0:00:02 > 0:00:05In rural Ireland, country music has never been so popular.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10A host of new country stars have tempted a generation to
0:00:10 > 0:00:12turn their back on the nightclub,
0:00:12 > 0:00:14don their Stetsons and jive the night away,
0:00:14 > 0:00:17from Ballymena to Ballydehob.
0:00:19 > 0:00:20This week, we circle our wagons
0:00:20 > 0:00:24at a festival that showcases two types of music -
0:00:24 > 0:00:26country AND western.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27Only in its second year,
0:00:27 > 0:00:31Cowboys & Heroes has rounded up the most wanted acts on the scene
0:00:31 > 0:00:35for the biggest Wild West hoedown this side of Texas.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37He wants to lock it hard left there.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Festival manager Simon is hoping to claim a country music bounty,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43but with other events shooting it out for punters,
0:00:43 > 0:00:44will the crowds roll up,
0:00:44 > 0:00:47or will the infamous Irish weather
0:00:47 > 0:00:50leave the festival site looking more like a one-horse town?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Why didn't you stop it raining?
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Welcome to the surprising world of Irish country music.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Over the past 15 years, Ireland has built a formidable
0:01:09 > 0:01:13reputation as home to some of the best music festivals in Europe.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Events like Electric Picnic, Longitude
0:01:16 > 0:01:20and Oxegen have entertained hundreds of thousands of music lovers,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23but now there's a new festival in town.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29MUSIC: I Want To Be A Country Boy by Big Tom
0:01:32 > 0:01:37# Everybody says that I could be a big star in a couple of years... #
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Drumcoura City just outside Ballinamore in County Leitrim is
0:01:40 > 0:01:43a Western-style horse ranch all year round.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It may be in the north-west of Ireland but, to the people who
0:01:46 > 0:01:49drift into town, it's more like the Wild West.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Let me show you how I caught my good wife.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55WOMAN SCREAMS
0:01:55 > 0:01:58The sheriff in these parts is Rodeo Ron, who,
0:01:58 > 0:01:59over the last 15 years,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02has built a little part of the American Frontier
0:02:02 > 0:02:04in the most rural county in Ireland.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07We built a great place here, Drumcoura City.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08Everything is Western here.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12The saloon is Western, all the stables are Western.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15We have all the tack we brought in from the States.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Ron's deputy is stepson Simon, whose idea it was for a festival
0:02:19 > 0:02:22aimed squarely at the country music fan.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25He felt the family ranch was an ideal setting to
0:02:25 > 0:02:28make his country festival dream a reality.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30This is where all the main action happens.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33The main stage is over here,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37and the music comes right the way through, over across the yard.
0:02:37 > 0:02:38This way, acoustically,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41the music just kind of floods out over the yard itself.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43The venue is western country themed.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45We have live country music all the time.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47When I saw one in ten people in the country booked Garth Brooks
0:02:47 > 0:02:49tickets, I thought to myself,
0:02:49 > 0:02:52"That's got potential to have a festival,"
0:02:52 > 0:02:55because there is no true festival, in the traditional sense,
0:02:55 > 0:02:59in the sense of, like, Oxegen or Electric Picnic,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01country music doesn't have that kind of event.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05# Just going to be a country boy... #
0:03:05 > 0:03:08With over 80,000 euros invested,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Simon is hoping the country music loving public turn out in force.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13There's a lot at stake.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15It's a very, very expensive thing to put on, an event like this,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18so I'm just really, really hopeful that it's going to be a big
0:03:18 > 0:03:21success this year, we're going to have the numbers.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23We've got a roof over our heads so it's not weather dependent,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26but it makes such a difference when the sun's out as well.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28On a day like today, there's no better place to be.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30Drumcoura's so beautiful, you know?
