Ireland’s country legend Big Tom celebrates his birthday next Thursday, 18 September. Tom joined Declan Nerney on stage at a concert in Hotel Kilmore in Cavan last week. Tom and Rose are also celebrating their golden anniversary this week. Cards can be sent to Big Tom and Rose McBride, Oram, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.

Foster and Allen conclude their Irish summer tour with a concert in Ballymaloe Grainstore, in East Cork, on 14 September. The audience will be treated to a mix of folk, country and traditional music. Book tickets by calling 021-465-1555 or on ballymaloegrainstore.com

Frankie McDonald returns to the recording scene with the release of She Never Said Goodbye. The song was written by his brother Peter, who began his career with The Ventures Showband in Monaghan in the early 1970s. Frankie, who resides in Athlone, now plays with Showband Sounds.

Well-known Galway musician Gary Quinn has been bereaved by the death of his mother Mary, of Brierfield, Moylough. Gary is also a member of the popular Galway band, Blue Ridge Country. Condolences are tendered to the Quinn family on their sad bereavement.

Al Grant returns in October for a series of dates with his show The Life and Times of Jim Reeves, a special show to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the Texan country legend.

The death took place recently of Mary Walsh, Ballaghmore, Borris-in-Ossory. She was a sister of well-known Midlands Radio staff member Nellie Duncan, who has been closely associated with the country shows on the station for many years. The family roots are in Rahan, Tullamore. Condolences are tendered to the family circle at this time.