Hello Everyone,
Can you believe that we are nearly half way through 2020 already…
I am currently busy promoting my new single and I’m Delighted that my single ‘Looking Forward to the Past’ is at Number 3 on Irish Country Radio Airplay Chart.
Please request it on your local radio station.
It is available to download from any of the major platforms - https://ditto.fm/looking-forward-to-the-past
Thanks a million,
Mary xx
I did an interview with my good friend Hubert Murphy from the Drogheda Independent on my new single and my future plans and projects.
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/mary-looks-forward-to-the-future-and-the-past-39287280.html?fbclid=IwAR0DwxvLkiVyEI-FIpTRM3ZWMnGXOArPT9mhOwspDCfyQblyv_HoSKo04aA
Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much for all of your support for my new single, it really means a lot.
I would love to hear your comments on my single - you can post them on this blog in the comments section or on my social media sites.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/maryduffmusic/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MaryDuff_Singer
You can also subscribe to my Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGvqvMv3BzttE735eeTCIg
Keep an eye out for all my upcoming projects.
Mary xx
Delighted to announce my new single 'I'm Looking Forward To The Past' written by Garth Brooks and Kent Maxson is OUT NOW to download on all major platforms - https://ditto.fm/looking-forward-to-the-past
Hope you all enjoy it and please let me know what you think in the comments, Mary
Hey Everyone
With my new single ‘Looking forward to the Past’ coming out on Sunday June 14th, I thought I would share with you my own thoughts on the song.
Mary. x
Mary Duff Is "LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PAST" With Brand New Single
International recording artist Mary Duff has just released her new single, "Looking Forward To The Past" following her recent announcement that she will no longer tour with Daniel O'Donnell.
Although best known for her collaborations with Daniel O'Donnell, Mary Duff has also carved out her own solo career over the years. She has the distinction of having shared the stage with Garth Brooks during one of his first European Tours ( still the only Irish artist to have done so), as well as having appeared on the prestigious Wembley Country Music Festival. Whilst on downtime from The Daniel O'Donnell Show, she has toured through the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka with her own band, and appeared on some of the biggest European Country Music Festivals, at the same time amassing thousands of You Tube views and radio airplay worldwide.
Mary recently announced that she would not be returning to the Daniel O'Donnell show when he resumes touring, highlighting that that she wanted to spend more time close to family in Ireland and invest more time on her own musical projects. Although the announement came as a surprise to some, it was warly embraced by Mary's many fans who look forward to seeing more of her as a solo artist.
Although Mary would often be regarded as a traditional Country artist, she cites music influences as diverse as Patsy Cline, Etta James, Emmylou Harris and Keith Urban. The new song "Looking Forward To The Past" is a modern country classic which highlights Mary's abilities as a contemporary recording artist comparable to Martina McBride or Trisha Yearwood. Focusing on the themes of rediscovering old dreams, Mary initially released "Looking Forward To The Past" as an album track on her all original 'Changing Lanes' album, but recently found new meaning in the song.
Excited to announce that my new single 'Looking forward to the past' will be released on Sunday 14th June.
I can't wait for you all to hear it.
Mary. x
I am very sorry to announce that due to the current worldwide pandemic situation we have had to postpone the ‘Mary Duff & Friends’ Weekend in Llandudno until 2021.
The new date for the weekend is Friday 2nd to Monday 5th July 2021
All deposits will automatically reserve the weekend in 2021 and the price will be held.
Should anyone wish to discuss any arrangements you can contact Beverley by email bharris99@sky.com or telephone on 07949 202774 after 6pm due to working.
Hello everyone,
I hope you are all keeping safe and well during these strange times of the worldwide pandemic.
I wanted to let you know that I will be singing again this Sunday at the 10.30am Lobinstown Church Mass with Father Gerry and Father Timothy tomorrow morning, 31st May.
You can join the mass online via this link - https://youtu.be/O9lsdGT_of4
You can also subscribe to get notifications of the future mass dates via Youtube, it won’t cost you anything.
Take care, Mary xx
Hello everyone,
I hope you are keeping safe and well during these challenging times….
