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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Mayo native Kate Heneghan (left) pictured at the gala concert in Dubai celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
MAYO musician Kate Heneghan has described performing with traditional Irish music legend Frankie Gavin as an ‘incredibly special’ moment.
The former Mayo Rose of Tralee performed with the legendary fiddler at a gala concert in Dubai celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The ceremony took place at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai and was attended by prominent government officials, diplomats, and business leaders.
“It was super important for me that I got to perform at this event because it symbolised a very strong and ongoing bond between the UAE and Ireland,” Ms Heneghan told The Mayo News.
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“There are so many Irish expats living over here, there is such a strong Irish community that that relationship is very important. The harp is, of course, the national symbol of Ireland, and we are the only country worldwide that has it as our national symbol. That cultural representation was really important to me as well.
“Getting the chance to share our wonderful music and our wonderful music over here in Dubai and play the harp as the national symbol of Ireland was a really proud moment for me and very special.”
The Castlebar woman began her performance with a solo set before being joined by her partner, Seán Gavin, for a number of songs, including Caledonia, Grace, and Black Is the Colour.
They were joined at the end of the set by Frankie Gavin and Dé Dannan, a traditional Irish music group formed by Mr Gavin in 1975.
Ms Heneghan said it was ‘incredibly special’ to perform with Mr Gavin.
“I’ve been listening to Frankie Gavin and Dé Dannan my entire life. My parents would have listened to his music before I was even here,” she said.
“He’s actually my partner Shaun’s godfather and uncle, so it was particularly special on the night to share that family connection with them both. It was a really, really great night, and I was delighted to be involved with it.”
They concluded their set by singing ‘My Lovely Rose of Clare’, which they dedicated to the Ambassador of Ireland to UAE, Alison Milton.
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