Danny Boy with Russian flavour

It has been quite a year for Russian lady Larissa Tormey, whose profile has soared countywide through a series of television, radio and newspaper feature stories.

Larissa, who came to Ireland around 16 years ago, has opted for Danny Boy as her new single, which goes on release this week.

“From my Russian heart full of love to Ireland,” is how she describes her interpretation.

Larissa, a classically trained opera singer, is completely at home in handling a song like Danny Boy, and brings a Russian flavour to the entire venture.

“The year 2017 has been amazing and after all the features in the Irish media I have often been asked to sing something in Russian. Danny Boy is perfect as the melody is so well known around the world.

“We did the video here in Kilbeggan and I am releasing this single to raise funds for the restoration of Kilbeggan Church,” says Larissa.

The single was produced by Peter Ware, whose recent productions include albums by Dominic Kirwan, Mary Duff and Charlie Landsborough. Larissa is currently half way through recording her album with Peter Ware, which is due for release early next year.

Mick’s 30 on Opry Dhoire

Longford man Mick Flavin is celebrating three decades in country music. The milestone will be honoured with a special show on Opry Dhoire next Tuesday night, 21 November.

The show, recorded at the Millennium Forum Theatre in Derry, features interviews with Mick about his life and the good times. He will perform a selection of his most requested songs.

Mary Duff is also featured on the show, while Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin from Connemara returns to the Opry stage to duet with Mick.

Opry Dhoire is hosted by Daniel O’Donnell and Lynette Fay and goes out each Tuesday night from 9.30pm to 10.30pm between now and Christmas.

New book and album from Philomena

The Philomena Begley autobiography is being launched this month. The book, My Life, My Music, My Memories, takes a comprehensive look at the career of the Tyrone lady, who started out in a céilí band in her home county and went on the become one of the foremost singers on the country music circuit in Ireland. A song of the same title has been specially written for the occasion by Derek Ryan and this will also be included on a new album from Philomena, which is being jointly launched with the book. Over 50 years since she first took to the stage, the Pomeroy lady is busier than ever on the circuit, a true reflection of her special status among Irish country followers.

Precious Memories from Lisa

It has been some years since Lisa Stanley released an album, but that is about to change shortly. Rosette Records released Precious Memories as a radio-play single from Heart and Soul, the forthcoming album from Lisa. The song was penned by Donegal composer, Shunie Crampsey.Lisa, who is daughter of the late country singer Maisie McDaniel, has been based in England since she went there to co-host the Phil Mack Show. She now hosts her own show on the Keep It Country TV channel that broadcasts on Sky 389 and on-line. Her father, the acclaimed accordion player Fintan Stanley, has resided in America since the 1970s.

Liam gets lucky

The winner of the Glór Tíre series in 2015, Liam Kelly, plans to have his debut album in the shops for Christmas. This week sees the release of a promotional single from the album, the country favourite We All Get Lucky Sometimes. This is the follow-up to You’re Some Trucker, the novelty song recorded by Liam, Seamus Moore and some other singers. The young man from Co Tyrone is managed by Big M Promotions, who are available on 087-119 2889. CL