Packie Keaney has announced his retirement from Highland Radio in Donegal. The news came as a major surprise to his loyal and large listenership, who was deeply saddened to hear the news. Packie has hosted his popular Monday night show for many years and has given many country and folk singers a great platform to promote their careers. He has always been one of the true gentlemen of the radio scene. We wish him well on his retirement.

James Kilbane continues his gospel country series of releases with If Jesus Comes Tomorrow, What Then? The song was composed by Max D Barnes (the writer of the Big Tom classic Going Out The Same Way You Came In) and Vern Gosdin. James will release a new 25-track gospel album in the coming weeks.

Ally Harron and Marian Curry will shortly release their new album and DVD. The Enniskillen duo have included seven duets on the new collection. They also have trips to Britain, Spain and the USA in the coming months.

Tyrone man Jim Devine is back on the recording scene with the release of his latest single, Crooked Jack, a song composed by Pat Gallagher. Jim comes from a strong farming background and has been making major inroads on the country scene over the last year.

Rosaleen Burgoyne (nee Mullins) from Ballinasloe, who died in her 91st year last week, was a member of a family with strong connections to the country scene. Her son Billy was drummer with Ray Lynam and The Hillbillies and later a member of the Daniel O’Donnell Band. Another son, Louie, has featured as drummer with The Conquerors and the Brendan Shine Band. She is also survived by her nine daughters and the family circle.