Mullingar singer teams up with Eurovision legend McGettigan
Collette Brady McEntee, who describes herself as a “folk-pop artist”, and Eurovision legend Charlie McGettigan have recorded a new duet, ‘Valentine”, which they describe as “a haunting, heart-led song about memory, mystery, and the quiet dignity of forgotten artists”.
Written by McGettigan and produced by Paul Gurney, Valentine tells the story of a troubadour past his prime who steps back into the light, if only for a moment. It’s a reflection on legacy, love, and the magic that remains in all of us, long after the spotlight fades.
Collette Brady McEntee, known for her soulful tone and striking vocal range, delivers a performance that is elegant and emotionally raw. Her classical training (NUI Maynooth, BMus in Voice and Piano), theatrical background, and experience teaching music have led to this moment.
McGettigan, best known for winning the Eurovision with Rock n Roll Kids, brings depth, restraint, and storytelling mastery to the track. His lyrical pen paints a vivid portrait of lives lived on the fringes, and voices still worth hearing.
Together, Collette and Charlie embody two generations of Irish song finding common ground in a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever chased a dream, lost their way, or dared to start again.
Collette is headlining a Christmas concert in Delvin Church on December 4, with Ben Cully, for Delvin Friendship Group and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland. Details of that will be announced soon. Collette is also planning to release Christmas songs and, in 2026, a mixture of pop and folk songs.
What is your favourite album?
I don’t have favourite album, to be honest. I base my preferences on a song rather than album, as I love different songs and music.
What song do you wish you had written?
I’d love to have written any of Michael Jackson’s, Queen’s or Coldplay’s songs.
Which band from any era would you love to have been a member of?
I’d love to have been the Amy Lee of Evanescence or in Abba or the Corrs.
What song are you most proud of?
‘Valentine’, and a couple of other songs coming out in 2026.
Guiltiest musical pleasure?
I love dance music and all things Eurovision.
Most memorable gig you’ve ever been to?
Coldplay was the most memorable due to the stress of getting tickets!
Most memorable gig you’ve ever played?
Singing at Cork Jazz Festival, an intimate gig with the best of Irish singers and musicians
Biggest musical inspiration?
So many, but probably Celine Dion.
Who is Westmeath’s greatest ever musician?
There are way too many to mention, I’m proud to live in a town that has so many musicians and singers in different genres so it’s hard to mention only a couple. There’s Joe Dolan, obviously, and currently musicians like Paulie Martin, Joe Connaire, Peter Doran, Emmet Cahill, The Blizzard lads, Cronin, Codyy.
If you could only listen to five songs for the rest of your life what would they be?
They change weekly! Edge Of Seventeen, Stevie Nicks; Breaking The Habit, Linkin Park; Caribbean Blue, Enya; I Don’t Know, Celine Dion; In A Lifetime, Clannad and Bono.