Ireland

Musicians John Sheahan and Matt Molloy honoured in Co Mayo

John Sheahan of the Dubliners and Matt Molloy of the Chieftains at the Cong Food Festival, and right, their hand prints. Pictures from RTÉ
John Sheahan of the Dubliners and Matt Molloy of the Chieftains at the Cong Food Festival, and right, their hand prints. Pictures from RTÉ John Sheahan of the Dubliners and Matt Molloy of the Chieftains at the Cong Food Festival, and right, their hand prints. Pictures from RTÉ

TWO of Ireland's most popular musicians have been honoured in a Co Mayo village's answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

John Sheahan of The Dubliners and Matt Molloy of The Chieftains had their hand prints cast in bronze for the 'Hands of Fame' wall in Cong.

They join other famous hands on the wall including those of Daniel O'Donnell, Pat Lam and Big Tom.

Hundreds of people gathered in the village at the weekend as the pair unveiled their hand prints in a special ceremony.

Sheahan told RTÉ: "It's an amazing feeling really. We'll be here for years and generations to come."

He joked: "People will be looking and saying, 'Who the hell were Matt Molloy and John Sheahan anyway? What are their hands doing there?'"

The musicians also received the 'Freedom of Cong' from mayor John Joe McGrath, and were presented with wood carvings of two instruments they are renowned for playing – the fiddle and the flute.

The Cong Hands of Fame accolade recognises artists who have made a unique contribution to Irish life, promoting Ireland at home and abroad through their work.

The unveiling took place during the annual Cong Food Festival, which showcases local produce and promotes the village as a food and tourist destination.