Here is an update on a few things i did earlier this year before lockdown was in place…..
I was special guest at 'Hooley in The Coach' on Monday 3rd February at the Old Coach Inn, Castleblayner, Co. Monaghan... sharied the stage with Michelle Murphy, Billy Mack, Evan O'Donnell, Maeve Farrell, Malcolm Coulter, Keelan Pritchard, Ciona Kelly, Michael O'Grady, Neil Hobson, Alastair Coyles and Malcolm Fisher. All acts were supported by The Ryan Turner Band. It’s a great venue and so pleased I was asked back and hopefully will see you all again there sometime soon….
On Monday 9th March I was part of a Country Music Night in Memory of the late Martin O’Donoghue in support of Ardee Hospice and Dundalk County Hospital with many other artists and MC Eddie Caffrey from LMFM at Hunterstown Inn, Ardee.
The Pride of Ireland 'St Patrick's Show' with Dominic Kirwan, Barry Kirwan, Hugo Duncan and Brendan Shine in Perth on Thursday 12th, Glasgow on 13th, Aberdeen on 14th and Musselburgh on 15th March.
A big thank you to Robert Pratt ‘Promoter, who invited me to me part of it and thanks to all of you who came out to support it.
Wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
Many thanks for your continued support once again after another busy year.
In 2020, I’m delighted to be joining Dominic and Barry Kirwan and Brendan Shine on the ‘Pride of Ireland’ St Patrick’s Show In Scotland in March 2020 at Perth, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Musselburgh - Tickets are on sale now.
Just a reminder about My Annual ‘Mary Duff and Friends Weekend’ at The Grand Hotel, Llandudno, Wales on Friday 26th - Monday 29th June 2020. If you are interested please contact Beverley on 07949 202774 or email bharris99@sky.com for more information.
Keep an eye on my website and social media for announcements of what else is happening this year...
Looking forward to meeting you ‘on the road’. Love Mary xx
Hello everyone,
In August I joined Daniel and the band on an Irish Tour which included a show at the TLT in Drogheda, it was great to be performing so close to home for a change and to have my family and friends in the audience.
At the end of September we were in Minot, North Dakota at the Norse Hostfest - it is always nice to return to the same venues to meet up with familiar faces and new ones too.
Shortly after returning to Ireland I was packing again to return to the UK on Daniels Autumn tour. Here are some photos from the various venues
In November we returned to Branson, Missouri for annual 3 week residency at the Welk Theatre for ‘Daniel’s Christmas and more’ show. As always so good to meet up with so many friends.
I just love it in Branson, happy helpful staff at the Theatre, extremely talented local dancers, fans travelling hundreds of miles to see us and enjoying themselves to the full, other shows to see and all surrounded by the brown wooded hilly Ozark countryside.
It was an honour to be invited to join Ruth Kuchier to celebrate her 100th Birthday. Her family had travelled from different parts of the States to be with and attend the show.
The weather was very changeable from 76F one to 26F the next night. We had rain, thunder and lightening. It might have been snowing outside but I was warm inside and enjoyed an ice cream.
I was thrilled to meet up with Mickey Gilley - the Urban Cowboy again. I love his music, charisma, sense of humour and passion for what he does… a living legend - 17 number 1 hits and 39 top ten records. I have known him since 200/2001 since we performed at his theatre in Branson. He recently turned 83 years old and is still going strong. I also got to meet Country Star Johnny Lee from the Urban Cowboy Movie… Still looking for love in all the wrong places
I am off to pack as we are heading back to Shipshewana, Indiana in America where we are performing for a week from 7th December.
Thats all for now folks, just a reminder about my annual ‘Mary Duff and Friends Weekend’ at the Grand Hotel in Llandudno, Wales on Friday 26th to Monday 29th June 2020. For further information call Bev on 07949 202774 or email bharris99@sky.com.
I am also appearing on Pride of Ireland St. Patrick’s Show in Scotland in March 2020 - further information can be found on Tour page of this website.
