Derek Ryan started out in life as a pop star in the early Noughties with teen idols D-Side. With hits including Real World, he performed on the BBC’s iconic Top Of The Pops TV chart show and played major venues such as London’s Wembley Arena and Dublin’s Point Theatre, now the 3Arena. However, when D-Side eventually fizzled out, Derek found himself struggling to make ends meet playing the pubs in London. Now one of Ireland’s top country singers and a prolific songwriter, here on My Country Life, Derek now recalls his idyllic childhood growing up in Milltown, Garryhill, Co Carlow, and his rollercoaster ride in the fast lane of pop music. He reveals how seeing Nathan Carter performing was a turning point in his career, and he recalls the pain of losing his beloved mum, Sally, who inspired his poignant song, To Waltz With My Mother Again.

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