Henry McMahon: 50 years on the country music scene

All of 50 years have flown by since Henry McMahon started out on the showbusiness road. The man from Castleblayney became known to thousands of country music followers as the band leader and announcer with Big Tom and The Mainliners. For five decades, Henry has been an integral part of the country scene here in Ireland.

Close to 20 years ago he added a new dimension to his career and started writing songs. It was like a diviner sourcing a wellspring. Henry tapped into the fountain of inspiration and a steady flow of songs began to pour forth in the years that were to follow.

Recent weeks have seen the release of Henry’s Hits, 14 songs from the pen of Henry McMahon recorded by some of the best-known names on the Irish circuit.

The man who has steered the careers of a number of top country artists is delighted to have the album on the market.

“For a long time people have asked me would I consider releasing an album of songs I have written sung by the original artists. It is indeed an honour to have the cream of Irish country artists and an American (Robert Mizzell) on this album.

“I consider my song-writing talent a very special gift and I thank God for it. I am amazed at how the songs I have written have touched people in so many different ways,” says Henry.

The songs chosen for this album are: The G & R Steam Train (Big Tom), The Marquee In Drumlish (Declan Nerney), The Nearest to Perfect (Michael English), Your Wedding Day (Jimmy Buckley), Way Back Then (Phil Begley), The Ballad of Henry Ford (Thomas Maguire), Footsteps Through The Rosses (Margo O’Donnell), You Gotta Get Up In The Morning (Declan Nerney), The Pet Calf (John Glenn), Trucker’s Wallet (Jimmy Buckley), An Irish Nurse (Big Tom), Mama Courtney (Robert Mizzell), Lucky Horseshoe (Gerry Guthrie), while the final track, The Ballad of 90 Eggs, is performed by Henry himself.

Country superstar Big Tom says The Irish Nurse is a special song and one that resonates in the hearts of so many Irish families.

“Everyone knows we toured the Irish clubs in England for many years. One of the places we played was Old Church Hospital in Romford, where there were a lot of Irish girls who trained to be nurses and also worked at the hospital.

“I can see where Henry got the inspiration to write this lovely song. I’d like to dedicate this song to all the Irish girls who made nursing their career.”

Declan Nerney joins in the tributes to Henry.

“The Marquee in Drumlish was my biggest song. Henry told my life story in that song. I have recorded several of his songs, all of which have been great for me, including my last single, The Ballad of Big Tom.”

Michael English enjoyed a major break with Henry’s song, The Nearest To Perfect.

“I was so lucky to receive such a great song at the age of 17. I have Henry McMahon to thank for my career,” says the Kildare man.

Margo O’Donnell, whose version of Footsteps Through The Rosses is on the new album, sums it up nicely.

“Henry’s writing is real and people relate to what the song is all about. Good luck Henry and may your pen never run dry.”