0:03:30 > 0:03:32# Just want to be a country boy, that's all. #
0:03:35 > 0:03:38One man who'd agree with Simon that there is no better place than
0:03:38 > 0:03:40Drumcoura is stable worker Paul Duffy.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43He blazed his own trail to the ranch.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44Nine months ago he quit
0:03:44 > 0:03:49his job as a truck driver, donned a Stetson and bought himself a horse.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51This is Dollar and Spirit.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Myself and Dollar are together now...
0:03:53 > 0:03:56about five months together now.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Dollar took the place of a woman, you know,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02so that makes her very special.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04INTERVIEWER: What would you prefer, the woman or the horse?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Oh, definitely the horse.
0:04:06 > 0:04:07Less complicated.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15Jack is very horny today. He sees a piece of ass, he wants it.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17All right, Jack.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19JACK WHINNIES
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Paul moved to Drumcoura for a different way of life.
0:04:22 > 0:04:28He now works and lives in the stables, with 16 western horses.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32The attraction is I love the Wild West part of it, I love the horses,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I love the people here,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and all I can say is that I'm living the dream.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41This is the room where I live.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44This is a very special room to me,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47because I have all my things that I love here.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49You see the pictures of all the Indians I have.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51I used to have all them hanging in my truck.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53The day that I met Simon in Kilbeggan,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57I actually bought this in Kilbeggan that day.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59You know, so...
0:05:01 > 0:05:03What do you think?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06When I was little and growing up and playing games,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08the only thing I ever played was cowboys and Indians.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10It was the only game I ever knew how to play.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Where we lived, we had a tree down the end of our garden,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16and the branches used to come out like that, and it went up
0:05:16 > 0:05:20and went over, and I used to make that my horse. That was my horse.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21Paul is single and loves to jive.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25The festival will be a chance for him to hit the dancefloor
0:05:25 > 0:05:28with some of the thousands of women expected to attend.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30I wear this to the pub, when I'm going out to the pub,
0:05:30 > 0:05:32I wear it when I'm going dancing.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34Not that I could... I could have one dance in it.
0:05:34 > 0:05:35I enjoy one dance with the jacket on,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37but after that it gets a bit too hot.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42# Tell me, darling, is there someone else sharing all my love? #
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Though he still has hopes of finding true love,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49right now there is only one filly in his life.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Yeah. I'll give you your hay.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53'Now, Dollar's a very special horse.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56'I fell in love with Dollar the first day I ever seen her.'
0:05:56 > 0:05:58The tail reminds me of a woman I was going out with in Longford.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01She had long hair. I used to brush her hair, you know.
0:06:01 > 0:06:02I'm getting a better reaction
0:06:02 > 0:06:04from Dollar than I used to get from her, you know!
0:06:04 > 0:06:07I think Dollar prefers me brushing her tail.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13MUSIC: The Craic by Johnny Brady
0:06:13 > 0:06:15# Going out for the craic Guitar on my back
0:06:15 > 0:06:18# Gonna sing and dance all night
0:06:18 > 0:06:21# And we ain't gonna finish till we drink all the Guinness
0:06:21 > 0:06:23# And almost all the Coors Light... #
0:06:23 > 0:06:25In Kildress, County Tyrone,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Orla and her friends are looking forward to a weekend of dancing
0:06:29 > 0:06:32at the festival, and, like Paul, they also have a love of horses.
0:06:35 > 0:06:36I have horses.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Most of us, actually, are into the horses,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42so we would show jump them and compete them, and I've had horses
0:06:42 > 0:06:46from... We were about five, had our very first horse, so...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48No, horses are a big, big thing for me, and if a man doesn't like
0:06:48 > 0:06:51a horse, well, then it's a no-go. Absolutely not.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Tonight's girls' night out is a barn dance in Dungiven.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57It's all the young ones are going to the country dances now.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58Yeah, it's got so big.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Don't even need to go to the nightclubs any more.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04Country music is more social, definitely.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06Country music, more relaxed.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10You don't really need to drink a lot in order to interact with people.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13People are quite... more forward because if they see
0:07:13 > 0:07:17that you can dance, they don't mind just going round talking to you.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- Not even that but the boys are more friendly.- Yeah.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22See when we go to a nightclub now, after it, oh, my God,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25the boys would shove you, shove you into the bar and everything,
0:07:25 > 0:07:27whereas boys step out of the way for you.
