Celtic Thunder debuted in August 2007 at the Helix in Dublin, Ireland, accompanying the Celtic Concert Orchestra under the direction of Phil Coulter, the musical director of the group.
Since the group's formation, Celtic Thunder has released twelve albums: Celtic Thunder, Act Two, Take Me Home, It's Entertainment!, Celtic Thunder Christmas, Storm, Heritage, Voyage, Voyage II, Christmas Voices and Mythology as well as best-of collection Homeland, and twelve live performances on DVD, entitled Celtic Thunder: The Show, Take Me Home, It's Entertainment!, Storm, Christmas, Heritage, Voyage, Voyage II, Live and Unplugged and Mythology, as well as a Christmas performance. In December 2009 Billboard magazine named Celtic Thunder the Top World Album Artist.
Celtic Thunder is known for its eclectic style with songs ranging from a soloist to an ensemble focus. The group is backed by the Celtic Thunder Band on their concert tours, and their live shows are known for the use of dramatic effects via lighting and choreography as well as a stage set resembling an ancient stone pathway suggestive of those referenced in Celtic lore.
Members
The members of Celtic Thunder are (in alphabetical order of family name):
Neil Byrne (born November 16, 1977): Music has always been a major part of Neil's life. Born into a musical family, Neil’s father has worked as a professional musician his entire life and his mother is a huge fan of all music. By the age of 5, Neil was gripped by rhythm, which instinctively lead him to drum on anything in front of him. He began learning the guitar when he was 7, hugely helped and encouraged by his father. Later in life a mutual friend approached Neil and asked him to play at a function for one of Ireland’s most renowned songwriters and producers, Phil Coulter. When Sharon Browne and Phil began working on production for Celtic Thunder he was invited to record backing vocals for the debut DVD, and subsequently play lead guitar player for the live show. Neil would have to say the most memorable and prestigious performance of his career to date was in Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Since then he has toured America and Canada extensively with Celtic Thunder and most recently has joined the cast as the 6th leading vocalist with Celtic Thunder.
Paul Michael Byrom (born April 11, 1979) is from Dublin, Ireland. In addition to Celtic Thunder, he has also performed at major sporting events in Ireland and abroad, including singing at the All Ireland Finals in Dublin's Croke Park and at Heinz Field for a Pittsburgh Steelers game in the USA. He has also performed for Ireland's President, Mary McAleese, and for Emperor Akihito of Japan. Paul has released two albums: Velvet and I'll Be Home For Christmas. He left Celtic Thunder as of 2011 to pursue his solo career. Member from 2008-2011
George Donaldson (February 1, 1968- March 12, 2014) is the oldest member of the group and is a well-known balladeer, guitarist and flutist from Glasgow, Scotland. At Scotland's Celtic Park, Donaldson played to 65,000 fans at the opening match of the 2000-2001 season.
Keith Ronald Harkin, (born June 10, 1986), like Damian, is from Derry, Northern Ireland. He plays the guitar and has written one of the songs for Celtic Thunder: "Lauren and I". In 2008, a new solo album by Keith was rumoured to be in the working stages but has not yet been released as of mid 2009. Keith enjoys surfing and has written a song called Chasing Dreams that articulates his love for it. Keith has now recorded more original songs apart from Celtic Thunder, some titles include: Vanity, Don't Lose the Feeling, and What I Like.
Ryan John Kelly (born November 6, 1978) is from The Moy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. He holds two degrees from the Queen's University Belfast, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and also a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Accounting, qualifying Ryan to be a chartered accountant.
Damian Joseph McGinty, Jr. (born September 9, 1992) was the youngest member of the group for 4 years and is from Derry, Northern Ireland. He recorded the first Celtic Thunder album when he was only fourteen years old. It is rumoured that McGinty will begin work on a solo album in the next 6 months. He won his first singing contest at the age of five. He recorded the first Celtic Thunder album when he was fourteen years old. McGinty lists Michael Buble, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra among his inspirations.[5] On April 29, 2011 it was announced that Damian was chosen as one of 12 contenders for The Glee Project, a reality series on the Oxygen Network. He tied for first and had a guest starring role in the third season of the Fox hit TV show Glee. He debuted on Glee season 3 episode 4 Pot o' Gold. Though originally awarded a seven-episode arc, his run-time was later extended to 16 episodes including a guest appearance in season 4's Glee Actually. In the summer of 2013 Damian joined Paul Byrom for "The Me and My Shadow" Tour. McGinty is also part of Ethan Bortnick's concert.
