Condolences are extended to John Glenn on the recent death of his mother, Mary, in Crossmaglen. John has been part of the Irish country scene for 40 years, since he fronted The Mainliners after Big Tom’s departure from the band in 1975. Sympathy is tendered to all the Hanratty family circle on their bereavement.

Liam McLaughlin from Antrim is a solo performer, who has been on the country scene for many years. Believing In Each Other is his new self-penned single. His latest album, Ireland Is My Homeland, is also on release.

Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick now presents the Saturday late night show on Midlands Radio. The man from Raheen, Co Laois, hosted the early morning Saturday show for a number of years. Kevin is a big supporter of the Irish country scene.

A number of Irish acts will feature on Andy Cooney’s western Caribbean cruise out of Fort Canaveral, Florida, from 18-25 January. They include: Mike Denver, Ronan Tynan, Declan Aungier, Kathy and Andreas Durkin, Dee Reilly, Patrick Feeney and others. Andy’s popular cruise receives loyal support each year.

John McIntyre from Cootehill is looking forward to a busy year. The former member of The Seasons Showband enjoyed much success on the social dancing circuit in 2014, with the release of his latest album featuring many instrumentals on the saxophone.

Sam O’Doherty is thrilled with the response he is receiving to his appearance on the Irish TV Christmas show recorded in Claremorris Town Hall. The Tipperary man has been inundated with good wishes from around the country over the last two weeks.