On the spot with: Dungannon musician Conleth McGeary

A native of Dungannon, magical musician Conleth McGeary now lives in Liverpool, where he wiles away the hours playing his treasured guitars and supping pints, while dreaming of having a cup of tea and a song with Christy Moore! The 27-year-old is also on the brink of fulfilling a lifelong ambition by opening up his own bar in the stunning city. And what’s more – he has called it ‘The Beeswing’ after his favourite song. Cheers, Conleth – we’ll see you there for music, memories and merriment!

If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

I would definitely sit in my friend Joseph’s flat. I KNOW he would be talking to his cats 24/7. If I find out he ever meows… it’s over!

What is your least appealing habit?

I swear too much! It drives my ma mental. Need a swear jar.

What is your greatest trait?

Sense of humour. I never, ever take myself too seriously. I love nothing more than laughing, and making people laugh.

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

Wow. Deep. I have great faith in God, so I would like to know if he thought I was doing life ‘right’.

Did you have a role model as a youth?

I was lucky enough to have a few. When I was young, I always admired my older brother. He was always a cool cat, and was really good to me. We are now adults and nothing has changed.

How would you describe Tyrone to someone who has never been here before?

It’s a very rich wee county in terms of culture. Strong in sport and music. Tyrone people rally behind their own, and love to support each other.

What are you watching on television?

‘Only Fools and Horses’ on Netflix. Why is nobody still raving about this show?! It’s unreal!

Tell us a song that reminds you of your childhood.

“Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do. I’m half crazy over the love of you…” The McGeary national anthem.

Who is your favourite musician?

It’s always been Christy Moore. If I ever had the chance to have a cup of tea and a song with anyone in the world, it would be this man. No joke. Love him.

What is your favourite film?

‘Braveheart’. The mad Irish man is my favourite movie character of all time.

What is your favourite memory?

My first time headlining the O2 in Liverpool. There was an unbelievable crowd, and I was singing my own songs and I was able to look over, and actually see my mother, my aunt, and my uncle, who journeyed all the way from home, loving the show. It was a super emotional moment, actually.

And your saddest?

Would be going back to Liverpool after the loss of a dear loved one at home. I remember coming into the apartment, and realising that this is it: Life is supposed to continue. It was a tough one. She was the most amazing lady one could meet.

What makes you angry?

Bad drunks, man. Drives me mad.

Has there been a defining moment in your life that has got you to where you are today?

No defining ‘moment’, just an amazing journey. Flip me, can I sound any cheesier?!

What is the most embarrassing thing you have done?

This is wild. I had a presentation to do in my first year of university – but I didn’t do anything for it at all. So, I got my mate to send me one instead, like a smart alec. On the morning of it, I was so confident that I would blag it on the spot. But my friend did me in: He ended up sending me the lecturer’s presentation – and I blagged the whole thing to her face for five minutes! She let me finish it and everything!! Then she told me.

What is your most treasured possession?

My guitars. They’ve given me my entire career and livelihood, and I travel the world playing them.

Do you have a catchphrase?

‘The working man’s fool’.

What’s your drink of choice?

I’m a coffee man. Or else a pint of Coors. Actually, scrap the coffee… Two pints of Coors please, mate.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Denzel Washington. People always tell me we look alike.

What has been your greatest achievement?

I don’t know about greatest, but I’m opening up my own bar next week in Liverpool, and I’m very proud of that. It’s been such hard work, and I’ve been working on it for about two years.

Now, it’s finally happening. I’ve named it ‘The Beeswing’ after my favourite song. It’s the stuff of dreams, really. If anyone from Tyrone is ever over, they’re most certainly welcome.

I have a special five pound note someone gave me to buy a pint with when I ‘achieve a life goal’, and I will finally have a chance to use it.

What is your life’s motto?

‘Don’t sweat the small stuff’. Love this one.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

‘Beeswing’.