Ash honoured in the Great Northern Songbook Poll

Ash’s ‘Shining Light’ has topped the BBC Radio Ulster Great Northern Songbook Poll, which started with station presenters short-listing 32 of their favourites and the listening public then taking over.

“I’m a bit dumbfounded and very surprised,” remarks Tim Wheeler. “Just looking at the shortlist, there are so many incredible songs. ‘Shining Light’ is ten years old now so it’s great to know it’s still in people’s minds. And it’s the 20th anniversary of Ash this year, so that makes it all the more special.”

The other Top 10 songs in no particular order were Van Morrison’s ‘Madame George’; ‘Alternative Ulster’ by Stiff Little Fingers; ‘Hill Of Thieves’ by Cara Dillon; ‘Freewheel’ by Duke Special; ‘The Island’ by Paul Brady; ‘Teenage Kicks’ by The Undertones; ‘Days Of Pearly Spencer’ by David McWilliams; ‘Big Time’ by Rudi; and ‘Tonight We Fly’ by Divine Comedy.

They were all covered last night at a gala gig in the 150th birthday-celebrating Ulster Hall by Brian Kennedy, RAMs’ Pocket Radio, Cara Dillon, Katharine Phillipa, Ciaran Gribbin, General Fiasco, Barry Lynn, And So I Watch You From Afar, Bronagh Gallagher and The Answer who took care of ‘Shining Light’ – and rightly so them being old Downpatrick pals of Ash.