My Country Life - Episode 4: Derek Ryan
Derek Ryan started out in life as a pop star in the early Noughties with teen idols D-Side.
With hits including Real World, he performed on the BBC’s iconic Top Of The Pops TV chart show and played major venues such as London’s Wembley Arena and Dublin’s Point Theatre, now the 3Arena.
However, when D-Side eventually fizzled out, Derek found himself struggling to make ends meet playing the pubs in London.
Now one of Ireland’s top country singers and a prolific songwriter, here on My Country Life, Derek now recalls his idyllic childhood growing up in Milltown, Garryhill, Co Carlow, and his rollercoaster ride in the fast lane of pop music.
He reveals how seeing Nathan Carter performing was a turning point in his career, and he recalls the pain of losing his beloved mum, Sally, who inspired his poignant song, To Waltz With My Mother Again.
The My Country Life podcast is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon.
Today's Headlines
BREAKTHROUGH | Man (60s) and woman (50s) arrested on suspicion of ‘Baby John’ murder in Kerry
BAIL GRANTED | Face of Co Antrim woman (29) accused of sexual activity with underage boy
long read | Jasmine McMonagle’s killer told gardaí ‘there was no one to stop me’, trial heard
Well doir-served | Doireann Garrihy heads on first holiday with new boyfriend Mark Mehigan
inundated | Gardai 'overwhelmed' with complaints against GAA legend accused of taking millions in cancer scam
'SAVAGE' | Man (19) jailed after gang attack left teenager Alanna Quinn Idris blind in one eye
Dark day | Renters feel ‘abandoned’ as eviction ban deadline approaches, charity says
Buying Without Wings | Inside Westlife star Mark Feehily’s stunning Dublin home which he sold for €2.3m
CRIME WORLD | The new sanctions on Edin Gacanin and the global effort to take down Kinahan cartel
Public appeal | Man (60s) charged with alleged incident of indecent exposure in Portlaoise