0:07:27 > 0:07:3127-year-old Cliona is an aspiring singer with her sights
0:07:31 > 0:07:34set on country music stardom.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37She's been given a Sunday afternoon slot at the festival,
0:07:37 > 0:07:42and the performance could be her big break onto the circuit.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44The first single coming out is called
0:07:44 > 0:07:46We're All Gonna Die Someday.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49It's just a fun wee...wee song, aye.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Good to dance to, of course, as well.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55MUSIC: We're All Gonna Die Someday by Cliona
0:07:55 > 0:07:57# We're all gonna die someday, Lord
0:07:57 > 0:08:00# We are all gonna die someday
0:08:00 > 0:08:02# Mamma's on pills Daddy's over the hill
0:08:02 > 0:08:04# We are all gonna die someday. #
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Nothing's guaranteed,
0:08:06 > 0:08:11and it's just trying to get your foot in through the door, I suppose.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Cos there's not really that many girls out... You know,
0:08:13 > 0:08:17with the country singing, it's predominantly males, yeah.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19# Come down the mountain, Katie Daly
0:08:19 > 0:08:21# Down from the mountain
0:08:21 > 0:08:24# Come down from the mountain, Katie, do
0:08:24 > 0:08:25# Down from the mountain
0:08:25 > 0:08:30# Oh, can't you hear us calling, Katie Daly?
0:08:30 > 0:08:33# We want to drink your Irish mountain dew
0:08:34 > 0:08:38# Her old man, Katie, came from Tipperary
0:08:39 > 0:08:42# In the pioneering year of '42
0:08:44 > 0:08:47# Her old man, he was shot in Tombstone City
0:08:48 > 0:08:52# For the making of the Irish mountain dew... #
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Barn dances like tonight's in Dungiven are proof of just
0:08:56 > 0:08:58how popular the music has become.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02For a generation of rural young people,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04country music is the new clubbing.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09# We wan to drink your Irish mountain dew. #
0:09:16 > 0:09:19In a different kind of barn, young farmer Jimmy knows why
0:09:19 > 0:09:22the music has such appeal in rural communities.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26This country music, it's more our...our thing.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29It's right in line with what we're thinking, like.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32You know, a song about a tractor,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35or a farmer's wife or a farmer's daughter, it's sort of...
0:09:35 > 0:09:38we've all something in common that way.
0:09:38 > 0:09:39You know, we can relate to it.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45This here's not a glamorous job. It's not nice.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47I'd rather be out dancing with the women or having craic with
0:09:47 > 0:09:50the fellas than standing here.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53The sooner you get right up, get away, the better, sort of thing.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Jimmy and his farming mates will be earning their spurs
0:09:56 > 0:10:00at Cowboys & Heroes, their first festival experience.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Supposed to be camping. We've never camped in our lives,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05so I don't know what it's going to end up like.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06It's a bit of fun, like.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Never built a tent or nothing in our lives either.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12There's a fancy dress competition as well.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14We're going to try, have a wee go at it as well.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Try a bit of dancing if we can, like.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Wouldn't be the best at the dancing, but we'll try our best.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23COW MOOS
0:10:23 > 0:10:26MUSIC: Ireland's Turning Country by Jim Devine
0:10:28 > 0:10:31# Oh, Ireland's turning country
0:10:31 > 0:10:33# That's the word out on the street
0:10:33 > 0:10:35# And everywhere you go
0:10:35 > 0:10:38# Toes are tapping to the beat... #
0:10:38 > 0:10:41With only a week to go until sun-up on the festival,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43preparations are well under way.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46I'm going to take the end of the reins in my left hand,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49take my right hand here, and we're going to go out to the arena,
0:10:49 > 0:10:52and show you some things with country and western music.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Walk on, Monty.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Ron is responsible for the festival's western horse show,
0:10:56 > 0:11:00which features some line-dancing horses...obviously!
