Moate features in tv3 country music documentary

Moate’s prominent part in the revival in popularity of country music and dance is set to be explored in a new TV documentary tomorrow.

‘At Home with Country Music’ is a special one-hour programme presented by Ciara Doherty, who embarks on a journey around Ireland to find out why more and more people are getting involved in the Irish country music scene. As part of her travels she meets artists including Jimmy Buckley, Ballingore’s Robert Mizzell, Lisa McHugh and Derek Ryan as well as taking a trip a popular dance class given by Niall Doorhy at The Well, Moate.

The Galway native says they have people coming to from all over the midlands every Tuesday to Moate to learn the jive, quickstep, line dance and perfect steps like the slosh dance, similar to line dancing except it is done in line like a chain, or the fabulously titled bunny hop or hucklebuck.

“People like Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan have brought a lot young people into country music and dancing,” the dance teacher previously told the Westmeath Independent, adding that such is renaissance in country music and dance at present that he is on the road teaching classes four nights a week, while the rest of his time is focused on hosting country events nationwide. Venue owner Declan Manton also features in the Moate segment of the programme.

‘At Home with Country Music’ airs at 9pm Wednesday evening on TV3.