Bye for now, Mary xx
After such an amazing June, I can’t wait to tell you all what July had in store for myself and the band…
First off , my UK tour started off with another brilliant weekend again in Llandudno on my annual get together for the 17th year at The Grand Hotel with Special Guests Ray Murtagh and Adrian Goslin. We always have such a great time meeting up with old friends and making new ones and the weather is always good to us. Many thanks to John, June and Beverley for organising everything, was so sorry that June was not able to be there and send get well wishes to her.
The proposed date for next year is 26th - 29th June 2020. If you are interested please contact Beverley on 07949 202774 or email bharris99@sky.com for more information...
I can’t wait for next year, this weekend always has a special place in my heart along with everyone who attends. You will be in for real treat next year, so don’t forget to book and come along, and bring your friends, the more the merrier.
Whilst I was at Llandudno, I did an interview with Martin Logan from ‘The Irish in the UK TV’ which was broadcast at the beginning of August. You can watch it online at www.theirishintheuktv.com. Open the link, go to the Menu, select Episodes and select 116... my interview is about 16 mins into programme.
After the weekend we then drove up to start the Scottish leg of the tour starting in Brechin before moving onto Inverness, Stranraer and Langholm. Unfortunately we had a bit of an issue with the van and so the journeys took us longer than they should have but we made it to all the venues. I picked up a virus so wasn’t feeling well but was able to make it through all the shows, the 3 day break between the Scottish shows and the English dates was a blessing so that I could rest to try and shake off the virus a little as I wouldn’t have wanted to let you all down. The shows in Lowestoft, Bognor Regis, Telford and Hunstanton were also very enjoyable shows and from the comments it seems you all enjoyed it as much as I did.
Thank you so much for you continued support down through the years… it is very much appreciated and long may it continue… I can’t wait to get out on the road again to see you all.
Here are a few photos i thought you might like to see….
I was delighted to be featured on the cover of August 2nd edition of Ireland’s Own Magazine. For those asking how they can buy a copy of the magazine here is a link to purchase an online version... https://www.irelandsown.ie/…/irelands-own-e-zine-issue-5720/
I’m back on the road again with my good friend Daniel and the Band on an Irish tour on 10th August in Galway…. hope to see you there.
Mary x
I’ll be on TV on Saturday 3rd August 8.30 pm and repeated on Tuesday 6th August 1 pm.
On Sky Channel 192 and freesat 161 or you can watch it on our website www.theirishintheuktv.com.
Sorry i haven’t been in touch recently, so much has happened the past few months between tours with Daniel O’Donnell that i can’t wait to tell you all….
On 12th April, My new Album ‘Turn Back the Years’ was released. A lot of work went into the selection of the songs for this album and i was so pleased with the final result.
Many thanks to everyone at Rosette Records, to my good friend and musical director Stephen Milne who produced the album, to all the musicians who featured on the album, to the all the radio dj’s for playing the tracks and finally to everyone who purchased the album and for all the lovely feedback.
On 22nd April, I performed a show at my parish church, the Church of Holy Cross in Lobinstown, Co. Meath with special guests Eugene Ginty, my niece Emma Duff and my Father Tom Duff… the church is my favourite place to sing.
At the end of April I recorded two videos for songs from my album… ‘What I’ve got in Mind’ and ‘Poor Man’s Roses’
Mary Duff What I've Got In Mind. A Steve Bloor Media Video Production. www.stevebloormedia.com
Mary Duff A Poor Mans Roses. A Steve Bloor Media Video Production
In May I was delighted to be asked to take part in ‘The Late Late Show Country Special’ for RTE One. I sang as part of a Hank Williams Medley alongside Mick Flavin, Louise Morrisey, Mike Denver, Margo, Derek Ryan and Dominic Kirwan.
Derek Ryan, Mick Flavin, Mike Denver, Dominic Kirwan, Margo, Louise Morrissey and Mary Duff take us on a trip down memory lane with a tribute to Hank Williams. Watch The Late Late Show live and on-demand from anywhere in the world at http://www.rte.ie/player The Late Late Show | Fridays | RTÉ One, 9:35pm Irish Time
It was great to share the stage with friends and fellow artists Louise Morrisey, Paddy O’Brien and Frank McCaffrey at Opry le Daniel at the Millennium Forum, Derry. This will be televised in the Autumn.