Emmet Michael Cahill (born October 18, 1990) became Paul Byrom's replacement. 2010 was a very exciting year for Emmet Cahill; he was awarded the 2010 John Mc Cormack Bursary for the most Promising Young Tenor, and was named the most promising young singer at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. He has been a multiple prizewinner at the National Feis Ceoil singing competition in Ireland. Emmet is 20 years old and hails from Mullingar in County Westmeath in Ireland. His musical journey began when at just 5 years old he began learning the piano. By 7 Emmet had begun voice training, and he soon went on to win a music scholarship for high school in Mullingar and spend 5 years intensively studying and playing music. At school he furthered his studies in piano, organ and violin and vocal training, however singing has always been his true love. He continued his education at the prestigious Royal Irish Academy of Music where he received a university degree in Music Performance. He has been in many stage productions in Dublin and has performed on stage at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin and as a soloist at the National Concert Hall. He is an avid sports fan and has performed twice at Croke Park in Dublin, in front of crowds of 90,000. One such occasion was for the 125th Anniversary of The GAA. He has also performed for the President of Ireland Mary McAleese and at several international rugby games Dublin’s new Aviva Stadium. Emmet also sings regularly at the Mullingar Cathedral.
He is a huge sports fan and has won many prizes playing football with his college and local teams. In his spare time, he also loves attending music and sporting events, playing the guitar and listening to music. He attended auditions for Celtic Thunder in June 2010 and was delighted to be asked by Sharon and Phil to join the show. Emmet Cahill is the latest addition to the Celtic Thunder family.
Daniel Furlong
Vocalist
Daniel Furlong was the newest (and youngest) member of Celtic Thunder. Daniel is 13 years old and hails from the town of Taghmon in County Wexford on the Southeast coast of Ireland. He is a boy soprano and was discovered when he entered a singing competition at the age of seven and won! Although Daniel is barely a teenager, he has been performing and singing in public for over six years. Daniels hometown of Wexford is synonymous with Opera and is host to the internationally acclaimed Opera Festival in October of every year. Indeed Daniel is no stranger to opera and played the role of Edgar in the Wexford Light Opera Society production of Ragtime in 2008. In 2008 and again in 2009, Daniel was also cast in the lead role of Oliver in the musical Oliver with both Oyster Lane and Festival productions. He has also performed solo on two national television stations in Ireland. In 2009 Daniel won an All Ireland Song Contest as a solo singer, competing with artists considerably older than he. In 2011 he won "The All Ireland Talent" Show a nationally televised talent competition and Irelands answer to Americas Got Talent. In light of all of his incredible achievements to date, his home county of Wexford honored Daniel by naming him "Wexford Person of the Year" for 2011.
Daniel describes himself as an outgoing and optimistic, friendly and a fun person. He likes to spend time with his friends and family, and he loves the chance to perform. He is quite competitive and loves playing team sports such as hurling, Gaelic football, soccer and rounders (softball). Music is obviously Daniels passion, he practices with his local choir "The Young Wexford Singers" every week and is also learning to play the guitar and the pigeon box. Daniel came to the attention of Celtic Thunder producer Sharon Browne, when he won the All Ireland Talent Show" and she quickly arranged to meet him. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious and once Sharon had met Daniel and seen him perform, she immediately offered him a place in Celtic Thunder. He performs an angelic version of Walking In The Air in the Christmas show and also sings solo in Heritage on Somewhere Over The Rainbow and the Josh Groban hit To Where You Are. Daniel also joins with other members of Celtic Thunder in the Ensembles and performs duets with Keith and Emmet.
Colm Joseph Keegan (born August 2, 1989) is from Dublin, Ireland. He attended University College Dublin on a music scholarship, graduating in 2011 with an honors degree in Music and Irish. Colm auditioned for and was selected for Celtic Thunder in May 2012 as a new vocalist, becoming a sixth member of the previously five-man group. He was formerly a member of the Aontas Choral Ensemble, who are known for their work with Celtic Woman. Colm appeared in the Celtic Woman DVDs 'Songs From The Heart' (2009) and 'Believe' (2011).
Emmett O'Hanlon (born July 9, 1991), Celtic Thunder's newest member, is Emmet Cahill's replacement. He is Irish- American. Emmett will be touring with Celtic Thunder during their Mythology tour and the Christmas Voices Symphony tour.
