CelticWomanForum.com

Just look at this: http://yuledark.co.za/celtic-woman-destiny-third-johannesburg-date-added-due-exceptional-demand/

I don't know for sure, but it looks like it to me - maybe since Máiréad is busy with her new solo album, she is just taking a break? ??? Although this lovely, red-hairead violinist is beautiful and I'm sure is very talented, I hope Máiréad is not gone forever - all the original members would be gone. :'(

The same picture is on this website, too: https://www.jacarandafm.com/news-sport/entertainment/another-date-added-celtic-woman-tour/.

According to her forum, Máiréad will tour with LotD this September. So, it might be a short break. Who knows :/ I hope she'll return in time! I wonder if she will be on the new album?

I thought stated pretty recently (at the time when her violin line and her new friend for Mathias were announced) that she was staying with Celtic Woman.

 Then she is at least taking a limited break? Or who is the redhead? After all, Máiréad's said to be in Hong Kong when the others are in Johannesburg  :-\

Surprised on the other link about this no one commented so I had no clue it had to do with her.
When I saw the pic appear the first spot thing that came to me was a new slim red-head.
I was about to say Rebecca is on, but until I saw the violin, I doubted myself, Lisa is on to go trying to the violin. :D

The real question is can this girl do justice as to reincorporate the same magic, and physicality and energy that Mairead
does famously in representing CW.

We all know when Lynn stepped in for Meav she said it be Big Shoes to Fill, ...but this may seem even more big shoes x I'd say.
Choreography (+++)

This is pretty surprising. I'm going to do some digging.

This is Tara McNeill.

Thanks Breno.

I've been looking all over at random pictures of Irish violinists / fiddlers, but I didn't come across her yet.

Were you familiar with her before this? I ask because if you were on a scavenger hunt like I was, I'd love to know where / how you found her. It will hopefully make my future scavenger hunts more efficient.  ;)

Shes in Anuna...She was a member of Anuna for the longest time...which is exactly why i think she is "filling in" for Mairead during CWs South Africa tour since it is so short. Im pretty sure Mairead will be back after that and Tara will go back to being a member of Anuna... :-\   Me being a fan of Anuna, Ive known of Tara for a couple of years, and not seeing her performing with Anuna in videos and not seeing her in pictures with them would just be too odd...

I, too, assume Máiréad will be back - and I am very happy about that. But I think we will nonetheless consider Tara a new member, right? After all, Deirdre and Hayley were also only "fillers" and are still rightfully beloved. Tara is about to start recording her debut album on Monday, by the way (I checked her twitter) and I assume her collaboration with Celtic Woman will be a great kind of advert. As long as Mái will come back I am very happy - I am always keen about new CWuties! I just don't want them to leave... and Anúna always brought great girls to CW. According to her homepage, Tara was the harpist on the Destiny special!

Thanks!

Yes, that would explain why I wouldn't have recognized her. I've seen a small amount of material from Anuna (since several Celtic Woman singers and guests have been in Anuna before). But I'll admit I don't really follow Anuna closely.

I have the strong feeling that I've heard (recently) that someone would be filling in for Mairead, but I can't remember where I would have read that.

It does seem odd to have a special poster made up if it's just for a really short tour in South Africa though. It would be more likely for a venue to have an old poster still advertising Chloë and Meav than to have a new poster for a stand-in performer...

OMG, YES! That's where I've seen her! It was driving me CRAZY! Thank you!

But, well, when Máiréad comes back it would be weird to have a second fiddle,r but since Tara is also a singer and harpist - who knows if she'll be the fifth girl we longed for for so long? Like Alex first replaced Lisa K for a short time and then finally Órlagh.

That would be pretty cool.

I'm still rooting for Rebecca to sing full-time in Celtic Woman though.

Same here! Or we'll just have six :D

In this clip of My Land from Destiny, she makes a few appearances:
https://www.facebook.com/celticwoman/videos/10153855287877838/

This  would  seem  to  be  the  first  departure from  CW's   "unspoken, unofficial"  policy of not  promoting  from within. Just  interesting  to  note.  Another  thoughtful(and  needed)   Meavian  touch  I  think.   :)

Tara's definitely very gorgeous! :-*

(http://static.wixstatic.com/media/3a64a7_2de60d3c3662401da1a2adf8f8bc71fe.jpg/v1/fill/w_205,h_313,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/3a64a7_2de60d3c3662401da1a2adf8f8bc71fe.jpg)

I wonder if she can skip and dance around stage while playing the violin like Máiréad does? :)

I looked for her videos after Destiny and she is a gorgeous singer! We shared our thoughts about her in Brazilian group, everyone wanting her to be a CW, and....! We were predicting the future. :))

If Máiréad comes back, I want Tara to stay as a singer and harpist - she's SO good!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU0icnCtSQs

I absolutely agree! We'd actually go back to the original structure! And Rebecca is obviously busy otherwise!

You know what also could be? That Máiréad will stay with Celtic Woman, but not full time. She's now touring LotD, probably because of it's 20th Anniversary, and then she's making her album and her fiddle line... and she's a bit older than the other girls. Who knows, she might become a kind of part-time member, with Tara 'filling in'?

