Kilbeggan-based singer releases new single ahead of Moate concert

Kilbeggan-based singer/songwriter Larissa Tormey will release a new single called 'Song for Ireland' later this month.

Larissa will kick-off the year with her version of 'Song for Ireland', set to be available on all platforms from January 27th. The single will be a perfect taste of what's in store for fans when Larissa takes to the stage in Moate next month for her rescheduled 'In the Glow of a Winter's Eve' concert.

Speaking about Song For Ireland, Larissa explained that this song had been on her mind for quite some time saying:

"I was thinking for a while about recording the song as appreciation to my adoptive country Ireland where I have lived for the last 21 years and where I am very happy. I was thinking of writing a song myself and I probably will do it in the future, but the opportunity presented itself when Dublin International Women's club celebrated its 40th Anniversary. I was invited to sing at the gala dinner and they asked me to sing a cover of Song For Ireland originally recorded by Dubliner Luke Kelly."

She continued: "It wasn't the easiest song to learn but while doing it I completely fell in love with the melody and deep meaning behind the lyrics. Singing this song at the event was a big success and I decided to record it professionally with my producer Kevin Whyms."

Fans can look forward to hearing Larissa perform her new single in person in Moate next month.

Larissa explained: "We had originally planned this concert for December, and I was so excited about welcoming James and Rachel to share the night with me. But as a lot of people contacted me to wish me well for the show, many also explained that they were just a little bit nervous about going to any events at that time of the year, it being winter and with Christmas just ahead. People, and of course I could understand why, were anxious not to get sick and maybe miss being able to enjoy the holiday season with their families. So I decided to change the date to February. Hopefully this will allow more people the opportunity to join us on February 3rd."

Larissa, who launched her brand new eponymously titled album with a sold-out show at Bewley's Cafe Theatre in Dublin last September, also released a new Christmas single called 'In The Glow Of A Winter's Eve' co-written with songwriter and poet Anthony Sullivan last December, even joining the legendary Charlie McGettigan on his Saturday Connection show on Shannonside FM to perform the song live.

"We didn't want to write a song that would really put Christmas in your face", said Larissa ahead of that release,. "Instead, we wanted to create something that would evoke all the best feelings of that time of year. We wanted to write something that would make people 'feel' Christmas, rather than just know it's Christmas because we keep saying it in the song or something like that!"

Larissa will also be performing her show 'In the Glow of a Winter's Eve' with special guests James Kilbane and Rachel Good in Tuar Ard Arts Centre in Moate on Friday, February 3 at 8pm. Tickets cost €18 plus a booking fee and can be purchased by calling Tuar Ard Arts Centre's box office on 090 6482042 or can be bought online here

Larissa's new single will be available on all streaming platforms from January 27.