Local singer looks forward to launch of debut album in 2024

Taughmaconnell chanteuse Ciara Lawless is continuing to make waves on the music scene following the recent launch of her third single 'With Love', a song about the transformative power of love and positivity, and the upcoming launch of her debut album 'Where Am I Supposed To Go With This Love?' next April.

The former Bower student (24) who is also a presenter on Ros FM in Roscommon town, had a very successful run on the Irish summer festival circuit following the release of her first two singles. A recent Hot Press review described Ciara as a promising artist “capable of delving into difficult themes about the human experience, all the while turning them into melodic pieces of beauty”.

What is the build-up to Christmas like for you?

The build-up is usually pretty busy. I am the community radio officer at Rosfm radio, and at this time of the year I will be doing lots of research and preparation for my shows, with a christmas twist. While attending various events with the amazing team at Rosfm, I also help my mom in her flower shop Clare's Flowers in Ballinasloe in my spare time. I love being in there amongst the lovely smells of fresh pine and flowers.

How and where will you spend Christmas this year?

This year I will spend christmas at home. I usually get up fairly late on Christmas Day, go for a walk, and then get to work helping my mom with the Christmas dinner which is always a fun and stressful endeavour, ha ha!

What does the Christmas season mean to you?

Christmas means so much to me. My best friend now lives in Bali - 'Ella Ringrose' - is coming back to Ireland for Christmas so I am very excited to see her. For me, this time of year is all about connecting with the people who light up our lives and bring so much joy.

I'm not into the commercial side of things my favourite elements are the gatherings and sing songs that happen around the fireplaces when visiting friends and family.

Who is your Christmas hero?

My christmas hero is my mom Clare from Clare's Flowers as she works so hard during the busy seasonal periods, like every florist.

What are you thankful for this year?

I am so thankful to be healthy and happy and I wish for my friends and family to be too. I also will be wrapping up the completion of my debut album which I'll be dropping on April 24, which has been a dream of mine for a long time now, so I am super grateful for the fun I had making it.

What's your favourite Christmas memory from times past?

My favourite Christmas memory would have to be waking up Christmas morning in 2007 to the back fields of my house full of snow, and getting the big card board boxes to sit in, trying to create a sleigh effect down the hill. That didn't go as smoothly as we had in mind, but it made for so many laughs and memories.

What's your best loved Christmas tradition?

A new tradition I've started is to go for a boat trip on St Stephen's Day with my friend who has a boat.

Favourite Christmas song or movie?

My favourite song would have to be 'Fairytale of New York'.

How will you ring in the New Year?

Every year it happens differently, and I presume this year will be the same so I have no idea yet.

What's your big hope for 2024?

My hope for 2024 is that it is an abundant year for everyone and that there is an end to all wars and suffering.