0:11:00 > 0:11:02# Oh, Ireland's turning country
0:11:02 > 0:11:04# Everywhere you go
0:11:04 > 0:11:07# From Cork right up to Donegal
0:11:07 > 0:11:09# From Dublin to Mayo... #
0:11:09 > 0:11:12With the dancing horses learning the routine,
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Simon is in the office, and it's high noon for the festival finance.
0:11:16 > 0:11:20I have so much left to cover. I think there's 70,000 euros to go
0:11:20 > 0:11:22through between now and the 19th of July,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24and obviously ticket sales aren't where we want them to be,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27so we need to do a massive push. One week to go.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30You know, we really, really need a lot more sales.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32I think we're at 1,200 and we need to be at 2,000,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34so we're miles and miles off.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36So it could end up being a very expensive weekend
0:11:36 > 0:11:38if we don't sort it out somehow.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40'We started so strong.'
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Like, the first couple of weeks we had a few hundred tickets,
0:11:42 > 0:11:43I think 250 tickets,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46and I thought we were very much on the pig's back at that stage.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49But things have really slowed down in terms of ticket sales.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53We're getting sales of five here, six there in each day,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56but our break-even point is 1,800, and we're a week out, so,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58yeah, I'm really feeling the pressure at the moment.
0:12:03 > 0:12:04HORN BLASTS
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Some of those who have bought tickets are the Kennedys,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11a trucking family from Kildare.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16We fell out this morning to start off with!
0:12:16 > 0:12:17INDISTINCT
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- Who are you going to see?- Nathan Carter.- Do you like him?- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- What song do you like?- Wagon Wheel.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Who are you going to see, Jake?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- I don't now.- Anybody?
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Cowboys & Heroes isn't just about the music,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36it's a celebration of Americana, and includes a vintage car show.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40The Kennedys will be driving their imported American trucks
0:12:40 > 0:12:41to show at the festival.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Well, we were always into trucks,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46so I'm sure these ones are like the big boys' toys.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47So it's like lads
0:12:47 > 0:12:52into helicopters and boats, and we're just into big American trucks.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- This weekend's supposed to be great, though, Jimmy, you know?- Yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01Cowboys and horses and horse riding and bull riding and shooting.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04For someone who lives and breathes the American Dream,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Jimmy has never actually been.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09No, I've never been to America. I've this fear of flying.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14Every year I say, "I'll go this year," but something changes.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Someday I reckon I'll get there by flying even.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19I want to go do that Route 66.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20HORN BLASTS
0:13:20 > 0:13:23# If you ever plan to motor west... #
0:13:24 > 0:13:28It may not be Route 66 but, after a few hours on the M4,
0:13:28 > 0:13:32the Kennedys will arrive in a little corner of America.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36# Get your kicks on Route 66. #
0:13:36 > 0:13:39America's some place, you know what I mean?
0:13:39 > 0:13:42So they reckon Leitrim is like America for the weekend, you know?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44HORN BLASTS
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Having left a sunny Kildare,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49the Kennedys arrive at a waterlogged Cowboys & Heroes.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Rain like this threatens to keep potential customers away.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56With torrential downpours throughout the day,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Simon's got his work cut out, frantically organising
0:13:59 > 0:14:02the camping fields and getting the festival under way.
0:14:02 > 0:14:03We're missing generators.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05I've got fencing that hasn't come down yet,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07and I've got a crazy amount to get done.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- How much more space for camper vans? - Maybe ten more.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12He doesn't want to pay the 20 euros for the field.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13How are you getting on, sir?
