Laois trio perform at national launch of Government strategy for disabled people

A PORTLAOISE band had the honour of performing at the launch of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 – 2030.

The Bass Brothers comprising of Tony McInerney, James McInerney and Martin Donoghue put on a blistering set when they performed two original songs called ‘What I’ll always be’ and ‘Go with the Flow’ to a packed audience in the Mansion House in Dublin.

Both Tony and James are vision impaired, making their performance more relevant.

The trio are part of Music Generation Laois. They take their music influences from country music and folk. The band write and record original songs, as well as perform country classics.

They have performed at many events, including the National Ploughing Championships, The Old Fort Quarter Festival and were part of a cross-border music project led by Music Generation Laois, entitled ‘Isle of Song’ as well as performing at the Stendhal Festival in Limavady.

Members of the audience included Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, Minister of State with responsibly for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton, as well as multiple other Government Ministers.

There was also significant involvement from the disabled community and their representative organisations on the day.

The launch of the strategy marked a rare blend of art and politics in which Government Ministers’ participation didn’t go unnoticed. 

For the band, who are proud members of the Traveller community, it was a statement of cultural pride and a reminder of music’s power to transcend boundaries. As they left the stage to a standing ovation, it was clear they had left a lasting impression on those in attendance.

For more information on the launch of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 – 2030, log onto gov.ie/disabilitystrategy