Country singer Mags McCarthy, who returned from Nashville to her family farm in Co. Cork at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, said she was thrilled to have her latest single, a cover of Dolly Parton’s ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’, reach the charts.
The song which offers a timely message of hope, she said, reached number 49 in the country chart in the US and number 1 on the hot disc European top 40 chart.
“For me, I am grateful just to be in the charts,” said Mags, who has been a huge fan of Dolly Parton since childhood.
Mags, who spent three years as a lead with Rhythm of the Dance and who completed post-graduate studies in ethnomusicology at University College Cork (UCC), is now spending her mornings milking cows.
‘Always something to do on the farm’
“At the moment I am at home on the family farm, helping out and doing what I can to keep my music going. My dad has been farming all his life and now my brother James is on the 185ac dairy farm and we also have beef cattle here in Dripsey, Co. Cork,” she said.
“I have three older brothers and a sister and all of us give a helping hand,” Mags said.
“To be honest, it’s great to be able to get out during these times,” stated Mags, who is on a career break from teaching music in Terence MacSwiney Community College, Knocknaheeny, Co. Cork.
“There is always something to do on the farm and things have been quite busy getting the cubicles and housing ready for the animals for the winter months,” Mags said.
“At the moment we have the cows inside so scraping and liming their cubicles must be done every day. We are also feeding the beef cattle beet and rations. I like the variety of jobs on the farm. I think it’s also a nice way of spending time with my family during the difficult times of Covid-19.
“We will be preparing the cows for their drying-off period and also housing the calves for the winter months. If the boys need any parts, I will always be asked to drive into town to collect them. I also help mam out with chores in the house – it’s good to keep busy.”
Her last gig was for an Irish music session in Blarney in March. “While I’m at home, I do a lot of playing. I am also writing a lot of new songs and preparing for my next single.
“It’s difficult as I miss playing music in public – it’s what I love to do. However, I understand the situation and when we get over the pandemic, I will be able to get back to playing music and travelling,” said Mags.
I am also in contact with people in the US, UK, Europe and Australia through Zoom, email and phone. People at home have been so good to me and my following has been growing every month which I’m absolutely delighted about.
“It’s great to be able to keep in contact with everyone on social media. I am currently growing my following on Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music and I would be delighted if AgriLand readers on any of these would follow me at Mags McCarthy,” she said.
‘Follow their dreams’
“Recently, I got a beautiful handwritten letter from a fan in Enniskillen. After coming in from milking the cows and reading this letter, it really meant a lot. People are so nice to me and I am looking forward to touring again in the future,” said Mags, who counts singing at the White House for former US president Barack Obama as a highlight of her career.
I love hearing how everyone is doing. Everyone is trying to stay positive and keep going. Some people are in tough situations so I’m delighted to be able to get up in the morning, head out on the farm and go around on my Massey 35. It’s a great little tractor and never fails to start.
“I have my own website where people can check out my music and get the latest information. I am grateful for all the love and support I get and look forward to releasing more music,” said Mags.
As she continues her career break, she said that the staff and students at Terence MacSwiney school have been very supportive.
“The students are so talented and I like to encourage them to sing and play musical instruments. I always urge people to follow their dreams as life is short and we have to make the most of it.”