Ally Harron and Marian Curry will launch their new cd and dvd at a gala event in the Enniskillen Hotel on Monday night, 15 February.

The Fermanagh duo are popular around Ireland and the UK and are also regulars on some of the overseas country music promotions.

Spain

They are heading to Spain with Enjoy Travel in April for the annual celebrations which will be staged in Torremolinos. They will be joined by a host of artists for the launch in Enniskillen and these will include Gerry Guthrie, Cowboy Larry, Jordan Mogey, Gary Gamble, Paul Kelly, Francie Smith, Lisa McCrory, Anthony McBrien, Karl Fitzpatrick, Johnny Gallagher, and the Brian Kerrigan band.

The genial Big Bernie Kane from Ocean FM in Sligo, a man who has a great appreciation for honest to goodness country music, is the compere for the night.

Eddie’s launch in Kerry

Kerry singer Eddie Lee will launch his new album, Twilight Country, in The Stretford End lounge in Causeway on Friday 4 March. Eddie is a popular performer on the southern circuit and also operates his own studios in Ballyheigue. He performed on the regional country circuit along with James Kelleher. Joining Eddie for his big night in Causeway will be PJ Murrihy, Noreen Ashe, Mike Condon, Mike Fitzgerald and the Two Mikes.

Richie dies in New York

Richie O’Shea, one of the best-known entertainers on the Irish American music scene in New York and neighbouring regions over the years, died recently at the age of 73. He was born in Brooklyn and both his parents were from Cork. He was an integral part of the renowned Paddy Noonan Show for many years and he had a tremendous love for Ireland and its history. Country and ballads were at the core of his repertoire and he had a special fondness for Brendan Shine placename songs like The Rose of Castlerea, Three Pubs In Bohola, and Abbeyshrule. Andy Cooney described him as an icon of the Irish American scene for five decades: “Richie was one of my greatest supporters when I was starting out and right through to where I am today. He brought joy to many.”

Pat takes Formentara to the top

Derry singer Pat McKenna has taken Back To Formentara to No 1 in the South East Radio charts show hosted by Tony Kehoe. The song serenades the lovely wee island a few miles off the coast of Ibiza in the Mediterranean. Pat previously topped the charts with The Wind On The Hill and has had several other entries in the Top 10 as well.

Sligo singer Betty Reilly dies in London

Betty Reilly from Easkey in Co Sligo, who died in London last week, was a popular singer on the western circuit in former times. Betty enjoyed much success with her two singles, The Tower of Sweet Rathlee and The Green Fields Around Kilglass. The songs were produced by the late Dermot O’Brien and were on the popular Release Records label at the time. Her son PJ still performs on the local scene. Condolences are tendered to her family on their bereavement.

Country in The Kingdom rolls again

Country in the Kingdom returns to The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 5-7 February. The Billy Morrissey promoted festival of dancing has established a loyal following in recent years.

Philomena Begley and Ray Lynam will perform their first dance show in over 30 years in Kerry on Friday night and this will be a trip down memory lane for so many of their fans. Aiden Quinn and his band will provide the music with early dancing to Dave Lawlor.

Declan Nerney is the headline act on Saturday night, with the Longford man and his band looking forward to their Killarney show. Tom Healy from Cork entertains the early dancers.

Michael English and band will be on stage on Sunday night. The Kildare man is enjoying major success on the dancing circuit all over the country. Thomas Maguire and Fhiona are the support act. Shay O’Callaghan provides the Sunday afternoon music.

Dancing each night is from 9pm to 1am. Tickets for all the dances at the door and there is a special weekend pass for €50 available on the Friday night which covers the full weekend of dancing.