I really hope the general fan base feels the same way.

Celtic Woman survived the loss of all 4 original singers, but I'm afraid of Mairead leaves, a big chunk of the long-time and newer fans will leave too.

I'll follow Mairead Nesbitt anywhere, but if Tara's the new girl, she's also getting my full support. We've been through so much change over the last (almost) 12 years. I hope that as much as it will hurt if Mairead leaves or operates on a reduced schedule, the fans will embrace Tara.

I just hope we'll get some official news on the new recording and the new (of only part-time) girl!

If Mairead leaves, I'm sorry I never got to meet her.

If it's part time, it still greatly reduces the chances I'll ever get to meet her, but I hope I'll find a way.

Tara retweeted CW tweets about the South Africa tour.

She also retweeted the tweet about the upcoming recording. Maybe that's a hint that she is involved. Maybe even as a principle or at least as harpist

Yes, she's incredibly beautiful!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/610456525891629056/IP9st4_5.jpg)

Capt. Davey over on the Mairead Forum said that "he saw this coming" , so it looks  like Tara may indeed be the new CW fiddler. I need to see her perform on stage before forming an opinion.

Well, it's official, folks:

https://www.facebook.com/maireadnesbittcelticviolinist/posts/1757393424539932:0

Hi Everyone
After taking a bit of a weekend away, I came back only to realize that many of you have seen some press which may have you wondering what I’m up to… so it’s obviously time to tell you.
I’ve made the personal decision to take time off from Celtic Woman to work on some really special projects that are close to me. At the end of this month I’ll be launching my PledgeMusic campaign and I’m hoping you’ll follow me on my journey while I record my brand new album, HIBERNIA. This has been a long time in the making and I’m anxiously awaiting these recording sessions with symphony orchestra, as well as some very dear friends, family and special guests.
Also, now that I have this time away, I’ll be recording an album this fall with my very musical family (in a very unique setting!) as well as introducing my very own Celtic Violin line.
I’ll be sharing these details with you directly as the plans unfold.
I’m really looking forward to the months ahead. I’ll miss my Celtic Woman family while I embark on these projects but it will make it that much more special when I share the stage with them again!
Our fans are second to none & are like family to me. Thank you all so much for your support and I’m looking forward to seeing you all very soon with ?#?Hibernia? & again down the road with Celtic Woman Tour.
With love,
Máiréad

I'm sad to see her step away from Celtic Woman, but happy for what lies ahead for her.

Though Mairead and Celtic Woman may go their separate ways, I look forward to following both of them on whatever is to come.

The beautiful thing is just the way CW developed in the last few years - the lines between member, for member and non-member kind of blurred. Méav, Alex, and Lynn returned, and Alex and Lynn are working with Edel, and Rebecca sometimes works with CW without being a full member, although she's already been in two groups with Lynn, and so on, and then the entire connection to Anúna... CW will have a great new fiddler, and who knows - maybe Tara will work with CW in different ways in the future, not only as a violinist, and apparently, it's no final goodbye from Máiréad:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CpRgWgFXgAE2AhG?format=jpg&name=large)

Tara is wearing Méav's first act dress from Destiny! :-*

Here's the statement from Celtic Woman:

https://www.facebook.com/celticwoman/posts/10154398051527838:0

Hi All,
I wanted to let you know of a change of line up in Celtic Woman.
Our wonderful Celtic Violinist Máiréad Nesbitt is departing to pursue solo projects. Máiréad is very excited about these plans and will be keeping you posted on her social media and through Celtic Woman.
I would like to personally pay tribute to Máiréad who has been a member of Celtic Woman since the very beginning. She had a dynamic musical impact in the show and has continuously thrilled our fans throughout the world. She has elevated Celtic violin playing to a new level. Not only is she a great musician but also a true professional and most importantly a lovely person and a good friend. We wish her the very best with her solo projects and look forward to her playing again with Celtic Woman.
As you can imagine replacing Máiréad is a very difficult task but after a very lengthy process, we are delighted to introduce a new star to the show. We have great pleasure in announcing that Tara McNeill is the newest member of Celtic Woman. We take great pride in the hugely talented women that have been part of our wonderful journey with Celtic Woman. We have always strived to bring you the very best Irish female talent and give them the opportunity to perform to our wonderful fans all over the world.
Tara hails from the great county of Antrim and is a first class honours graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Not only is she is a world class, award winning violinist but a fantastic harpist as well and we look forward to her making a huge contribution to the show. This is a dream come through for her and I know that all of you will give her a big Celtic Woman welcome and help her realise her dreams.
Susan, Eabha and Mairéad are delighted to welcome Tara and are very excited to be working with her. This great new line up will make it's debut in South Africa in September, followed by South Korea and China in October/November. Tara will also feature on a very exciting new Celtic Woman album which will be released in November.
Sending very best wishes and good health to you all. Thank you for your wonderful support and we look forward to seeing you all on tour.
Go n-éirí an bother lib go léir!
Dave Kavanagh
Executive Producer

He also states about a new album? Just a year ago Destiny was filmed/recorded and released. Already a year later and they have another planned? Maybe 2017 tour will be another new tour.

