In entertainment news Ireland, Nicole Lonergan is proving that talent, timing and tenacity can take a musician from childhood sessions to some of the biggest stages in Irish performance. The Waterford fiddle player, now known for her work with BIIRD, Block Rockin’ Beats and Riverdance, has opened up about the path that shaped her career — and why her next chapter could be her most exciting yet.
Raised in a musical family, Lonergan’s connection to the fiddle began almost before she could speak. With a mother who danced and a grandmother who played, music was woven into everyday life. She recalled spending much of her childhood performing alongside family, an upbringing that made the instrument feel less like a choice and more like destiny.
That early immersion would become the foundation for a career that has steadily gathered pace, earning her a place in Irish entertainment news as one of the most versatile performers to watch.
Nicole Lonergan’s rise in entertainment news Ireland
Lonergan has said she knew from a young age that music was the only road she wanted to take. A formative TV moment watching violin star Máiréad Nesbitt left a lasting mark, giving her a clear ambition at an age when most children are still figuring out their hobbies.
Even when others questioned whether music could become a full-time profession, Lonergan kept her focus. She studied Music at University College Cork, graduating in 2016 — a year that also brought a major opportunity when Lord of the Dance was recruiting in Cork.
Landing that role was a turning point. She reportedly gave herself five years to see if she could make music work full-time. A decade on, that gamble has paid off.
- Performed with Lord of the Dance early in her professional career
- Joined Riverdance in 2019 after working toward it for years
- Built a varied portfolio spanning live shows, solo events and collaborations
- Balanced traditional Irish music with modern crossover performance
A career built on versatility
One reason Lonergan stands out in music news Ireland is her range. She has moved comfortably between high-profile touring productions, trad-led performance and modern crossover work with Declan “Dec” Pierce’s Block Rockin’ Beats.
After several years on the road with Riverdance, she began thinking more seriously about staying closer to home. That shift led her to share more music online, where new opportunities started to emerge. It was through that digital visibility that Dec Pierce reached out and invited her to join Block Rockin’ Beats, adding another dynamic layer to her growing profile.
Her role in BIIRD is another key piece of the story. The group, spearheaded by Lisa Canny, had been in development long before it reached audiences. According to Lonergan, the idea had been discussed years earlier, but pandemic disruption delayed its momentum. Now, with BIIRD gaining attention, the long wait appears to have been worth it.
Why adaptability matters
Lonergan has highlighted adaptability as essential for any working musician. Moving between genres, productions and performance settings has not only expanded her experience, but also deepened her command of the instrument. That flexibility is increasingly valuable across entertainment stories Ireland, where artists are expected to evolve across live performance, digital platforms and collaborative projects.
What comes next for Nicole Lonergan?
The Waterford artist is now preparing to unveil a new project, teasing it as something designed to let her be “in five places at the same time.” While details remain under wraps, the phrase suggests an ambitious creative step that could blend performance, technology and personal branding in fresh ways.
For followers of entertainment news Ireland, it is another sign that Lonergan is entering a new phase — one that builds on years of discipline, family tradition and a willingness to keep reinventing her sound.
In a busy week for Irish celebrity news and pop culture Ireland, Lonergan’s story stands out because it is rooted in craft. Her journey shows that lasting success rarely comes overnight; it is built note by note, stage by stage, and opportunity by opportunity.
Takeaway: Nicole Lonergan’s career is a reminder that the best stories in entertainment news Ireland are often the ones powered by persistence. From a child handed a fiddle at three to a performer with multiple high-profile projects, she continues to strike exactly the right chord.
Image Courtesy: Extra.ie
Credit/Courtesy for the Article: Extra.ie