Beginning in March 2008, the group has been featured throughout the US on the PBS television network more than 1200 times, and during May and June 2008, members of the group were interviewed on dozens of local PBS stations during performances of their show
Celtic Thunder is also the name of a traditional Irish band formed in 1977. The band recorded three albums―1981’s Celtic Thunder; The Light of Other Days (1988), and Hard New York Days in 1996.
Home From The Sea
Celtic Thunder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Home, home, home from the sea
Angels of mercy, answer our plea
And carry us home, home, home from the[ sea
Carry us safely home from the sea.
On a cold winters night
With a storm at its height
They pitched and they tossed
Till we thought they were lost
As we watched from the harbor wall.
Though the night was pitch black,
There was no turning back,
For someone was waiting out there,
But each volunteer
Had to live with his fear
As they joined in a silent prayer.
[Chorus]
As they battled their way
Past the mouth of the bay,
It was blowing like never before.
As they gallantly fought,
Every one of them thought
Of loved ones back on the shore.
Then a flicker of light
And they knew they were right.
There she was on the crest of a wave.
She's an old fishing boat
And she's barely afloat.
Please God, there are souls we can save.
[Chorus]
And back in the town
In a street that runs down
To the sea and the harbor wall,
They'd gathered in pairs
At the foot of the stairs
To wait or the radio call.
And just before dawn
When all hope had gone
Came a hush and a faraway sound.
'Twas the coxswain he roared
All survivors on board
Thank God and we're homeward bound.
[Chorus]
Celtic Thunder’s song Home From The Sea is a touching song that describes the heroic work of lifeboat volunteers who risk their lives to save others. The song’s main theme is about the dangerous task of rescuing sailors whose boats are sinking or facing other life-threatening situations at sea. The chorus asks for angels of mercy to carry the volunteers safely back home from this dangerous expedition. The chorus repeats this request throughout the song, to emphasize the importance of the sea rescuers’ work, and their safe return home.
Each verse of the song describes the personal experience of lifeboat volunteers as they venture out to the sea to rescue stranded sailors. The first verse sets the scene on a cold winter’s night, where volunteers set out on a lifeboat, treading against the incoming stormy winds. The second verse elaborates on the bravery of the rescuers as they risk their lives for loved ones of those stranded at sea. Lastly, the final verse describes how those on land wait anxiously for any update on the mission’s success. This verse emphasizes the wait of the family and friends for the rescued ones, knowing that the volunteers saving sailors will return.
Overall, Celtic Thunder’s song Home From The Sea is a tribute to the life-saving work of volunteers who go out to the sea in the deepest and darkest of times to save the souls of the distressed.
Line by Line Meaning
Home, home, home from the sea
We long to return safely to our families and our homes after braving the dangers of the sea.
Angels of mercy, answer our plea
We ask for divine assistance and protection during our perilous journey.
And carry us home, home, home from the sea
We plead for assistance in returning to our homes and safety from the treacherous and violent sea.
Carry us safely home from the sea.
We ask for protection and safety as we travel back to the safety of our homes from the perils of the sea.
On a cold winters night
The journey we undertook was during a harsh, unforgiving winter night.
With a storm at its height
The sea was violently tumultuous as we braved the dangers of the storming night to rescue those at sea.
The lifeboat answered the call.
We set out on a rescue mission to help those in distress at sea.
They pitched and they tossed
The voyage was rough and tumultuous, with the waves severely tossing and jolting the vessel.
Till we thought they were lost
At times, it felt as though the crew was in danger of never making it back to shore, either themselves or with those they sought to rescue.
As we watched from the harbor wall.
Onlookers watched in anticipation from a safe distance at the harbor while the crew battled the dangerous sea.
Though the night was pitch black,
Despite the darkness of the night, we continued on our rescue mission hoping to make it back with those in need.
There was no turning back,
Despite the risks and dangers present, the crew felt compelled to move forward and brave the turbulent sea to help others in need.
For someone was waiting out there,
There were individuals in distress at sea waiting for our rescue, and the crew felt compelled to do everything in their power to help them.
But each volunteer
Every crew member who set out to sea was a volunteer, and their bravery and determination is to be commended.
Had to live with his fear
Despite their bravery, each member of the crew still had fears and worries about their safety while braving the dangers at sea.
As they joined in a silent prayer.
