Marty Haggard, son of one of country music’s most iconic singers Merle Haggard, will play a special concert in the Túar Árd Theatre in Moate, on Tuesday 21 July. He will be backed by the much-acclaimed Sheerin Family Band.

The visit of Marty to Moate represents a major coup for the Westmeath venue and is also an endorsement of the respect the Sheerin family commands way beyond the confines of the Irish midlands. Last year, they hosted and performed with another American singer, Joni Harms, when she recorded her live album in the theatre in Moate.

Marty was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. Over the years, he has been privileged to be a part of his dad’s career and having the opportunity to meet so many of the country greats, as well as other celebrities and dignitaries from so many walks of life.

From 1983 to 1985, he travelled with Merle, singing harmony and playing guitar. In 1986, he signed with MTM Records and released Trains Make Me Lonesome, a song which garnered him a nomination as best new male vocalist.

Marty’s love for his dad’s music inspired him to begin a project titled A Tribute To Merle Haggard My Dad. In 2010, he cut the first album in his tribute, consisting of 15 Haggard classics.

In that year, and 2011, he performed at the Oak Ridge Boy’s Theatre and Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

Marty is currently performing at The Paramount Theatre in Casa Grande, Arizona.

A deeply religious gentleman, Marty, along with his wife, Tessa, has written several Gospel songs and performed in numerous churches and Christian ministry outlets in various parts of the USA. These shows remain an integral part of his life.

Tom Sheerin from the Sheerin Family Band, who also plays fiddle with the Nathan Carter Band, says they are delighted to have Marty coming to Moate.

“This is a real honour for us and we are expecting a full house for this special night in Moate. Marty will include many of Merle’s classic in his repertoire. He is a fine country artist and all who come along are assured of a very special show in the Túar Árd Theatre.”

Tickets at €18 are now on sale from the box office on 090-648-2042.

Cliff Ledger dies

Country singer Cliff Ledger died last week at the age of 81. Cliff came from Ballymoney in Co Antrim, where the family lived in the Gate End/Castle Street area of the town.

His family were circus people and his mother was a close relative of the owners of the famous Duffy’s Circus.

Cliff started off with the local Walter Lewis Showband from Dunloy, where he featured as a guitar player and singer in the 1950s.

He later formed his own group, The Country Boys, and toured around Ireland and England. They enjoyed huge success with their album, Kentucky In The Morning, which earned Cliff a gold disc at the time and they enjoyed much success throughout the 1970s.

He toured with Jim Reeves in Germany and Canada, and met many of the major stars of the scene during the golden era of real country music.

Jordan Mogey (21), who was the recipient of the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the Irish Farmers Journal/Country Sound Awards night earlier this year, and who also hails from Ballymoney, said Cliff was an inspiration to him: “He loved guitars and knew a hell of a lot of songs. He showed me an album of photos one time of him with so many massive stars, the likes of Jim Reeves, Boxcar Willie, Slim Whitman and many more. I loved him, he taught me a lot.”