This is a big weekend for young Daniel Byrne. The 21-year-old from Belleeks, Co Armagh, will launch his new five-piece band, The Timekeepers, at a gala night in the Allingham Hotel, Bundoran, on Friday 25 November.

The night will also mark the launch of his debut album, Keepin’ Time, which was recorded and produced by David Arkins in Athboy, Co Meath. Daniel will be joined on the night by guest artists Hugo Duncan and Patrick Feeney.

“I have chosen to stick with the traditional country music that has always been popular in my area,” says Daniel.

“There is a wonderful tradition of country music around Armagh and Monaghan and I am so pleased as a young person to have got the chance to know Big Tom and John Glenn on such a personal level. That is a real honour for me.”

12-track album

Daniel has included three of his own songs on the 12-track album, reflecting another side of the talented young performer. Other standards like Amarillo By Morning and Old Photographs reflect his love for the gentle side of country music.

Perhaps one of most truly authentic country numbers on the album is Daniel’s rendition of I See An Angel Every Day which is straight from the top shelf.

There is also a number composed by his south Armagh neighbour Joe McShane, who has resided in Chicago for many years, called I Got Love, Love, Love For You.

It seems few traditional country albums here in Ireland are complete without a song from the maestro, the late Johnny McCauley, and this comes in the form of My Own Washing.

“This has been a little while in the making and I am delighted that we are now ready to launch both the album and the band on Friday night in Bundoran. We are looking forward to a special night in the Allingham Arms,” says Daniel.