The 40th anniversary of song about Killarney that made it to number two in the Irish charts will be marked over the coming months.

Dermot Moriarty with his copy of the album 'Keep it Country' that was recorded 40 years ago this week.

Dermot Moriarty with his copy of the album 'Keep it Country' that was recorded 40 years ago this week.

Forty years on, the story behind the hit record ‘Killarney in my Dreams’ and how two local entertainers made it onto to live television will be remembered this week ahead of a gala celebration at the INEC in October.

Dermot Moriarty and Sean Brosnan (Gypsy Fever) recalled how legendary RTE DJ Paschal Mooney invited them to appear on ‘Keep It Country’ live from the Rose Of Tralee Festival Dome live on September 1 , 1983.

Dermot and Sean asked Denis Allen of ‘Limerick You’re a Lady’ fame if he could write a song at short notice about Killarney.

‘Killarney In My Dreams’ was recorded in Mullingar under the guidance of the great Basil Hendricks.

“On the first TV show which was live on the night was ourselves, Susan McCann, Shaun O’Dowd, TR Dallas and Jessie and the James Boys. The second show on the night was recorded for broadcast at a later date. Twenty-four hours later the Dome was blown down by strong winds,” said Dermot.

“Two weeks later the record ‘Killarney In My Dreams’ went on release. We knew it was selling well, I recall sitting at home having lunch with my parents and listening to Larry Gogan as he played new entries to the charts. I can still hear it as if it was yesterday when Larry said first time into our charts Dermot Moriarty and Sean Brosnan and ‘Killarney In My Dreams’. It made it to Number two, the Furey’s were at Number 1 with Steal Away written by Phil Coulter.”

To celebrate this special occasion and Dermot being on Radio Kerry for 33 years a dance will take place in the Gleneagle Hotel ballroom on October 28 weekend with special guests Louise Morrissey, Patrick O’Sullivan, TR Dallas, Paudie McAuliffe Neily O’Connor, Paddy O’Brien, Bernie Heaney and of course Dermot and Sean Brosnan.