Despite their fears and concerns, the crew found solace and comfort in coming together in a silent prayer for protection and assistance.
As they battled their way
The crew fought hard and bravely against the dangers presented during their journey, making their way towards those in need regardless of the risks.
Past the mouth of the bay,
As they continued through the storming night, the crew made their way past the bay determined to complete their mission.
It was blowing like never before.
The wind was so fierce and dangerous that the crew had never experienced anything quite like it before.
As they gallantly fought,
The crew courageously fought against the dangers to reach their destination, displaying admirable bravery and selflessness.
Every one of them thought
Amidst the chaos and danger, the crew still found a way to think of their loved ones at home and the gravity of the situation.
Of loved ones back on the shore.
Despite being at sea, the crew was constantly reminded of their family and friends back on shore and hoped to make it back safely to their care.
Then a flicker of light
A glimpse of light in the distance gave the crew a glimmer of hope that they were on the right track in finding those in need of rescue once more.
And they knew they were right.
As they drew nearer to those in need, the crew felt certain that they had found the individuals they had set out to help.
There she was on the crest of a wave.
The vessel in need was spotted atop a large wave, and the crew knew they needed to act quickly and decisively.
She's an old fishing boat
The vessel in distress was an older, run-down fishing boat that was barely able to stay afloat amidst the turbulent waters.
And she's barely afloat.
The fishing boat was in dire need of rescue, as it was barely staying afloat amidst the dangerous seas.
Please God, there are souls we can save.
The crew hoped and prayed that they were not too late in their rescue attempt and that they would be able to save those in need.
And back in the town
While the crew was out at sea, loved ones and onlookers waited for news of their safety, gathered together at the foot of the harbor wall.
In a street that runs down
Family and friends gathered in a street running towards the harbor, eager to hear news of those who had set out to sea.
To the sea and the harbor wall,
The town was situated just by the harbor wall, making it easy for those on shore to watch the events of the night unfold.
They'd gathered in pairs,
Loved ones and friends waited in groups of two, eager to support each other while they worried for the safety of the crew out at sea.
At the foot of the stairs,
The groups gathered together at the base of a set of stairs leading up towards the harbor wall, straining to see any sign of the crew or the boat in distress.
To wait for the radio call.
They eagerly anticipated any news of the crew, awaiting a radio call or message telling them of their loved ones' safety.
And just before dawn,
As the night wore on and the dangers persisted, the crew and onlookers waited anxiously for any sign of dawn and the hope it could bring.
When all hope had gone,
After a long and difficult night with no rescue in sight, it seemed as though all hope had been lost for the crew and the boat in distress.
Came a hush and a faraway sound.
Suddenly, amidst the silence, a distant sound was heard indicating the crew and the individuals they sought to rescue had been found and were on their way back to shore.
'Twas the coxswain he roared
The captain of the crew announced to all within earshot that they had rescued those in need and were on their way back to shore.
All survivors on board.
The crew and the boat in distress had all survived the dangers of the sea that night thanks to the brave and courageous acts of the crew who had gone out to rescue them.
Thank God and we're homeward bound.
With relief and gratitude, the crew made their way safely back to shore, happy to be returning home after a dangerous and trying night.
[Chorus]
Regardless of the dangers and struggles faced while out to sea, all that mattered to the crew was the ultimate goal of returning home safely to their loved ones on dry land.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: PHIL COULTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Dotgrammy
I just love these guys! This song is a great one and they do a great job of showcasing each other's strengths as they sing it!!!
@Dotgrammy
I TOTALLY ADORE Celtic Thunder's Heritage album, and this is one of my favorite songs on that video!
@wanadagwinn7857
I absolutely love these guys. They are the best
@nancywhite9332
Wonderful song. Great harmony as always
@PaulaKJohnson
I bought this CD a while back and play it often. I love the energy they put into their music.
@joycegunter-houle2059
They are all awesome, I found them by accident, an fell in love i n a second. I can' t wait to see them hopefully this year, I just wish I could of seen them before George passed. I'm a Thunderhead forever.
@WallacedaSilvaPinheiro
Amazing and beautiful! I love this group!! ^^
@thelordoflames
Possibly the best band ever! I love these songs.
@bobopaxaton
The reason you missed him before is because he has always played lead guitar in the band until just recently. They brought him up front when Damian and Paul left. Too bad it took so long. He is really good.
@ilygirl2011
I can't get over how amazing they are.. And paul just takes my breath away