Photos by Ciaran Culligan/Louth County Council
The Corrs returned to their hometown of Dundalk for a day of celebrations yesterday, as they were honoured with a Civic Reception, unveiled a new mural and attended the opening of a special exhibition dedicated to their remarkable musical career.
Hosted by Louth County Council, the Civic Reception at An Táin Arts Centre recognised the outstanding contribution Andrea, Caroline, Jim and Sharon Corr have made to music and the pride they have brought to Dundalk, County Louth and Ireland over more than three decades.
The band, who have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, signed the County Roll of Honour before being presented with a Civic Honour Scroll by Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly. They also received specially commissioned pieces of jewellery created by Garrett Mallon Design House in Carlingford.
The reception included a fireside chat with broadcaster Dave Fanning and concluded with an intimate performance by The Corrs, their first in Dundalk in almost 30 years.
Cllr Kelly said: “This Civic Reception represents the highest honour we can bestow as a local authority, and it is richly deserved.
“The Corrs are not only globally successful artists, but proud Dundalk natives whose story began here in Ard Easmuinn, where their love of music first took shape.
“While The Corrs have gone on to achieve extraordinary international acclaim, they have always remained closely connected to Dundalk and County Louth. This Civic Reception is not only a recognition of their outstanding achievements, but an opportunity for us, as a county, to express how proud we are of all that they have accomplished, and to honour a journey that began right here at home in Dundalk.”
Earlier in the day, the band attended the official unveiling of a striking new mural on the Long Walk, commissioned by Dundalk BIDS Office in partnership with Louth County Council.
Created by internationally renowned South African muralist Mister Copy, the artwork celebrates Dundalk’s most famous musical family and is the latest addition to the town’s growing street art trail.
Speaking at the unveiling, Cllr Kelly said: “This mural is a fantastic celebration of Dundalk talent at its very best. The Corrs have brought our town to audiences all over the world, and it’s only right that we celebrate them here at home. It’s a proud day for Dundalk and a wonderful example of what we can achieve when we invest in our public spaces.”
The celebrations also included the opening of All The Way Home: A Celebration of The Corrs at County Museum Dundalk.
The exhibition showcases personal memorabilia and artefacts from the band’s journey to international success, including the family organ around which the siblings first gathered to sing, Jim Corr’s guitar purchased in Cummiskey’s Music Shop, Caroline’s bodhrán, Sharon’s violin and Andrea’s tin whistle.
Visitors can also view a signed double platinum disc for Talk on Corners and watch screenings of All the Way Home, a documentary charting the band’s rise from Dundalk to global fame.
Speaking at the exhibition launch, Caroline Corr said: “It’s incredibly special to see these moments from our lives brought together here in Dundalk. In addition to our music, this exhibition reflects the people, places, and memories that have shaped us along the way.
“So much of what is here brings us right back to where it all began, to family, to home, and to the encouragement we received from the community around us. To share that with people in Dundalk, in the place it all started, means a great deal to us.”
In a statement issued during the Civic Reception, the band said: “It is with immense gratitude that we accept this civic honour, the highest recognition that Louth County Council and the people of Dundalk and County Louth can bestow. To be recognised in this way, in a place so rich in community spirit and shared history, is something we could never have imagined. It is a moment we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly, the elected members, Chief Executive David Conway and all the Council staff who have worked so hard to make this occasion possible. We are deeply grateful to our family, friends and all those who have supported us over the years, from our earliest days to the present, whose encouragement and belief have
meant more than words can express.”
“This recognition from our hometown is especially poignant. Our parents, Jean and Gerry Corr, who inspired our love of music and instilled in us the values that have guided us, would have been incredibly proud. We dedicate this honour to their memory, and to the people of Dundalk and County Louth, whose warmth and support have always meant so much to us.”
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “It is a privilege for Louth County Council to recognise The Corrs with a Civic Reception. From their beginnings in Dundalk to achieving global success, they have built an extraordinary career defined by musical excellence, creativity and enduring appeal.
“Their musical achievements place them among Ireland’s most successful artists, while their strong sense of identity and connection to home has remained constant throughout. In honouring The Corrs, we celebrate not only their remarkable success, but the pride and inspiration they continue to bring to Dundalk, County Louth and to Ireland.”
The exhibition at County Museum Dundalk runs until June 27 and admission is free, while the new mural is expected to become a popular attraction for fans and visitors alike.
The full Civic Reception ceremony can be viewed on Louth County Council YouTube channel.
