Castlewellan singer becomes online sensation

Castlewellan singer becomes online sensation

1 April 2020

A CASTLEWELLAN grandfather has penned a song in praise of the selfless effort made by NHS workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Terry Cowan has become a Facebook sensation during the lockdown with his performances of popular Irish songs.

The traditional musician and singer wrote the song, Our Team’s That’s Dressed in Blue, with one of his daughters very much in mind as she’s a nurse.

So far the ballad has racked up more than 2,000 views on social media.

Terry’s Facebook fame began when he performed several songs on St Patrick’s Day – and it’s been growing ever since.

The 64-year-old businessman says there’s a growing demand for emigration songs from people who are apart from their sons and daughters.

Terry, who runs Financial Directions and Property Directions in his home town, said his new found fame came about due to feeling bored on St Patrick’s Day when he was self-isolating at home with his wife Patricia.

“This has blown out of all proportion, to be honest, I did not understand the power of social media,” said Terry.

“I was bored out of my brains on St Patrick’s Day and my wife, Patricia, suggested that I record a couple of songs on Facebook and that’s what I did. I chose Three Leafed Shamrock and If We Only Had Old Ireland Over Here because they mentioned shamrocks and I got 20,000 views in 24 hours. I’ve got comments from America, Netherlands, Europe, Australia.

“Normally our St Patrick’s Day consists of going to mass in Castlewellan, then heading to the Lodge and entertaining the community until lunchtime where everybody comes in for a bit of craic. Then we take the grandkids around various venues where they all play and then it’s back home at about 9pm.

Terry is the father of three daughters, the eldest being Slieve Croob councillor Roisin Howell, whose son Ruáirí is currently the youngest ever over-18 All-Ireland Uilleann piper. His other two daughters are Cara and Aine.

The love of traditional Irish music runs deep in Terry’s family with eight of his 12 grandchildren all musicians.

“I have been in self-isolation since my daughter Cara, who’s a nurse, advised me to stay in as I have type 2 diabetes,” explained Terry.

He continued with his Saturday night singalong for Mother’s Day recently when he played such favourites as A Mothers Love’s A Blessing, Home and The Town I love So Well.

Terry says that he will continue to perform every Saturday until the COVID-19 shutdown is lifted. He plans to perform songs with an emigration flavour such as Song For Ireland, My Father’s House, Boston Rose and a medley of Rambles of Spring/The Old Dungarvan Oak.

“The songs are touching a chord with people who are far away from family at home so I’m getting a lot of requests, nearly too many to do all of them. I have people who are telling me that they are in tears at forwarding on a song to their son or daughter who’s elsewhere,” added Terry.

“I’m getting 300-400 comments a time, I feel humbled. A lot of people are thanking me for lifting their spirits and taking their minds of the situation now. The reason I’m keeping it going is for the health and wellbeing of the people in the community. The response I’ve got from people in Downpatrick has been amazing.

“Sadly, I’m very conscious that I hope that the people who are listening to me now will still be listening to me in six months’ time.”

Like many other people who are in self-isolation now, Terry is thinking of better days ahead.

“Wouldn’t it be great to go on to a football field and host a massive concert after this is all over to say thank you to all those NHS and key workers who are looking after us all,” he said.

“We don’t know how long this is going to last, so in the meantime I’m going try and continue to sing an odd old song. If it helps people, so be it.”

Terry’s performances can be viewed via his Facebook page.