Horslips reunite thanks to fans

The band reunited for the first time in 24 years

Legendary 1970s Celtic rock band Horslips reunited for the first time in decades for a concert in Londonderry at the weekend, thanks to the efforts of three die-hard fans.

The group built up a loyal following with their fusion of traditional and rock music before splitting up in 1980 after farewell concerts at Belfast's Whitla Hall.

Twenty four years later, the group has come together to mark an exhibition of memorabilia from their heyday at the Orchard Gallery in Derry.

Organised by Horslips fanatics Jim Nelis, Stephen Ferris and Paul Callaghan, it features everything from original posters and tour jackets worn by the band to plectrums and Japanese and Russian lyric sheets.

Various items of memorabilia are on display

Mr Nelis said it had taken three years to put the whole thing together.

"We asked them a few years ago if they would get together for the exhibition, and they said yes," he said.

"They gave a firm commitment and here they are, for the first time in 24 years."

Drummer Eamon Carr said the band were successful because it was "a communal thing".

He said: "We were the people's band, in a way, and I think we were feeding off the audience as much as they were getting something out of the craic we were at.

"I suspect we were fortuitous that we came along when we did."

The exhibition runs until 2 April.