Before a single note was sung, the tone was already set: light-hearted, warm, and unmistakably Harkin. Before the song began, Keith Harkin made some humorous remarks about his sister Rebecca and the band, drawing laughter from the cruise audience.
With a grin, he shared that they had only rehearsed the duet half an hour before the show—for the first time in four years. He then playfully warned the crowd that the band had never played “Book of Love” before, and if there were any mistakes, it was simply because he and Rebecca are “cool”.
Watch their duet below.
Then, the real magic began. The siblings launched into their rendition of Book of Love—and from the first harmony, the room was captivated. The smooth blend of their voices and the easy chemistry that only siblings share made the performance feel both intimate and timeless. By the final chorus, the audience was completely enchanted.
Though spontaneous, the duet felt polished and heartfelt, with Keith’s signature tone and Rebecca’s gentle vocals weaving seamlessly together.
Fans were quick to share their love online: “Wow, what a talented sister-brother act,” wrote one viewer. “They sound good together,” said another. From heartfelt admiration to nostalgic movie references (Shall We Dance, anyone?), the comments rolled in, cementing the duet as a fan favorite.
Meet the Harkins: A Musical Family Rooted in Donegal
From soap-making parents to chart-topping albums, the Harkins are proudly Irish through and through
Keith Harkin, born in Derry and raised in Donegal, is no stranger to the spotlight. Since launching a solo career in 2012 after finding fame with Celtic Thunder, he’s toured internationally, topped charts, and built a devoted fanbase known as the Harkin Army. But no matter how far his music takes him, his heart—and inspiration—remain rooted in Ireland and family.
His sister Rebecca Harkin is a rising musician in her own right. Carving a path across Donegal, Derry, and even the U.S., Rebecca has impressed many with her soulful voice and determination. In fact, when asked who he looks up to in Donegal, Keith proudly named his “wee sister Rebecca,” saying, “I respect young people who do their own thing and make things happen for themselves. They are the ones that keep the Donegal flag flying.”
Their parents, Kevin and Siobhan Harkin, are handmade soap producers in Donegal, adding another creative layer to this multi-talented family. Whether on stage, in the studio, or at home, the Harkins embody artistry, authenticity, and heart.
So when Keith and Rebecca came together on stage for Book of Love, it wasn’t just a musical performance—it was a celebration of family, roots, and the kind of connection that can only be born of shared memories, melodies, and mischief.
