No matter the amount of superlatives mentioned they would never encapsulate the supreme singing/songwriting talent of Mayo’s Niall McCabe. For a certain few who were lucky enough last Friday night at the Theatre Royal Waterford, it was a special night. McCabe, who hails from Clare Island, is currently touring with his February released debut solo album ‘Rituals’.

From the first play of the album I was hooked, song after song touched the soul. The Clare Islander’s powerful voice combined with lyrics that evoke so many emotions and the fusion of traditional Irish with folk music has become McCabe’s hallmark and immediately grabs the listener.

There should be a prerequisite to have listened to the album a number of times before attending Niall’s live show as one can sit back and really enjoy this body of work.

The album title song ‘Rituals’ along with ‘Stonemason’ and ‘November Swell’ are standouts with powerful lyrics but this severing is filled with emotional quality throughout.

On the night Niall was joined by fellow Clare Islander and friend Donal Moran and to further illustrate what’s in store McCabe gave a glimpse of what’s to come with a new song called ‘Fledgling’ in honor of his son.

Support on the night by Waterford’s Cilian Jacob.