The long-running and well-established annual event, the Shawn Cuddy and Friends weekend in Letterkenny attracts a sizeable contingent from the United Kingdom.

It is all of 30 years since the Laois native recorded his first two songs. “I have fond memories of that day in 1987, which was a big adventure for me,” recalls Shawn. “I travelled over to Cha Nicholson’s Studio in Athlone and put down the two songs, Little Nell and Dear Old Galway Town.”

Both songs picked up a lot of airplay on Laois Community Radio and other pirate stations operating in the general midlands region at the time. In 1989, Shawn launched his band.

Big break

One of his major breaks came back in November of 1989, when he was asked to open for Johnny Cash at the Royal Ballroom in Castlebar.

“You could never forget an occasion like that. The venue was packed and it was the ultimate privilege to be the support act for one of the greatest icons country music has ever known. I also opened the shows for him in Tipperary and Cork on the following nights.”

Clanree gathering

Shawn’s focus is now firmly fixed on the big gathering in the Clanree Hotel, which will feature dancing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night with the now-traditional Monday-night concert to bring the curtains down on the celebrations.

Shawn and the band will be joined on the Friday night by John McNicholl and band, and Curtis Magee. The Saturday night will feature Shawn and band, along with a host of local guest artists.

The Sunday night is a dinner and dance show and is ticket-only.

The gala concert on Monday night starts at 8pm, with Margo O’Donnell topping the bill alongside Shawn.

The other guests include Hugo Duncan, John Hogan, Caitlin Murtagh, Seamus Magee, Sean O’Farrell, Gary Gamble, David Craig, the Grant Sisters and Katie Cuddy.

Further details regarding the Shawn Cuddy and Friends concert show can be availed of from the Clanree Hotel on (074) 912 4369.