OMG, Tara liked my tweet already and I'm fangirling!!!

I hope so. Chloë, Lisa K, and Lisa L (among others) said much the same thing. I think they expected they might be back some day, but as Chloë and Lisa K have said on many occasions since then, it's hard to go back to something you've left after doing it for so long.

Personally, I doubt she'll ever be back as a full-time member, but may be back down the road for specific tours or albums.

Me too!!!!!

(although I'm more on the fanboy-ing side of things)

I have written down some thoughst on my blog, here are they: http://skydawnsun.tumblr.com/post/148597864726/now-that-m%C3%A1ir%C3%A9ad-nesbitt-will-take-a-limited-break

Whoops, now it's official - and i have to make an update! :D

We all have to respect Mairead`s decision...and this is coming from her UBERFAN...as in "Gonna see Mairead..Gonna see Mairead" , but now I`m ready to welcome Tara and if they come to Providence next year, I`ll STILL get front row seating. I`m grateful to have seen Mairead 6 times and got to meet and chat with her this last time. I`ll be a Tara fan as much as I`m a fan of the other girls....besides, there`s STILL a Mairead..."Miss Personality PLUS"...Mairead Carlin...and Eahba who is STUNNING on stage and even more so in person, up close.

Thank you for posting this!

It makes me so happy that, as such a devoted follower of Mairead Nesbitt, you're so open to Tara as well.

Sorry I'm getting a bit too emotional over some of these posts, but this has been a really trying time for me recently in a lot of non-Celtic-Woman-related ways and seeing stuff like this warms my heart more than you know.

Well Tom, who are we to question Mairead`s decision like spoiled little kids? I`m SURE after 10 years of hectic schedules and THOUSANDS of miles of traveling the world, it`s time for a change. Can`t blame her. Her knees need a rest  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.There has been NUMEROUS changes in the lineup over the years with people saying " NOOOO(fill in the blank)  can`t leave!. But I`ve seen Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe, Chloe, Meav, Lynn, Alex.....now Susan, Mairead C. and Eahba and the show is every bit as good as any I`ve see.....they put 110% into every show .IF they come to my area again...and I sure hope they will...I`ll be front row cheering as much as ever.

Yes!!!!!!!!  :D :D :D

Since this just occurred, I think I can let her join my group called "Team Pleasant".

Here's the link: http://www.celticwomanforum.com/index.php?topic=20970.0

Where can you find or where it is saying say that Alex, Lynn and Meav aren't happy about her departure?

I respect Mairead's decision, however it is sad to "see" her go. I mean, she is THE last ORIGINAL Celtic Woman left for crying out loud.

I am very excited to see what Tara has up her sleeve. 8)

Maybe I should ask CW to come back to Saskatoon again?!  :D

I'm not sure if Mairead Nesbitt will be on the new album. I hope so.

I do know that Tara will be on the new album and I'm super-excited!

Well, Mairead has been playing with the group for about 12 years now (11 years touring with them).  After seeing them early this summer, I had an inkling that not long after this, Mairead might leave the group, either for a long break or permanently, as CW tours tend to be long and somewhat grueling.  After this long with one group (and with her level of talent and personal life), I am not exactly surprised she is leaving, but it isn't something I wanted to see.  Still, let's give Tara a chance here, as she adds the ability to play the harp as well as the violin (something that has been sorely missing since Orla left). 

I was sad to see Alex go.....she was gorgeous , sang great and had a wonderful stage presence.....but along came Lisa Lambe......she was gorgeous, sang great and had a wonderful stage presence....then came EAHBA, she IS gorgeous, sings great and has a wonderful stage presence....yes, we love them all....buuuuut, history has shown that the new girls are pretty awesome , too. I fully expect Tara to totally capture every TRUE CW fan`s hearts.

I love this post!

Check out this AMAZING tribute and rallying cry by moscapoet over on the Mairead Nesbitt forum:

http://maireadforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=6784

Personally, I'm even more motivated out of my mind to support Mairead now!

Mairead gave us a little tour of the family home. She did some Q+A during the video.

One of the questions (as always), was whether or not she's coming back to Celtic Woman. The short answer is she doesn't know. Sounds like she's keeping an open mind about it.

Personally, I'm perfectly happy with all the great things she's getting to do out on her own and she's a pleasure regardless of who she's performing with.

She does plan to tour Hibernia in the US at some point.

Mairead also got a marriage proposal during the video. Lol.

Here's the 20-minute video for your viewing enjoyment:
https://www.facebook.com/maireadnesbittcelticviolinist/videos/1910657295880210/

If Máiréad did come back, Tara could be a principal singer and harpist for CW like Órla. That would be cool! :)

Good  point.  :)

If Mairead did return, they could have a duelling violin moment in the show

True. It would definitely be interesting. Personally, I don't think they would have 2 lead instrumentalists on tour at once (for cost reasons). They would probably have a 4th vocalist before a second instrumentalist.

Still, it's fun to dream of the possibilities and there's always a possibility they could have Mairead and Tara together for one night only on a CW DVD / PBS special.  :D