I had heard Westlife were returning to their home town for a signing,
 and  for an award, so being the kind person I am (who just happened 
to want to Congratulate Westlife on their success), I decided to 
travel down to Sligo for the day, to write a report about it, for you,
 the readers of my IRiSH POP PAGE. Now who says I’m not good to you??

                              ***

 Flags and banners ordained the  Summer trees. Streamers and balloons
 were to be spotted. No, it wasn’t all Ireland final day, and the 
Sligo footballers weren’t even playing today anyway. No, these were 
to celebrate the return of Westlife, and their Number one single!!
The population of Sligo had gotten together to welcome back their 
 child prodigés-- Westlife!!!  

Westlife are Sligo’s very first major international act---tipped by 
Louis Walsh (their manager) to be the biggest band in the world by this time next year. To co-incide with their visit home, came the 
announcement that they were  not only Number One in Ireland, but were 
also Number One in England, with their second single “ Let You Go”, 
making it two out of two so far!!!!

The crowd turned out in their hundreds to welcome the guys back.
Mark, Shane, and Kian (the Sligoers) along with  Bryan and Nicky (The
 Dubliners) spent 3 hours signing autographs for dedicated fans and 
followers alike, in “ The Record  Room”, Sligos record shop, before 
heading to the Tower Hotel to be greeted with their Civic Reception
 as an honor bestowed upon them by their Home Town.
 
The crowd was very mixed in sorts. There were the typical Westlife 
fans, the 8-15 year olds roaming the area with their Westlife posters
 and scarves tied sround their head, trying to sneak in a third and 
fourth time to see their idols. 
Then there were the mothers, who held a firm grasp on their childs 
hand, to assure they were not lost in the gigantic crowds. There were 
the ones who follow them EVERYWHERE, and then there were the groups of
 18-19 year olds,old school friends, standing around in awe of what a
 racket an old school mate had caused!!!


At 6 O Clock, it was time for the doors to be closed, and for Westlife
 to rest the weary bones in their hands!! They used the tour bus as a
 diversion, and as fansswarmed around hoping to catch a final glimpse
 of the lads, they stole out the entrance, and ran to a couple of 
“getaway” cars that were lying unsuspectingly near the entrance.
In these, they made their way to the Tower Hotel, leaving  hundreds of
 confused fans behind, wondering where Westlife had disappeared off 
to!!!
Inside, they enjoyed with their families, and close friends an 
exclusive reception, within which they were honoured with a Civic 
Award, for their amazing achievments to date.
They emerged from the hotel at approx. 9pm, from where they went to 
spend well deserved time with their familes.


Despite weeks and months of hard work beforehand, the Westlife boys 
were all in great form, and were delighted to be home to meet all 
those who had helped them get their feet off the ground!!
They were as friendly as ever, and I can guarantee you now, that any
 success and fame they have achieved so far has not gone to their 
heads--these guys have their feet firmly on the ground!!!


Let you go, the new single from Westlife is in the shops NOW-- so what
 are you waiting for ?????