The Munster Arms Hotel in Bandon will host a major show on Monday 31 August, when local singer Catriona O’Donovan will launch her Country Favourites album.

It is just over 25 years ago since Catriona recorded her debut album, In An Irish Country Home. Since then, she has recorded a number of albums, including Musical Memories, At The Close of An Irish Day and Hand in Hand.

Her latest is a collection of favourite country songs and features her playing some tunes on the fiddle and the accordion. She is accompanied on some tracks by former local All-Ireland champion accordionist Michael Buckley, who is the producer of the album. Michael and Catriona are a well-known musical duo on the circuit in the southern region. One of the tracks from the new album, Darling Say You Love Me When I Am Old, is already proving highly popular for Catriona and has been receiving extensive airplay.

A gala lineup is in place for the launch, which will be introduced by Phil Mack and Lisa Stanley from the popular Sky 191 Irish TV Country Show. They are coming over from England to do the honours.

The guest performers on the night are the Michael Collins Band, John Hogan, Art Supple, Des Willoughby, PJ Murrihy, Bernie Heaney, Jacqui Sharkey, Trevor Loughrey, Michael Buckley, and Martin Power (Kilkenny). Lisa Stanley will also perform a few songs during the show, which is expected to attract a full house to the Munster Arms.