a number of New York bars for St Patrick's Day.

They were invited to Sonny's Canal House in New York by the Moore family after meeting in Clarke's Bar in Mullingar.

“It was phenomenal,” Eoin said. “It was an eye opener. The reaction was unbelievable – people were really kind and generous with their compliments.”

Eoin, Ross, and Shane couldn't be more grateful for the support they've received from their community, extending their thanks to all of their supporters.

When asked if they have plans for any more music in the near future, the band said they definitely plan to make a start.

“After seeing the response – I'd say we better write a new song this evening!” Ross said.

Eoin added: “It's a different avenue for us, and so far so good. We got played on the radio on Thursday night (October 3). It was surreal.”