In the past 20 years I've seen the Dubliners three times in different venues around Scotland. Like every other Irish ballad singer before me, I worshiped Luke Kelly and could identify with his rebellious nature and deep love for Ireland and it's traditions.

It was around 1980 that I first heard The Dublin City Ramblers album 'The Ferryman' and was immediately hooked on the sound of Patsy Watchorn's voice. I bought every subsequent Ramblers album and immersed myself in their music.

Since then I have followed Patsy's career and have witnessed an incredible rise in his popularity in the past 10 years. His albums have enjoyed massive success and my own personal favourite is Irish Rebel Heroes where he interprets some classic ballads. No other Irish ballad singer, with the exception of Derek Warfield or Luke Kelly, can interpret an Irish rebel ballad with the same level of passion as Patsy Watchorn.

When I heard the news that Paddy Reilly had left The Dubliners I was delighted to hear that Patsy was to replace him. I have long since thought that he was always a natural for the job. It has been a subject of great debate between myself and many other musicians throughout the last few years.

On Sunday 22 January 2006 I attended the Royal Concert hall with ex-Athenrye member James McGinley who is also a great admirer of Patsy. The show started off like other Dub's show I've attended but after Sean Cannon had sung The Black Velvet Band and The Banks Of The Roses it was time for Patsy to take the spotlight.

I had actually forgotten how deep and rich his voice is when performing live and he had the crowd on his side immediately when he sang The Ferryman and Dublin In The Rare Auld Times. John Sheahan recited a self penned poem in memory of Luke Kelly and Patsy sang the Dublin Minstrel. His rendition of the Fields of Athenry brought the house down and A Nation Once Again was sung with great pride and passion by everyone in the concert hall. He definetely still has a great stage presence and command and was at ease with the 3000 sell-out crowd.

The sound, lighting and performance were faultless and really what you'd expect from a world class venue and very professional musicians. It's really great to see Patsy back at the top of his game and where he belongs!