0:14:13 > 0:14:16This is an absolute disaster.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17It's a quagmire down here.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20He wants to lock it hard left there.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23He's stuck again. He's going to have to go back again.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28We don't need to be splitting channels. It doesn't make sense.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30I want to know if something happens.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33This morning's been torrential rain. Really, really bad.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35The field, parking's just a no-no in the back.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36I'm trying to get everyone
0:14:36 > 0:14:39to take park and ride, but people are going to turn up.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40It's only the start of things.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43But despite his best efforts, some punters still aren't happy.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- I can't do anything about the weather.- No, I know that.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I sincerely apologise that you guys aren't happy,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50but I gave you three different camping options.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52It was crazy to go in that field. It's not a driving field.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54They're all waterlogged up there, too, so.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Is there any way of getting a tractor to pull us out or something?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00We're all soaked - clothes, sleeping bags, the lot.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02I can't do anything about the rain.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04I offered him three different parking spaces,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07and he drove his car into a field that was just not to be driven into.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09So...and now he wants to be towed out, and he wants to go.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11With people choosing to stay at home,
0:15:11 > 0:15:13and some of those who have arrived turning back,
0:15:13 > 0:15:18Simon's hopes of reaching his target to break even are being washed away.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21It's going to be a manic day. Very, very manic day.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Oh, no!
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Cliona and the girls have arrived for the first day of the festival.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27That is not glamping!
0:15:27 > 0:15:29They've dressed for the weather.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Pity THAT weather hasn't turned up.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Oh, my God, girls. I had to wear all white! What was I thinking?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Glamorous!
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Cliona, I hope you brought your guitar with you.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42There's the campfire.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Where did she go?- Sing-song!
0:15:45 > 0:15:49They are sensibly checking into a glamorous pre-built tent.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Wipe your feet.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01On the other side of the campsite, Jimmy and friends also seem to be
0:16:01 > 0:16:04having a problem with the mud.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- Right, that's us. - LAUGHTER
0:16:07 > 0:16:09We'll get out and see how deep she is.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Right. Yep. Up.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Well, we got stuck a wee bit.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Probably in the driest bit of the field, too,
0:16:18 > 0:16:20but it isn't a good start, but we'll get it sorted.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I'd have thought it'd have been sunshine in the middle of July
0:16:23 > 0:16:25going for a camping weekend.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26It's the complete opposite.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28When do these things ever go to plan?
0:16:33 > 0:16:34THEY CHEER
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Back in the glamping field, the girls are dealing with
0:16:40 > 0:16:42the challenges of getting ready for a night out
0:16:42 > 0:16:44at a waterlogged festival.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Changing before we go? - Can we go in wellies, though?
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- I'm wearing my wellies up.- Yeah.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- What about a blow dryer? - THEY LAUGH
0:16:53 > 0:16:56At least I don't have any fake tan on.
0:16:56 > 0:16:57THEY LAUGH
0:16:59 > 0:17:03If wardrobe decisions and fake tan are problems for the girls,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05well, at least they have shelter...
0:17:05 > 0:17:07It's not a pop-up tent.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09..which is more than can be said for the boys
0:17:09 > 0:17:11on their first camping weekend.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17That's what it looks like. There you go. Build that.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Watch where you're poking that thing.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Where is this here? I want to find out where this goes.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27I can use it as an aerial later maybe.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31You need to turn around. You need a good view.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35Need something nice. Here, face her that way towards the Massey.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- After-party at our house.- Our tent.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44# Jump down, turn around pick a bale of cotton
0:17:44 > 0:17:46# Jump down, turn around pick a bale a day
0:17:46 > 0:17:49# Jump down, turn around pick a bale of cotton
0:17:49 > 0:17:51# Jump down, turn around pick a bale a day... #
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Come evening, the rain is still falling, but crowds
0:17:56 > 0:17:58are beginning to fill the main arena.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04# Yeah, we're gonna jump down, turn around, pick a bale of cotton
0:18:04 > 0:18:06# Jump down, turn around pick a bale a day... #
0:18:06 > 0:18:09Great for doing the line-dancing in.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13But the rain has brought a further challenge for Simon.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15The damp has affected the electrics...
