With a catalog full of stirring ballads and rousing anthems, Celtic Thunder has always been known for their ability to balance power with charm. And their playful performance of “Young Love” proved just how effortlessly they can shift gears into comedy and heartwarming fun.
During the Dublin concert, Damian McGinty took center stage for a tender and lighthearted solo. But what truly stole the show was the way his fellow castmates—Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly and Paul Byrom—transformed themselves into adoring “fanboys,” swooning over McGinty in an over-the-top parody of young romance.
The result? Pure comedic gold.
As Damian delivered his smooth and surprisingly mature vocals, the audience couldn’t help but grin—and eventually burst into laughter—as his older bandmates hammed it up in the background. At moments, Damian himself blushed and visibly struggled to hold it together, but his professionalism never faltered, earning him admiration from both the crowd and longtime fans.
This balance of sincerity and humor is part of what has made Celtic Thunder such an enduring live act. The chemistry between the performers shines through, whether they’re belting out dramatic ballads or playfully teasing one another on stage. Fans often highlight “Young Love” as a perfect example of this dynamic—a gentle reminder that sometimes music isn’t just about technical brilliance, but about joy, camaraderie, and the delight of performance.
And fans online couldn’t stop talking about it. One viewer admitted, “Watching this I started grinning, and then barking with laughter. When the light hits right, you can see him blushing and occasionally struggling to hold it together, but he did a great job. Every performer, particularly the young ones, need a bit of gentle trolling. It makes them better in their craft.” Another echoed the sentiment, calling the moment “SOOO DOGGONE ADORABLE!!!”
Others praised Damian’s maturity and talent even at such a young age, with one comment reading, “Little great Damian with a wonderful voice and I love this performance with his CT fans, singing brothers Keith, Paul and Ryan. Well done boys!” Another longtime fan summed it up perfectly: “You watch a performance by Celtic Thunder and think that’s the best, then you watch another performance and it’s even better. There’s no end to the talents of these guys.”
From the audience’s perspective, the skit-like performance of “Young Love” was more than just a lighthearted detour—it was a display of Celtic Thunder’s range, warmth, and brotherly bond on stage. It left viewers with smiles, laughter, and yet another unforgettable memory in the group’s long legacy of standout performances.
What to Know About “Young Love”
“Young Love” was originally recorded in 1959 by country artist Sonny James, who took the sweet, innocent ballad to the top of the charts. The song later became a hit for Tab Hunter and Donny Osmond, solidifying its place as a timeless ode to first romance. Celtic Thunder’s version pays tribute to the song’s nostalgic roots while adding a fresh twist through playful stage antics and youthful energy.
With Damian McGinty’s rich vocals and the cheeky fanboying from Keith, Ryan, and Paul, Celtic Thunder’s rendition of “Young Love” remains one of the group’s most charming and replay-worthy performances—one that continues to win hearts and spark laughter years later.
