A Civic Reception was held in An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, on Friday, May 29, to honour The Corrs, one of Dundalk, County Louth, and Ireland’s most successful and much‑loved bands.

Hosted by Louth County Council, the event celebrated the remarkable career and global success of Andrea, Caroline, Jim and Sharon Corr, whose achievements have brought international acclaim and pride to their hometown and county.

As the highest honour a local authority can bestow, a Civic Reception recognises individuals or groups whose achievements have made a significant impact at local, national and international level – a distinction reflected in The Corrs’ exceptional musical career and global success.

After forming the band in 1990, the siblings from Ard Easmuinn in Dundalk quickly established themselves as one of Ireland’s most recognisable musical exports.

Blending pop and rock with traditional Irish influences, the band’s debut album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten (1995), achieved multi‑platinum status worldwide and established their distinctive sound.

Their follow‑up album Talk on Corners (1997) became one of the best‑selling albums of its era, spending extended periods at number one in the UK and achieving multi‑platinum certification, while their third studio album In Blue (2000) marked a further commercial peak, reaching number one in 17 countries and producing international hit singles such as Breathless.

Remarkably, in 1998, the band also became the first band since The Beatles to hold the top two positions in the UK album charts simultaneously, underlining their widespread popularity.

Over the course of their career, The Corrs have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and have achieved numerous international awards and accolades, including recognition as one of the world’s biggest‑selling Irish acts.

They have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Glastonbury to global charity events, and have also lent their support to numerous charitable and humanitarian causes, while continuing to enjoy enduring success and a loyal global fanbase.

After signing the County Roll of Honour, The Corrs took their seats as the ceremony began with a welcome from Joanna Kelly, Acting Director of Services, Louth County Council, who invited Dita Durse, Glenn Shields and Stephen Grey from Louth County Council Fire & Rescue Service to display the National Flag and the flag of County Louth.

The Corrs were then presented with a Civic Honour Scroll by Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council. They also received specially commissioned pieces of jewellery, created by Garrett Mallon Design House in Carlingford.

A live Fireside Chat with music journalist Dave Fanning followed, where the band spoke about their musical journey before firefighter Niall Clarke, from Louth County Council Fire & Rescue Service, brought the ceremony to a close with a performance of the National Anthem.

After a brief interval, The Corrs returned to the stage where the invited guests – including members of the public who secured tickets through a special public draw – were treated to an intimate performance, the band’s first in Dundalk in almost three decades.

It capped an incredible end to a memorable day, which also saw the siblings attend the official viewing of The Corrs mural at the Longwalk and the opening of a new exhibition, All The Way Home: A Celebration of The Corrs, at the County Museum, Dundalk.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “This Civic Reception represents the highest honour we can bestow as a local authority, and it is richly deserved.

“The Corrs are not only globally successful artists, but proud Dundalk natives whose story began here in Ard Easmuinn, where their love of music first took shape. Many people will fondly associate their early days with McManus’ Bar in Seatown, a place woven into the fabric of the town, where they performed and worked as young musicians, long before international fame followed.

“Their journey is also a testament to the influence of their late parents, Jean and Gerry Corr, talented musicians themselves who nurtured that passion for music from an early age and performed themselves locally for many years. It is fitting to acknowledge that this remarkable success story has its roots in a family deeply connected to music, community and place

“While The Corrs have gone on to achieve extraordinary international acclaim, they have always remained closely connected to Dundalk and County Louth. This Civic Reception is not only a recognition of their outstanding achievements, but an opportunity for us, as a county, to express how proud we are of all that they have accomplished, and to honour a journey that began right here at home in Dundalk.”

A statement from The Corrs said: “It is with immense gratitude that we accept this civic honour, the highest recognition that Louth County Council and the people of Dundalk and County Louth can bestow. To be recognised in this way, in a place so rich in community spirit and shared history, is something we could never have imagined. It is a moment we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly, the elected members, Chief Executive David Conway and all of the Council staff who have worked so hard to make this occasion possible. We are deeply grateful to our family, friends and all those who have supported us over the years – from our earliest days to the present – whose encouragement and belief have meant more than words can express.”

“This recognition from our hometown is especially poignant. Our parents, Jean and Gerry Corr, who inspired our love of music and instilled in us the values that have guided us, would have been incredibly proud. We dedicate this honour to their memory, and to the people of Dundalk and County Louth, whose warmth and support have always meant so much to us.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “It is a privilege for Louth County Council to recognise The Corrs with a Civic Reception. From their beginnings in Dundalk to achieving global success, they have built an extraordinary career defined by musical excellence, creativity and enduring appeal.

“Their musical achievements place them among Ireland’s most successful artists, while their strong sense of identity and connection to home has remained constant throughout. In honouring The Corrs, we celebrate not only their remarkable success, but the pride and inspiration they continue to bring to Dundalk, County Louth and to Ireland.”

Photo credit Ciaran Culligan/Louth County Council