0:18:15 > 0:18:17MUSIC STOPS
0:18:19 > 0:18:21..and the first act is cut down mid-song.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Jimmy Buckley's band rein in the crowd
0:18:26 > 0:18:29while the frontman waits for his mic to come back on.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31MUSIC STARTS CHEERING
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Generator problems sorted, they get on with the next number.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45# Workin' all summer just to try and make a dollar... #
0:18:45 > 0:18:49And before too long, the lights are back up and running, too.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51# The boss said, "No dice, son you gotta work late."
0:18:51 > 0:18:54# Sometimes I wonder what I'mma gonna do
0:18:54 > 0:18:57# Cos there ain't no cure for the summertime blues. #
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Despite the summertime blues,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01the country fans are enjoying their heroes.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Across the yard, Cowboy Paul and his horse Dollar
0:19:04 > 0:19:07are braving the elements to bring the crowds the Western horse show,
0:19:07 > 0:19:11a unique part of the Drumcoura City experience.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14It's very mucky out there. Very slippy ground.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- TANNOY:- 'The quarterhorse is a very versatile horse.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23'It's used in the States for roping, for cattle, for ranching.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26'Paul Duffy is riding a horse that is called Dollar.'
0:19:29 > 0:19:31The Kennedy clan are keen spectators,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34and Tony can't resist becoming a real cowboy.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38At least for a few minutes.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41That's what it's all about, isn't it? Cowboys, eh?
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Next year, boys, what we'll do is, we'll trade the trucks,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45we'll buy a few stallions.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- I hope they're not all stallions. - THEY LAUGH
0:19:49 > 0:19:50'Very good, very good.'
0:19:53 > 0:19:57She done very well for me, didn't you? You did. Yeah, you did.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00And now you want to scratch yourself, don't you? Yeah.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04No, it all went very well. Now, you OK now? Yeah?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06With Dollar's work done for the day,
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Paul is ready to cut loose at the festival.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11I'm looking forward to Mike Denver playing,
0:20:11 > 0:20:14and I'm looking forward to the Cash band playing here.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15Looking forward to them.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Hopefully it'll be a good night, good craic.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19And we'll dance a lot.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22# We're going dancing tonight
0:20:22 > 0:20:24# Won't you come along? #
0:20:24 > 0:20:28Despite the rain, country fans are a hardy bunch,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30and into the evening, paying customers are still arriving.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32People are getting here.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35I mean, despite everything, no parking, lashings of rain,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37people are pouring into the place.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40We've put this much into it, building a name, a reputation,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and we've gone through an awful lot this weekend so far.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45I don't know if it's going to get any better in terms
0:20:45 > 0:20:48of weather, but that's fine, you know, we'll work through it.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50# Got some bills to pay
0:20:50 > 0:20:53# But they're gonna have to wait
0:20:53 > 0:20:57# So come on down It's time to celebrate
0:20:57 > 0:21:00# We're going dancing tonight
0:21:00 > 0:21:02# Won't you come along?
0:21:02 > 0:21:05# We're staying out late till the sun comes up
0:21:05 > 0:21:07# Singing those good old songs
0:21:07 > 0:21:10# Gonna have a real good time
0:21:10 > 0:21:12# You know we can't go wrong
0:21:12 > 0:21:14# Welcome to... #
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Out of the saddle and onto the floor,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Paul's jiving skills are impressing the visiting ladies.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23I sussed him out, I saw him on the floor, I knew he could move.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27I think men have to be a bit like horses. They have to move well.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Oh, I like that!
