Brendan’s memory lane

Brendan Bowyer was the last famous Irish entertainer to be pictured at the doors of the former Oyster Ballroom in Dromkeen, Co Limerick. Just days after this photo was taken, the venue burned to the ground.

It had been a nostalgic journey back in time for Brendan who, along with the Royal Showband from Waterford, played to massive crowds in the venue back in the 1960s.

The Oyster Ballroom was one of the leading dancehalls in Munster during the showband era and it was also the venue for the first date of the Irish tour of American country legend Jim Reeves in 1963.

The Premier gears up for big night

The Premier Ballroom in Thurles has played host to almost all the major acts on the Irish dancing scene over the decades. A fundraising dance to assist with the further refurbishment will be held in The Premier on 29 August.

Lorraine and The Conquerors will headline the big dance and will be on stage from 10.45pm until 1am. Early arrivals can enjoy the music of Corkman Patrick O’Sullivan, who will be playing at 8.45pm-10.30pm.

The Premier celebrated its golden jubilee in 2014, with Mike Denver and band as the main attraction. Over 500 attended the celebrations. Since then Nathan Carter and his band brought their show to the venue.

The premises has seating downstairs for 300 as well as another 170 seats on the balcony. Admission on the door is €15 and anyone seeking further information about the dance can contact 087-973-2837.

Sheerin Family in Ballymahon

The Sheerin Family continue with their regular once-a-month gig, playing to a packed house in Cooney’s Hotel, Ballymahon.

On Tuesday 1 September they will be joined by surprise guests from the world of country music plus a special appearance from The Country Kids.

Hometown show for The Outlaws

The Outlaws provide the music for the gala Parish Dance and Draw in the Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney, on 29 August. The night will mark the culmination of a major fundraising venture by St Mary’s, Castleblayney, and St Patrick’s, Oram, with many top prizes, including cars, to be won on the night.

The Outlaws are fronted by local man Sean Hughes. The talented Barry Leonard from Co Cavan has been an integral part of the band in recent years. Ryan Murtagh from Blayney also features with The Outlaws.

The most recent additions are Dermot McBride from Oram, son of country legend Big Tom, and Aine McGreane from Magheracloone.

Kilkenny goes country

The Springhill Hotel in Kilkenny will host a weekend of country dancing on 11-13 September. This well-known venue has been a favourite with country dancers over the years and hosted many top shows during that time.

There is a two-band show on the Friday night, featuring headline acts Michael English and Jim Devine. Another double-act show awaits patrons on Saturday, when Dominick Kirwan and Gerry Guthrie will provide the entertainment over four hours.

Admission on both nights is €15 and doors open to the public at 9.30pm. Special weekend packages are available. Call 087-333-4336.

Kilbane in Donegal

Ballymore Parish Centre near Dunfanaghy in Co Donegal is the venue for a special concert featuring James Kilbane on 28 August at 8pm. The Achill native will sing songs from his extensive repertoire.

The event is being hosted by the Ballymore Parish Centre development committee and the summer show is being staged to help raise funds for the Donegal community at Ballymore and the parish centre.

Admission is €15. Call Rosaleen at 086-845-4725.

Remembering Dave Moynihan

The Dave Moynihan Big Band was synonymous with Wexford in former times. The late Dave (Snr) and his band played venues all over the country and were special favourites in The Ierne Ballroom in Dublin.

This week sees the release of a new song from The Moynihan Brothers, Dave Jnr and Arthur. Dad’s Family Band was written by Mary O’Brien-Sweeney and Dave Moynihan, and is dedicated to those who featured with Dave in the showband days.