Commemorative plaque for Oasis founder Tony McCarroll to be unveiled in Offaly

OASIS fans and music enthusiasts are invited to celebrate with founder member Tony McCarroll with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on Saturday August 31^st from 6pm at Kinnitty Parish Hall, in Kinnitty.

Tony is being honoured at this location as he had his first pre-Oasis public performance in Kinnitty Parish Hall, in the early 1980’s. Tony, a founder member of Oasis, played drums on their debut album “Definitely Maybe” selling over 8 million albums worldwide, the singles “Whatever” and on the band’s first number one song “Some Might Say”.

Tony McCarroll’s mother Bridie (O’Donnell) McCarroll is from Kinnitty. Tony lived in Kinnitty for two years with his parents in the 1980’s and went to Kinnitty National School during this time.

When Tony was approached about the commemorative plaque he said “It’s a huge privilege for me, my family and Oasis to be honoured in this way. I’m really looking forward to the event”.

John McFadden, co-organiser and a lifelong friend, who approached Tony about the idea in 2019, added “Tony certainly influenced me to get involved in the music industry, from seeing his first performance in Kinnitty Parish Hall with Seamus Bradley to being on Top of the Pops”. John added “I’m not exactly sure how the idea came about, I think John (Clendennen) and myself were talking about honouring notable people from Kinnitty, and Tony was definitely first to my mind”.

Co-organiser, Cllr John Clendennen said “Kinnitty is a unique village enjoying a number of successful local residents and diaspora that have achieved notoriety at a national and international level over the years. It is great to see the community come together to recognise Tony’s contribution to the music industry, and in particular his success with Oasis and the Definitely Maybe album 30 years ago. This event is very much a celebration, and with so many family members living locally, nobody can dispute Tony’s roots and connection to Kinnitty. It has been a pleasure to be involved in organising the event with John McFadden, and I want to acknowledge the support of Offaly County Council with this Blue Plaque initiative and I hope we can continue with the concept in future years.”

The plaque unveiling coincides with “Definitely Maybe’s” 30^th year anniversary, which is being re-released the day before, Friday August 30^th.

To mark the event, Tony McCarroll will join John McFadden on stage in Kinnitty Community Centre at 7pm for an “In Conversation” event that will be followed by a “Q & A” section from the audience. Tony will then hold a “Meet 'n Greet” with the opportunity for Oasis fans to have their picture taken at Kinnitty Community Centre. After which a night of Oasis music will take place in Giltraps, Kinnitty.

Attendance at the plaque unveiling are free of charge. Tickets for the In Conversation, Q & A and Meet 'n Greet with Tony are available at https://willwego.com/tony-mccarroll-and-john-mcfadden/ priced at €20. Part of the proceeds from the event are being donated to Kinnitty Parish Hall and Kinnitty Community Centre.

Event Schedule – Saturday August 31^st

Plaque Unveiling: Location: Kinnitty Parish Hall, behind Saint Flannan’s Church at 6pm.

In Conversation with Tony McCarroll: Location: Kinnitty Community Centre, Tony will be joined by lifelong friend and Music Industry Lecturer John McFadden from 7pm. Tony will share insights and stories from his time in Oasis, followed by a Q & A session from the audience.

Meet 'n Greet: Location: Kinnitty Community Centre immediately after the “Q & A”.

Night of Oasis Music: Location: Giltraps, Kinnitty from 9.30pm.