Farming and music dovetail softly in the tranquil world of Peter McAuliffe. The Corkman would surely feel at home and at ease with the rural musings of Monaghan poet Paddy Kavanagh. The language of the land and the soil is universal and needs no degrees from the stately halls of universities.

Peter is originally from Douglas but has spent most of his life in Ballinhassig, “around three miles from Cork Airport”, as he says himself. But more recent years have seen him pursue farming in the home area of his wife, Kathleen, over in Kerry. He now spends most of his time farming at Blackwater Bridge near Kenmare.

“You could say we are in the hill country between Kenmare and Sneem. It is very peaceful here. Sucklers is where I am at when it comes to farming. There is a lovely sense of peace out on the land and the hills,” reflects Peter.

The quiet man from down south is also renowned for his ability to deliver show-stoppers at sessions at home and abroad. Peter, who is a regular contributor to the nightly sessions of the Enjoy Travel music holidays in Spain has gained countrywide recognition for his inspiring renditions of classics from over the years.

Spanish expedition

“I got to know a lot of people on those trips to Ibiza and the Spanish mainland and they got to know me. I like to perform songs that I have a fondness for and I am lucky that I like songs from so many different types of music.

“The sessions in Spain, with Mick Mackey from Clonmel as host, are a throwback to the kind of sessions that were once common enough in Ireland. When they are in full flow in April in Spain, you realise that there is probably nothing whatsoever back home in Ireland from Antrim down to Cork to match them. It is like as if part of the Ireland we know and love was transplanted out to Spain for those 10 days,” says Peter.

For The Good Times is the new 11-track album from Peter and is the follow-up to his debut release of some years ago, Irish and Timeless Favourites. The classically trained baritone has encompassed songs from a variety of genres on the new album.

“Good songs are to be found in all kinds of music. I love good lyrics and nice melodies. The title track is a Kris Kristofferson song which was also a mega hit for Perry Como. I’ve included the country gospel song, Never Grow Old, which is a song I love,” says Peter.

The wonderful blend of songs so beautifully performed by Peter on this album can be gauged from the inclusion of such classics as Swanee River (The Old Folks At Home), Come By The Hills, O Sole Mio (It’s Now Or Never), Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff, Nora, and Under The Bridges of Paris. Also here are Will You Walk With Me and As I Leave Behind Neidín.

“Another one I have included here is The House of The Glen, which was written by my wife Kathleen’s grandfather, John K Cotter, who was born and raised on Cape Clear and who moved to Blackwater in 1920. The poem, which I sing to the air of The Bold Thady Quill, is a lament for his island home. I want to express special thanks to Frank Doyle and Eddie Lee in Ballyheigue for all their musicianship, professionalism, time and help in recording this album,” says Peter.

For The Good Times is now available online at www.petermcauliffesings.com, in some shops in Kenmare, or direct from Peter on 087-248 7655.