We are so thankful for everyone who voted for us at the awards ceremony

10 April 2024

CO Down’s most popular country duo have won a prestigious award at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards.

Loughinisland man Gerard Dornan and Banbridge’s Stevie Kirk – otherwise known as Country Harmony – were named Best Backing Band after receiving 80% of a public vote.

The awards ceremony took place recently at the Armagh City Hotel, but the pair weren’t able to be there because they were performing elsewhere.

“We found out the day after the ceremony that we had won – we were absolutely delighted,” Gerard said.

“Any recognition for your music is very flattering, but the fact it was voted by the public is a real honour.

“We were nominated alongside several talented artists, so to come out the winner was brilliant.”

Formed by Gerard just weeks after his wedding, Country Harmony celebrated its 25th anniversary last August.

Gerard grew up with country music, with his father, Eddie, being a popular Co Down country performer.

“I performed with my father since I was 12 years old,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to finish school on a Friday so I could go out at the weekend and perform with my dad – I was really shy to begin with and would hide behind sound systems but I gradually gained confidence.

“Music became my career when I turned 18 and it has been such a rewarding experience.”

It’s as career which has allowed him to work with some of his heroes he listened to growing up.

Currently he is recording an album with Susan McCann and is in the middle of a tour with her.

Three years ago, Gerard penned a song ‘Your Health is Your Wealth’, which was recorded by Tyrone singer Andrew McMurdie in aid of the Chest Heart and Stroke charity.

Since then, the song has been covered by esteemed country musicians such as Daniel O’Donnell and Mike Denver, who has collaborated with Country Harmony in the past.

“I grew up listening to artists like Hugh Duncan, Gene Watson, Mo Bandy, Billie Jo Spears, Lynne Anderson and George Jones, and have been fortunate to work with most of them,” Gerard continued.

“Music gives you so many opportunities and I have been incredibly lucky. It’s always been my hobby, but it’s

brilliant that I have made a career out of it.”

Country Harmony have performed all over Ireland and featured on albums with Nathan Carter.

Gerard says he writes songs all the time and records them at his studio beside his home in Loughinisland.

“When the pandemic happened, it was really hard to adapt,” he said. “Everyone in music found it difficult, but I was lucky to have my own

studio were I could go in and record some songs and other ideas for songs.

“Some of the songs I wrote during Covid have been covered by other artists, but it would be nice to release my own album of the songs I’d written during that period. There are so many projects in the pipeline.”

Country Harmony are set to release a new album at the end of this year.

“Stevie and I are really enjoying our music,” Gerard added.

“We are so thankful for everyone who took the time to vote for us at the awards ceremony – it is deeply appreciated.”

For more information about Country Harmony visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Countryharmonyband.

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