Bryan flies the flag in Tipp

Meet Bryan Buckley from Cashel, one of the youngest country DJs in Ireland. The Tipperary Mid West Radio presenter was 15 on Christmas Eve and is completely immersed in the ethos and culture of country music.

“I love going to the gigs, dances and concerts of our country artists. Many of them are surprised to see someone as young as me so interested in the scene,” says Bryan who is a student at Cashel Community School. “I started answering phones at Tipperary Mid West when I was 13 and began to do a small bit of talking on air after a few months and later was invited to co-present a show.

“At 14, I started to do my own shows when needed and now I present an all-request show every Thursday night between 8 and 10pm which features the very best of our Irish country artists. I love this scene and am looking forward to an exciting year in 2017. The highlight of 2016 for me was meeting the undisputed king of country, Big Tom, in The Hazel Tree, Mallow, in December and getting to spend a bit of time with him before the gig, and having a chat and photo with the great man. It is a memory I’ll cherish for ever.”

New show debuts on Sky 389

The Michael Commins Show makes its debut on the Keep it Country Sky 389 channel this week. The first show aired on Tuesday night with repeats on Friday evening between 5pm and 6pm and on Saturday night between 10pm and 11pm. The second show in the series will air next Tuesday night at 11pm, immediately after the Ireland West Music TV show hosted by Paul Claffey and Gerry Glennon. The new programme will feature mainly country music of the traditional variety from both Irish and American performers with some other pleasant surprises along the way. Among those featuring in the debut show this week are Big Tom, Tom T Hall, Gene Stuart, Johnny Horton, The Dubliners, Mick Flavin, Pat McKenna, Elle Marie O’Dwyer and The Seekers. The email address for the show is commins@irelandwestmusictv.ie.

Mid West Night with the Stars

The Mid West Radio Night with the Stars will be held in Breaffy Arena near Castlebar on Tuesday night 7 February at 8pm. This will be the first time the Night with the Stars will be staged at this venue. The lineup features Gerry Guthrie, Mike Denver, Michael English, Jimmy Buckley, Declan Nerney, Cliona Hagan, Dominick and Barry Kirwan, and Matthew O’Donnell. The show is expected to attract a full house for the annual February event.

Best wishes, Dave

Best wishes are extended to Dave Moynihan from The Moynihan Brothers Band in Wexford, who is recuperating following a recent health scare. Dave was about to go on stage for a gig in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, just before Christmas when he took ill and was rushed to hospital where stents were inserted during an emergency operation. He is now making good progress and extends thanks to the many people who have already sent messages of goodwill via Facebook, texts and phone calls. Other family members are filling in for Dave and the band is fulfilling all engagements.