Kenny Rogers rides into town

'The Gambler' and 'Coward of the County' singer shocked local punters by calling into the Central Bar for lunch while touring the North Coast.

Singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor and entrepreneur, Kenny was visiting Northern Ireland having performed at the Odyssey Arena on Thursday.

Gemma McHenry owner of the Central Bar, Ballycastle explained: "When Kenny walked into the bar with his wife and two others, including his driver, I just couldn't believe it. I was totally star-struck and so were our customers.

"My daughter took a picture of him on her mobile phone and then text it to her friends. It then appeared on Facebook and got the attention of the locals who also came to the bar to see him and get a picture.

"However Kenny didn't mind all the attention, he was just a real nice, genuine guy and so to was his wife - she was beautiful and really friendly. When I asked Kenny for a picture he said he 'wasn't dressed nicely' but I told he that superstars can dress however they want, he laughed.

"He really loved the pub and restaurant and said how lovely the decor was, which was great to hear considering we've just had it renovated. Everyone really enjoyed his lunch and Kenny even asked our chief for one of the recipes.

"After lunch we then got chatting and he said he was touring the north coast after playing in Belfast. He said he was having a fantastic time and loved Northern Ireland and the people."

Before leaving the bar Philip and Gemma presented Kenny with six wine glasses as a memento of his visit.

"Philip and I wanted to give Kenny a keepsake of his visit to Ballycastle and the Central Bar," Gemma added.

"He'd already commented on our beautiful our wine glasses were and so we decided to give him six - he was absolutely over the moon.

"I wouldn't have been a fan of Kenny's however after meeting and chatting to him I am now. He was such a genuine person and was a total delight to have in our bar. And one things for sure he's made us the talk of the town."