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Yeah, I hope we do jive for a long time together.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33I reckon I could teach him a few moves.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Paul may even have to choose between a woman and a horse...again.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41That statement I made before about, "Dollar comes first,"
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I think there could be a little negotiation there.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48That sounds good. That sounds good to me.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50# I could dance all night long
0:21:50 > 0:21:53# What's a nice girl like you
0:21:53 > 0:21:56# Doing in a place like this?
0:21:56 > 0:22:00# Baby, how about a little kiss?
0:22:00 > 0:22:02# We're having a party tonight. #
0:22:02 > 0:22:05As Nathan Carter rounds off a successful night,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Simon can finally relax.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Beyond my expectations.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11We got more people in there tonight
0:22:11 > 0:22:14than I was expecting on a sunny, sunny summer's day.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16I don't know exactly what the numbers are.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19We've got to go back to the office probably tonight and figure that out
0:22:19 > 0:22:23with the takings, whatever else, but it's been a pretty damn good day.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29It's Sunday morning, and,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32after the torrential rain of the day before,
0:22:32 > 0:22:35finally there are blue skies over Drumcoura City.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42MUSIC: Amarillo By Morning by George Strait
0:22:43 > 0:22:45# Amarillo by morning
0:22:47 > 0:22:49# Up from San Antone. #
0:22:51 > 0:22:54At the glamping field, the girls are making the most of the sunshine.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYS
0:23:00 > 0:23:04# I don't need fame
0:23:05 > 0:23:11# No-one to know my name
0:23:11 > 0:23:14# At the end of the day
0:23:14 > 0:23:17# Lord, I pray
0:23:17 > 0:23:21# I have a life that's good... #
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- Altogether now!- Whoo!
0:23:26 > 0:23:29# Two arms around me
0:23:29 > 0:23:32# Helping to ground me
0:23:32 > 0:23:36# And a family that always calls me home... #
0:23:36 > 0:23:40Tonight, on the main stage, Cliona will perform in front
0:23:40 > 0:23:44of a much bigger festival crowd for the very first time.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47# Sweet, sweet, sweet song
0:23:48 > 0:23:52# At the end of the day
0:23:52 > 0:23:54# Lord, I pray
0:23:55 > 0:23:59# I have a life that's good. #
0:24:00 > 0:24:04With a few hours to kill before Cliona's performance,
0:24:04 > 0:24:08the horse-loving girls join the crowds at the western horse show.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11What's the best way to stop a horse? Use the reins.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Yeah, pull back on the reins. OK. These are reins.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Happens in Ireland every day. It rains.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18And we have some people in the crowd as well
0:24:18 > 0:24:20that are going to help us out.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Now, these people in the crowd have never been on western horses before,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27but I understand they've ridden European riding.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28The girls are all experienced riders,
0:24:28 > 0:24:32but being western cowgirls is something completely different.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35All right, let's back up your horse two steps.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- Pull back, say, "Back, back, back." - Back, back, back.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40MAN IMITATES LORRY REVERSING BEEPS
0:24:42 > 0:24:43OK. That's pretty good.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46# Like a rhinestone cowboy
0:24:48 > 0:24:54# Riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo. #
0:24:54 > 0:24:58This is the ultimate cowgirl experience, I think. It's brilliant.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00The last 24 hours have been fabulous.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04Between the western riding, the dancing, everything,
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- it's brilliant.- Cowgirl experience at its best.- I know!
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Dressed as cowgirls. Just a lovely atmosphere.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- You'd actually think you're in America.- Yeah.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14You'd think you're in the Wild West.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17With the music about to start on the final day,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Paul is keen to line up some potential dancing partners.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- Oh, we love Dollar. Her markings are gorgeous.- Yeah, you like her, yeah?
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- She's a wee sweetie. - A perfect wee match.- I love her.- Aw!
