Presenters Kathryn Thomas and Deirdre O’ Kane will front a celebration of homegrown talent from Dublin’s famed Gaiety Theatre this New Year’s Eve, as they’re joined by some of Ireland’s most talented musicians and comedians to bid farewell to an unforgettable year and ring in a more hopeful 2021.
A musical feast is in store as Sharon Shannon and her band will be the house band in the Gaiety Theatre for the evening. Jerry Fish will bring his unique energy to the stage and Mary Coughlan will give a soulful solo performance as well as a special duet with Brian Kennedy.
Seeing Riverdance is always a spine-tingling experience for Irish people – and it won’t be any different in this show, with a very special performance for viewers at home. One of the most hopeful stories of this year has been that of 18-year-old Cuan Durkin from Dublin. UK pantomime producers saw footage of him busking on Grafton Street and offered him a dream opportunity to play Prince Charming. Cuan will celebrate the end of his memorable year by singing for his many new fans all over the country.
Mundy will be joined by rocker prof Luke O’ Neill for a performance, while the RTÉ Concert Orchestra will accompany Tolü Makay for a beautiful rendition of The Sawdoctors hit, N17.
For the moment the clock strikes midnight, Lyra, featuring dancer Fionn McMorrow, will perform New Day at Dublin Castle.
Preparing for the evening, Kathryn Thomas said: “We’re all ready to welcome 2021 with open arms. It’s not about celebrating the year that was, but for Deirdre and I, it’s about celebrating the year that’s coming.”
Munster is home to some of our best comedians. Waterford Whispers News will feature sketches with Aengus Mac Grianna and Pat Shortt will be joined by his daughter Faye for a special comedy sketch.
Kathryn and Deirdre will also be catching up with comedian Jason Byrne, RTÉ’s GAA Correspondent Marty Morrissey, Senator Lynn Ruane, and RTÉ Radio 1 presenter Sarah McInerney. They will talk about how this year will go down in history and their wishes for 2021.
With so many Irish people abroad unable to travel home this year, some of those living in faraway places will be part of the celebrations as they send special messages by video to their friends and family at home all throughout the show.
Commenting ahead of the show Deirdre O’Kane said: “Ringing in the new year is always a special time, but this year I believe it takes on even greater meaning for many of us. I couldn’t be happier than to mark the occasion alongside Kathryn; we’ll be welcoming 2021 in style with a celebration chock full of homegrown talent from the beautiful Gaiety stage.”
Get comfortable on the couch as, at home with RTÉ is the place to be on this New Year’s Eve.
Tune in for the NYE Countdown Showwhich begins live at 22.45 on Thursday 31st December on RTÉ One.