Waterford native Richie Hayes is getting ready to take the country route. The runner-up on RTÉ’s The Voice of Ireland 2012 is currently rehearsing with a brand new country band and they are set to launch on 1 July.

The man from the Deise County has been busy in recent weeks laying down tracks for his debut album later in the year. A promotional track, An Irish Waltz, has just been released and a video to accompany it will be posted on YouTube over the coming days. Richie was delighted to accept a request from Gertie Byrne to be among the guests on her famous annual Caribbean Cruise back in February, an event which introduced him to many of the well-known names on the circuit, as well as many people from various parts of the USA and Ireland. A number of guest appearances on shows and concerts in recent months have also served to enhance his growing profile. Well-known Cork manager Noel O’Keeffe of OK Promotions, Midleton, will handle the diary.

“Richie is very enthusiastic about the scene and has the kind of stage personality that will reach out to people in a big way,” says Noel. “We intend to have Richie appearing at the well-known dancing venues around Ireland before the end of the year, as well as doing shows in England and Scotland. He is a fine talent and knows how to entertain people.”