Kildare goes country

Michael English may never line-out for Kildare senior footballers, but that did not stop him stepping out on the green grass of Croke Park in recent weeks. He was there to help his home county hit the target when it comes to the fundraising stakes this summer. Michael will be flying the Lilywhite flag in style at the Kildare Goes Country Day in St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, on Sunday June 14, starting at 2pm. The event is in support of Kildare GAA and is being held in association with Kildare Radio.

Joining Michael for the festivities will be Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, Declan Nerney, Lisa McHugh, Crystal Swing, Johnny Peters, Tara Shamrock and The Conquerors. Tickets are priced at €20 prior to the event (€25 on the day) and children under 12 go free. Tickets are now available through the Kildare GAA office at Hawkfield, Newbridge, (045-431894), by email kildaregaa@gmail.com or online through www.tickets.ie.

You Are My Heaven

Meath singer-songwriter Maria Butterly has had her song, You Are My Heaven, chosen by the International Alliance to help raise funds for motor neurone disease research. Maria is hosting a concert in support of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association in St Peter and Paul Church, Athlone, on Sunday evening, 24 May.

The breakthrough came after a recent meeting in New York between Maria and representatives of the Alliance, who are affiliated with Motor Neurone Associations worldwide.

The song – recipient of the Best New Original Single 2015 accolade at the Irish Farmers Journal/ Country Sound awards night in Athlone last March – has been released here in Ireland in aid of Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). It is the campaign song for this year and is available to download on www.imnda.ie, for a donation of €2.

The concert, which starts at 7pm, will officially mark the fundraiser’s launch. Athlone Choral Society is special guest on the show.

Muriel’s night

Muriel Day will hold the official launch of her debut album, Girls Night Out, at the Queen’s Hall in Newtownards, on Friday 29 May. Fresh from her recent appearances on the Stephen Nolan Show (BBC One) and the Late Late Show on RTÉ, Muriel is enjoying a major resurgence in her career.

The Co Down lady was Ireland’s first Eurovision representative back in 1969, when she performed Wages of Love in Madrid. She moved to Canada in the 1970s where she worked and resided for a good many years.

Back in November 2014, she was honoured with a special presentation at the Northern Ireland Entertainment Awards in Armagh. She has featured with the Do You Come Here Often Showband nostalgia tour in recent months. Joining Muriel for the big night in Newtownards are Louise Morrissey, Gene Stuart, Eileen King, Leon McCrum, Cathy McGovern, and Aidy Quinn and his band. Further details can be had by visiting her website, murielday.co.uk.

Cowboy Larry joined by friends

My Kind of Country is the new album from Northern singer Cowboy Larry. The collection features 14 songs from the country and gospel genres.

Larry made a conscious decision to give a platform to Irish songwriters and half the album reflects that ethos. He has recorded songs penned by Gerard Dornan, Vincent Soye, Sean Morgan, BG Pollock, Eugene Hamill and Michael Coleman.

“The other seven are some of my favourite songs that I grew up listening to,” says Larry.

“I am also blessed to be joined by country legends Gene Stuart, Crawford Bell and Hugo Duncan, as well as Tony Kerr and Vincent Soye on duet numbers.”

Larry’s new album is available from Music City, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, and from musiccitydirect.com.