I was invited to the President of Ireland’s House, Aras an Uachtarain, to celebrate Irish Country Music. We had a lovely afternoon meeting the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina. We spent the afternoon outdoors on the President’s Lawn, then into a marquee for a concert of Country Music. Afterwards the President and his wife posed with everyone for photos.
Anyway must go now - back on the stage soon at Inverness on my own UK Tour. I”m looking forward to seeing you all someplace somewhere sometime at the shows…. My next blog will be about the UK Tour…. Thats all for now folks
“Sometimes dreams do come true” is how Mary Duff describes the arrival of her much anticipated ISG Records debut, Changing Lanes (ISGRVEN003). It features original contributions from some of the world’s most renowned songsmiths (many of whom are members of The International Songwriters Guild) and sterling performances from top level musical talents on both sides of the Atlantic. This totally original album is wonderfully produced by Pete Ware and Steve Milne ending a seven year recording drought for Mary’s huge worldwide fan base. ISG’s signature cocktail of production locations in Ireland, UK and Nashville is again very apparent and proves magical.
The album’s opener Mr Noble, is a true story song penned by Kent Maxson and Garth Brooks (who supplies a brace for the collection). ”Beautiful…simply beautiful” is how the world’s most popular Country star describes Mary’s rendition of his co-write. Mary was the first European act to work with Garth way back in 1991.
Changing Lanes is an aural journey from Country to Urban Easy through to Adult Contemporary. In other words it changes lanes! The title track was written especially for the project by the much talked about young Irish rising star, Jordan Mogey and is given another coat of performance paint by the contribution of one of the world’s leading classical guitarists Pat Coldrick.
Another highlight is the duet ”I am a Woman” with ISG’s other female signing Kathy Crinion - an anthem extolling the complexities of the gender (a useful point of reference for many male listeners!).
You will find pleasant visits to traditional Country from “Can’t find a reason to stay” to the rockier “Askin' Too Damn Much” which features the harmonica wizardry of Don Baker who is no stranger to TV or Movie fans. Proof, as if we needed it, that Mary Duff can tick all vocal performance boxes.
All in all, this collection will make you smile and realise that Mary Duff has returned to disc with verve and fresh musical outlook restoring our faith in the notion of an album being a journey. From the story of Mr Noble, to the crescendo of the poignant orchestral ballad “Anymore”, Changing Lanes for sure indicates a bright clear road ahead. Welcome back Mary!
"Breathe with Me", my new single to raise funds for Ireland's national charity for people with cystic fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. The song hopes to convey, in a creative and original way, what life is like for a person with cystic fibrosis. The single can be downloaded here for €2, with all proceeds raised going to support the charity's work in the provision of services to help people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. Preview song here
There are approximately 1,200 people living with cystic fibrosis in Ireland today and Ireland has the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis per head of population in the world, with three times the rate of the United States and the rest of the European Union. Indeed, in Ireland we have some of the most severe types of cystic fibrosis.
"How do I feel when my life stands still?"
Mary Duff has been an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland for a number of years and leads its annual international walk which will take place in Montenegro later this September.
"Cystic fibrosis really is a cause close to my heart. In my ambassador role for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, I have made friends with so many people who know first-hand the day-to-day struggles of people with cystic fibrosis and how it can be a never-ending cycle of medications, antibiotics, nebulisers, physiotherapy and hospital visits. With this song, we wanted to get across that while, for most of us, breathing is something that we can thankfully take for granted, for a person with cystic fibrosis, it can be such a huge challenge. The song, which was originally written by a group of people in the UK with connections to people with cystic fibrosis, aims to give an insight into what that life is like.
"We need to do all that we can to support people with cystic fibrosis by raising awareness, providing support and investing in research so that life doesn't always have to be this way. I hope that people will like the song enough that they will want to purchase it but, more than that, I hope that they will want to buy it because they want to lend their support to a very worthy cause."
