Barry’s Hotel goes country again

Barry’s Hotel, in the heart of Dublin, hosted all the leading country bands in former years. The hotel reopened in recent times and a new series called Dancing In The City will make its debut on Wednesday night 14 October, with dancing to Jimmy Buckley and his band. It is now over 12 years since the last of the big names on the country circuit played the landmark venue. Barry’s Wednesday Club has already booked Declan Nerney, Michael English, Robert Mizzell and others in the weeks after the opening night.

Bridie Gallagher – The Girl from Donegal

A book on the life and times of Bridie Gallagher will be officially launched at a ceremony in The Malone Lodge Hotel in Belfast, on Wednesday evening 14 October, at 6pm. BBC Radio Ulster presenter George Jones will preside at the ceremony.

Bridie Gallagher - The Girl from Donegal was written by her son, Jim Livingstone. It tells many stories related to Jim by his mother down through the years.

Born and raised in Creeslough in Co Donegal, Bridie Gallagher was the first female superstar of her era and enjoyed iconic status, packing ballrooms and venues on both sides of the Irish Sea. Her records sold in huge numbers and she had an enduring appeal with audiences of her generation.

Bridie lived in Belfast for many years and also knew all too well about the valleys of life. Jim relates many of the highs and lows in the career of The Girl from Donegal in this engaging book.

A second launch night will be held on Thursday 15 October, at 6pm at the An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, with Margo O’Donnell officiating on this occasion. All are welcome to both launch nights.

Mick down Limerick way

Country dancing returns to the Millennium Centre in Caherconlish, Co Limerick, on Saturday night 26 September, when Mick Flavin and his band will play the venue.

It is pushing close on 30 years since Mick took to the stages of Ireland, with major encouragement from his fellow Longford man Declan Nerney. He recorded his debut album, I’m Gonna Make It After All, back in 1986.

Watch out also for The Outlaws from Monaghan, who are heading to Caherconlish on Saturday 10 October.

Cootehill show raises over €17,000

The recent benefit concert organised by John and Ann McIntyre raised a phenomenal €17,100 at the Errigal Country Hotel in Cootehill. The proceeds were shared equally between Drumlin House and St Christopher Hospice in Cavan.

The Michael English Band provided the backing for all the artists and the show featured Margo O’Donnell, Mary Prendergast (Waterford), Katie Wright Ciaran Rosney, Shane Owens and Aine Crehan.

Michael English performed some of his favourites, before being joined by his dad who played a selection of music on the accordion with Matt McGrenaghan on fiddle and John McIntyre on the tin whistle, bringing the night to a close with a real traditional house session.

The compere was Joe Finnegan from Shannonside-Northern Sound, with production by Brendan Mulvey.

Cashel Céilí for Shaun

A very special fundraising céilí and old-time night will be held at Halla na Féile in Cashel on Friday 20 October from 9pm until midnight The famous Donal Ring Céilí Band from Cork will provide the music for this fundraising dance in aid of Shaun Fogarty, Cahir.

Shaun (21) suffered a spinal injury in a car accident two years ago. He has spent the last two years in rehab and he hopes to return to live with his family in Cahir.

Admission is €10 and all support will be most welcome for this worthy cause.

Jordan’s debut album on THE way

The debut album from Jordan Mogey from Ballymoney is due out in the coming days. A song composed by Jordan, That’s Why I Love Trains, has been issued as a single in advance and is already proving a hot favourite on country shows.

Jordan was the recipient of the most promising country singer accolade at our Country Sound show in Athlone last March.

Richie hits the Diff

Honey I’m Good is the new release from Richie Remo. The uptempo number is in the style Richie has pioneered in recent times and was produced by Jonathan Owens. It is taken from his forthcoming album, Hit The Diff.