Marc Roberts

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Marc Roberts is an Irish singer-songwriter and radio presenter, born Seán Hegarty on 25 June 1968 in Crossmolina, County Mayo. He grew up in County Mayo and drew inspiration from American country music and Irish pop artists, including legends like John Denver and Carole King. In his youth, Roberts performed locally, even fronting his own band, showcasing original songs and country classics. These early experiences helped him develop a warm easy-listening style and strong songwriting skills. He later adopted Marc Roberts as his stage name and began building a music career in Ireland. By the mid-1990s, Roberts was a familiar performer on the local scene, known for his emotive voice and engaging stage presence. His passion for music and storytelling set the foundation for the breakthrough that was soon to come in 1997.

Eurovision Breakthrough in 1997

Marc Roberts achieved his big break in 1997 when he represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin. He performed the ballad “Mysterious Woman,” which earned an impressive second place. This strong Eurovision finish brought Roberts into the spotlight internationally. Moreover, “Mysterious Woman” became a hit at home. It reached No. 2 on the Irish Singles Chart, marking a significant commercial success for the young singer. As a result of his Eurovision fame, Roberts gained a loyal fan following across Ireland and beyond. Following the contest, he quickly capitalized on the momentum by releasing his self-titled debut album, along with a follow-up single called “Babe,” in late 1997. This period established Marc Roberts as a rising star in Irish pop and country music circles.

Album Releases and Songwriting Career

Building on his Eurovision success, Roberts continued to grow his music career in the 2000s. He released several studio albums, including Meet Me Half Way (2003) and Once in My Life (2005). Roberts wrote many of his own songs on these records. In addition to his solo work, he also forged important collaborations. Notably, Marc Roberts developed a close musical partnership with Irish country star Daniel O’Donnell.

In 2006, Roberts co-wrote a number of songs for O’Donnell’s album Until the Next Time, including the single “Crush on You,” which reached No. 21 on the UK Singles Chart. He has also written or co-written songs with other renowned artists such as Brian Kennedy, Charlie McGettigan, and Jimmy MacCarthy, expanding his influence in the Irish music industry. In 2008, Roberts attempted to return to Eurovision as a singer and composer, entering his original song “Chances” in Ireland’s national selection. However, his entry finished in 3rd place. Even so, Roberts kept a steady pace in his recording career. He went on to release more albums, including The Promise (2010) and Now & Then (2013), which featured both new songs and covers of classics. Throughout these years, Roberts frequently traveled for his music, making songwriting trips to Nashville and touring with Daniel O’Donnell.

Broadcasting and Live Performances

Aside from recording, Marc Roberts became a familiar voice on Irish airwaves. In the early 2000s he joined Galway Bay FM, a popular local radio station, as a presenter. He began hosting a weekend show called The Feel Good Factor, playing upbeat music and entertaining listeners every Saturday and Sunday. Over time, Roberts became a beloved radio DJ, known for his friendly on-air personality. He continues broadcasting to this day, now hosting the Feel Good Breakfast show on weekend mornings. Moreover, Roberts expanded into television. He co-presents the Irish country music series Opry an Iúir on TG4, where he showcases and mentors other singers in live sessions.

Roberts has also been a regular live performer. For nine years running, he was a special guest in Trad on the Prom, a hit music and dance show in Galway celebrating Irish culture. As a live act, Marc Roberts’s has performed his music across Europe. He built a fan base as far away as Australia and Tasmania. Also, he has appeared at Irish festivals in American cities like Milwaukee and Chicago. One of his most acclaimed projects was a tribute show honoring John Denver, one of his musical heroes. Roberts toured A Tribute to the Music of John Denver starting in 2015, selling out venues such as Dublin’s National Concert Hall and even performing in Denver’s hometown in Colorado. This show earned him Ireland’s “Solo Artist of the Year” and “Theatre Show of the Year” for his John Denver tribute at the Sunday World All Ireland Country Music Awards.

Recent Projects and Personal Life

Marc Roberts continues to be active in music and media up to the present day. In July 2024, he released his seventh studio album, titled Lilac Road, which quickly topped the iTunes album chart upon release. This latest album saw Roberts returning to his songwriting roots while also exploring new sounds. He supported the album with promotional singles and online videos, engaging with audiences through modern platforms. In 2025, Roberts joined legendary Irish singer Sandy Kelly on a nationwide tour, appearing as a special guest and bringing his songs to theatres around the country. Despite having decades of experience, he approaches new projects with enthusiasm and a genuine love for performance.

In his personal life, Marc Roberts is known to be down-to-earth and family-oriented. He is originally from a close-knit Mayo community and has since made his home in Galway, on Ireland’s west coast. Roberts has mentioned that Galway’s vibrant music scene and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect base for his creative work and family life.