Celtic Thunder’s 2009 concert at Casino Rama in Ontario unveiled a dazzling blend of youthful talent and soaring voices, but one performance remains etched in memory: Damian McGinty’s solo rendition of “Home”, captured live and released on the Take Me Home DVD.
Fourteen-year-old McGinty had already begun transforming from boy soprano into baritone powerhouse—and “Home” showcased his dramatic vocal evolution. As the opening piano notes resonated, the audience quieted in anticipation. Then McGinty’s warm, expressive voice filled the hall, each lyric evoking longing, belonging, and emotional resonance.
Behind him, Celtic Thunder’s rich harmonies provided a gentle backing that elevated the solo into a communal moment. Viewers watching the DVD or PBS broadcast described the scene as “magical,” “heart‑steadying,” and “a moment of pure connection,” praising his voice for its maturity and sincerity .
That evening was part of Celtic Thunder’s second major PBS special. It featured hits like “Happy Birthday Sweet 16,” “Every Breath You Take,” and the a cappella “Danny Boy.” Yet “Home” left its own legacy, earning a place on their Home DVD compilation released in 2013.
Over the next four years, McGinty and Celtic Thunder toured North America, topping Billboard’s World Album charts and earning recognition as a theatrical Celtic powerhouse. “Home” became a staple in their set lists—performed again in 2016’s Legacy tour where it sat alongside other fan favorites like “Working Man” and “Desperado”
