Andy’s big launch night in The Well

Westmeath man Andy Feery will launch his debut country album, Back Home To You, in The Well in Moate on 19 September. This coincides with the opening day of the National Ploughing Championships.

Joining Andy for the big night will be Patrick Feeney, Olivia Douglas, Noel Briody, John Molloy, Declan Feery and the Ryan Turner Band.

“It has always been my dream to record an album and I am delighted that it has now come to pass. Special thanks must go to Pat, Susan and Mark from PM Studios, and all the musicians who played on the album. Thanks also to my good friend Seán Buckley, who wrote two of the songs,” says Andy.

The Tyrrellspass native, who now lives in Loughnavalley, Co Westmeath, says his first musical influence was a cassette of the late Derek Davis (RTÉ) that he got from his dad with songs like Wolverton Mountain and Della and The Dealer. Other influences in Andy’s early career were Merle Haggard, Jimmy Buckley, Larry Cunningham, Brian Coll, Big Tom and John Hogan.

“I’m looking forward to a great night of country dancing in The Well on Tuesday, to mark the launch of my album and I hope many people in the area for the Ploughing will ramble along,” says Andy.

say hello at the ploughing

Many members of the Farmers Journal team will be available to meet the public during the three days of the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore. I look forward to meeting regular readers of the country music pages at the Farmers Journal stand on Tuesday and Wednesday, between 2pm and 4pm. Do drop in and say hello.

Kevin Morrin Band plays Clanard Court

Kevin Morrin and his band will stage a special concert in the Clanard Court Hotel, Athy, on 17 September at 8pm. This is just in the road from Kevin’s base in Ballylynan, Co Laois, and a fine gathering is expected for this show.

Kevin draws his influences from The Clancy Brothers, Tommy Makem and Luke Kelly, and covers a wide array of Irish folk and ballad material, as well as some more contemporary ballads and folk songs.

He has already delighted audiences in the Dunamaise Theatre, Portlaoise; The Moat Theatre Naas; The Home Rule Club, Kilkenny, and during a main stage appearance at the Fleadh in Ennis. Joining Kevin for the show will be Brian Hughes from Athy, the well-known trad and uilleann piper, Vincent Crowley on piano and vocals, and Johnny Hosey from near Ballyroan in Co Laois, a highly regarded musician, arranger and singer in the midlands.

This Clanard Court concert is generating a lot of interest among lovers of Irish ballads and folk songs. Tickets are available from Winkles and the Gem, Athy, and will also be available at the door.

Shawn and Louise in Portlaoise

Shawn Cuddy makes a welcome return to his home county of Laois, when he teams up with Louise Morrissey for a country concert in the Dunamaise Theatre in Portlaoise on 16 September.

The Camross native, who has resided for many years in Co Donegal, always looks forward to visits back home to Laois. He is assured of a warm and homely welcome on his return this weekend.

Louise Morrissey will make the short journey from her home in Tipperary for this pleasant and informal night of music, song and chat. Tickets are €20 and can be had in advance or on the door. The concert starts at 8pm.

Look out for the Bachelors in Trouble

The National Ploughing Championships would not be the same without those ebullient Bachelors in Trouble from down Waterford way. Tony Coffey and Seán Power (alias Tom and Jack), along with some help from Willie Walsh, will be back in all their glory at Tullamore for three days next week.

They have been an integral part of every Ploughing match for over two decades and always manage to have something new for their legion of followers. This time they have a brand new dvd, Cold Shower and Hot Summons, as well as an 18-track album entitled School Days.

“We love the Ploughing and meeting all our friends from over the years. This year we are at stand 748, block 3, row 37, so be sure to call around and say hello,” says Tony. CL