Roisin looking forward to Beatles in Ballyshannon tonight

For many music lovers the Beatles represent an iconic era of creativity and cultural revolution. 

Their songs continue to resonate with generations, and their influence on popular music cannot be overstated.

For Roisin Lee, an ardent Beatles fan whose love for the Fab Four goes beyond mere admiration, tonight, Saturday will represent a huge milestone in her lifelong love of the band as she will join with family and other enthusiasts to welcome tribute band The Classic Beatles to the Abbey Arts Centre in Ballyshannon.

From her morning routines to her work, friendships, and travel adventures, Roisin finds endless ways to infuse the band’s music into every aspect of her life. 

She has a group of like-minded Beatles fans as family and friends, and over the years they have gathered for concerts, themed parties and movie nights. In her home, she even has a special area adorned with Beatles memorabilia, and come this Saturday night many more memories to enjoy.

Roisin grew up listening to the band after discovering their music and has never looked back

“We used to have an old record player and with friends Sandra Drummond, Linda Richie and Siobhan McAvenue we used to sing along to them all the time. None of us could play any music but that didn’t stop us.

“My twin brother Ronan and another brother Ken got together and bought me my first Beatles album, The Beatles 1962-1966 also known as the Red Album in the former McKeever’s record shop in the town and I still have it today.”

Roisin finds Beatles music uplifting, putting her in a great mood which often results in spontaneous sing-alongs at home or driving to and from work. She also has great memories of learning the tunes with her brother Ken and Scottish cousin Claire.

She also has great memories of Ken with local musicians Stephen Gallagher, Alan Sweeney and Mo McWeeney forming a band and playing a school concert full of Beatles tracks.

The closest Roisin has got to the band was through a trip to the famous Cavern Club in Liverpool and a Paul McCartney concert in Dublin around 2010.

“They have a Beatles week at the end of August and I’m going again this year. There were some fabulous tribute acts, even one from Korea with three of the four members having the same surname as me, Lee!”

Roisin says preparations for Saturday night’s gig include trying to persuade her friends to dress up in 1960s-theme outfits and hopefully organising an after-concert music session in one of the local pubs.

“My brother Ken has flown in from North Carolina in the US, my other brother and sister Pat and Marion are coming up from Dublin so we’re hoping to have a Beatles sing-along to end the night in one of the local pubs and if the Classic Beatles want to come, they will be more than welcome too!”

The Beatles’ songs have become the soundtrack to her existence, and through her unwavering enthusiasm, she keeps their legacy alive. Roisin reminds us that music has the power to shape and enrich our lives, and the Beatles’ timeless compositions continue to inspire and resonate with fans across the globe, just like they did over half a century ago.

“We’re going to have a big Beatles night in Ballyshannon,”says Roisin.