I'm continuing my nationwide Irish tour during September. Come on out to hear the new single!
Upcoming dates include:
Wednesday September 9: Harvey's Point, Donegal
Thursday September 10: The Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co. Cavan
Saturday September 12: Castlelyons Community Centre, Castlelyons, Co. Cork
Sunday September 13: The Gleneagles Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry
Wednesday September 16: Harvey's Point, Donegal
Friday September 18: The Dominican Church, Drogheda, Co. Louth
For more information on the work of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the supports available to people with cystic fibrosis and their families, please visit www.cfireland.ie or telephone LoCall 1890 311 211.
Nuala McAuley, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, tel.: 01 4962433 or email nmcauley@cfireland.ie
Don Delaney, d2 communications, tel.: 087 7933249 or email don@d2communications.ie
About Cystic Fibrosis Ireland
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is the leading national organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with cystic fibrosis and their families across Ireland. It does this through providing information, advice and advocacy to people and their families, offering grant assistance, undertaking research, funding state-of-the-art dedicated cystic fibrosis health facilities, and advancing the development of lung transplantation in Ireland. There are approximately 1,200 people with cystic fibrosis living in Ireland and approximately 35 new cases were diagnosed in 2013, the most recent year for which official figures are available.
What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis—or CF—is Ireland’s most common life-threatening inherited disease. CF is a genetic disorder. It is not contagious, rather people are born with it. Approximately 1 in 19 people are carriers of the CF gene and when two carriers have a child there is a one in four chance of a child being born with it. CF affects the glands, damaging many organs including the lungs, pancreas, digestive tract and reproductive system. It causes thick sticky mucus to be produced, blocking the bronchial tubes and preventing the body's natural enzymes from digesting food. Ireland has the highest prevalence and the most severe types of cystic fibrosis in the world.
Do your part for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) and raise awareness of this special cause by posting your own video doing the “Stawfie Challenge” on your Facebook profile, Twitter feed and other social media channels. Be sure to include #strawfiechallenge hash tag :-)
Go on! - Mary
I am honoured to be a Patron of the Paddy Kierans Memorial Walk for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI).
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inheritedchronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. A defective gene and its protein cause the body to produce a thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, causing life-threatening lung infections and obstructs the pancreas, preventing natural enzymes helping the body to break down and absorb food. The impact of CF can vary from one person to another. Ireland has the highest prevalence of Cystic Fibros is in the World and has the most severe forms of Cystic Fibrosis in the World. The life expectancy of a person with CF ranges worldwide due to access to treatments, but in Ireland the predicted median age of survival is early to mid 30s.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland was set up in 1963 to increase knowledge and awareness of CF and to provide information, services & support to people with CF and their families. Today CFI is the leading national organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with cystic fibrosis and their families across Ireland. It does this through providing information, advice and advocacy, offering grant assistance, undertaking research, funding state-of-the-art dedicated cystic fibrosis health facilities, and advancing the development of lung transplantation in Ireland.
Fundraising is a vital source of income for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the Paddy Kierans Memorial Walk is a key fundraising event. The walk takes place annually in various locations across Europe in September 2014, I took part in my first walk to Austria. I joined 33 people on the Walk to the
Sound of Music and can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did we raise much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland to support people with cystic fibrosis and their families, but we had a great time doing it and made many new friends. This year the walk takes place in Montenegro and I am delighted to once again be taking part. If you would like to join me on the Paddy Kierans Memorial Walk to Montenegro which takes place from September 27th to October 4th, click here to download the application form or contact Nuala in Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on (01)496 2433 or email: nmcauley@cfireland.ie
2015 is the 21st anniversary of the Paddy Kierans Walk so I can guarantee it will be a special occasion to be a part of.
Thank you all so very much for your support. Be sure to check back here for regular updates on my involvement with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
GET INVOLVED -Like and Share Event on Facebook or CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Below are some images of the 2014 Walk to the Sound of Music in Austria. If you are unable to take part, you can support this fantastic fundraiser by donating to my fundraising page
Mary
