Colie’s Cork launch

Colie Cloran will launch his debut album at the Star Trax music venue at Boherbue, about three miles of the Mallow to Killarney road, on Sunday 6 November at 2pm.

Colie hails from Ardrahan in south Galway and recorded this 12-track album at Music Row Studios in Co Cork. It was produced by Leo Fitzgerald.

“I recent years I have spent a lot of my time in the south west of Ireland in the barony of Duhallow where I have made lot of new friends. I want to thank Mike Fitzgerald and his son Leo for their help and guidance, Ted Leizcyneski for writing a great song for me about Gort, and all who helped me along the way,” says Colie.

The guests at the launch of Colie’s cd, A Dream Come True, are Southern Pride, the Bachelors in Trouble, Liam Cantillon, Laura Dunlea, Marian Kirby, Mike McCarthy and Aidan Fitzgerald.

Keelan is on a roll

Few teenagers have the privilege of hosting their own shows on television. But 16-year-old Keelan Arbuckle from Donegal has a head start. The talented country singer fronts a show on Sky 389, the Phil Mack-promoted Keep in Country channel.

Kealan has performed alongside Daniel O’Donnell, Nathan Carter, Robert Mizzell, Ray Lynam, and a host of other top names from the circuit. He has released a number of country singles, which have been well received, including I’m On My Way, composed by Donegal writer Patsy Cavanagh, and Whose Gonna Fill Their Shoes.

Keelan is managed by well-known film and video producer, Steve Bloor.

Margo on the double

Country legend Margo has released two singles in the space of a few weeks. My Mind of Woman and my Kind of Man is a duet with Ciarán Rosney from Offaly and is already proving popular on stations around the country.

This week sees the release of a double-sided single, Fly Me West and In The Grand Ole Opry, a co-write with Joe McShane, which is a tribute to American country star Jean Shepard who died some weeks ago.

Pat Ely is guest

Pat Ely, lead singer with one of the pioneering bands of the country scene in Ireland, The Smokey Mountain Ramblers, will be the featured guest on the Late Show on Mid West Radio (Mayo) on Sunday 6 November from 10.30pm to around 11.30pm.

A native of Tipperary, Pat has resided near Drumcliff, Co Sligo, for many years ow. He also fronted The Rocky Tops and over the years he has enjoyed major chart success with Any Tipperary Town, All I Have To offer You Is Me, and The Shores of Lough Bran.

Stradbally delight

A superbly taken last-minute goal by Jody Dillon gave Stradbally a sensational win over nine-in-a-row champions Portlaoise in the recent Laois senior football final.

Well-known showbiz man and country singer Har Ramsbottom, whose son Greg won his fourth Laois senior medal on the day, captured the moment in style when he visited the winners’ dressing-room.

The Stradbally farmer and singer had the place hopping with his rousing version of Diggin’ ‘em Dillon – much to the delight of match winner Jody Dillon and all his Stradbally teammates. Nice one, Har. CL

Sam celebrates his 70th

Sam O’Doherty celebrated a milestone birthday in recent weeks. The Bansha legend was in great form at his home near the Galtee mountains as he reminisced about another special year in his long showbiz journey.

“I hit the 70 mark, and sure I am still doing what I love be: out there entertaining the people and bringing smiles to the faces,” said Sam. “I have had my own health issues over a few years, but I am in great form now. When the auld health is in good shape, we have a lot to be thankful for – and that’s for sure.

“I am still getting a big response to my guest spot on The Half Door series on Irish TV Sky 191. There’s not a night I go out but someone will say: ‘Sam, you were mighty on The Half Door. They should have given you a full hour.”

With a full diary and his beloved Tipperary hosting the Liam McCarthy Cup this winter, Sam is a hamper camper down in Bansha.