0:25:28 > 0:25:30I actually left a woman for Dollar.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32THEY LAUGH
0:25:32 > 0:25:34We're still good friends, because she's happy
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- that I left her for a horse. - THEY LAUGH
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- Any of you can jive? - Of course we can.- Yeah?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- So we'll get a jive later on, you?- Yes.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46# Only one thing on my mind
0:25:46 > 0:25:49# I'm here for a good time
0:25:49 > 0:25:51# I've often wondered
0:25:51 > 0:25:54# Where would I have been
0:25:54 > 0:25:56# If I had have asked her
0:25:56 > 0:25:58# A little bit faster? #
0:25:58 > 0:26:01The festival encourages a country dress code.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03The Hillsborough boys, however,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06have opted for something more like country...side?
0:26:10 > 0:26:13And they aren't the easiest outfits to dance in, either.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Some fine costumes. That's some serious effort you put in.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- Did you make them yourselves? - Oh, aye, yeah.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Fair play to you, lads.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23At the American car show,
0:26:23 > 0:26:28the Kennedys' vintage trucks are getting plenty of attention.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Girls, do you want to look at the truck? Don't be shy.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35Here's to champagne.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39HORN BLASTS
0:26:40 > 0:26:41Whoo!
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Cliona is hoping to make it big on the Irish country music circuit,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49and tonight's performance on the Cowboys & Heroes stage
0:26:49 > 0:26:51may just be the start.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53# We're all gonna die someday, Lord
0:26:53 > 0:26:56# We're all gonna die someday
0:26:56 > 0:26:59# Mamma's on pills Daddy's over the hill
0:26:59 > 0:27:01# But we're all gonna die someday
0:27:02 > 0:27:05# Well, it hurts down here on Earth, Lord
0:27:05 > 0:27:07# It hurts down here on Earth
0:27:07 > 0:27:10# It hurts down here cos we're running out of beer
0:27:10 > 0:27:13# But we're all gonna die someday
0:27:13 > 0:27:15# Yeah, we're all gonna die someday, Lord
0:27:15 > 0:27:18# We are all gonna die someday
0:27:18 > 0:27:20# Mamma's on pills Daddy's over the hill
0:27:20 > 0:27:23# But we're all going to die someday, hey! #
0:27:25 > 0:27:27Cliona's performance has hit the right note,
0:27:27 > 0:27:29and not just with the festival crowd.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32That's my card there. We do a few shows around the country.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34We do about 20 shows around the country. Give me a shout.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Oh, I will do. Thank you very much, Brian.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39THEY CHEER
0:27:40 > 0:27:42# Tour a lour and a tour a lay
0:27:42 > 0:27:44# It's in my DNA... #
0:27:44 > 0:27:48It's been a little corner of the Wild West in rural
0:27:48 > 0:27:50County Leitrim and, as Leigh Matthews takes to the stage for
0:27:50 > 0:27:55one last hoedown, Simon is delighted with the way things have worked out.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I think it's worked out pretty well, you know.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01We've had more numbers than we were expecting.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Over the course of the weekend, probably 6,000 or 7,000.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07And that's phenomenal.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Second year, country music event, absolutely phenomenal.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12We're delighted.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14# There's Irish in America
0:28:14 > 0:28:16# There's Irish in Berlin
0:28:16 > 0:28:18# You'll find us down the local
0:28:18 > 0:28:20# Or even in the gym
0:28:20 > 0:28:23# We'll speak in foreign accents
0:28:23 > 0:28:25# Wearing multicoloured ties
0:28:25 > 0:28:28# There's just no way of running from the fact
0:28:28 > 0:28:30# There's Irish in our eyes
0:28:30 > 0:28:33# There's just no way of running from the fact
0:28:33 > 0:28:36# There's Irish in our eyes... #
0:28:39 > 0:28:40Hey!
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Here we go!
0:28:54 > 0:28:57# Tour a lour and a tour a lay Hey! #