Majella O’Donnell took centre stage at the recent Brolly & Friends Show at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. This was the 16th year of the annual event, which is organised and hosted by Derry native Bob Brolly who has lived in Coventry for many years. He also hosts regular shows on BBC Local Radio for the past two decades.

The proceeds from this year’s event were in support of Donegal Mind Wellness. Founded by Majella O’Donnell and run in association with some wonderful volunteers and the HSE in Donegal, she takes every opportunity to promote the work being undertaken in Donegal.

“Since I moved to Donegal in 2002, I have grown to love the people. The Donegal people are very honest, genuine and hard working in a remote county that has suffered more than its fair share of unemployment, depression and suicide.

“My aim is to be able to help people throughout the county to help themselves to be more positive and to find ways to deal with life which can be tough, especially for those who are isolated or living alone,” said Majella, when speaking at the Birmingham show.

Sligo-based Brendan Mulvey, who lends a helping hand each year and who resided in Birmingham for over three decades, says it was another memorable show in the city.

“People support this each year and Bob has raised thousands for various causes down the years. Majella got a great response to her cause.

“People came up to Bob and I during the interval and suggested that we should have a bucket collection as the audience was leaving the show. We went with their wishes and we were overwhelmed by their generosity.”

Cathy Crinion from Trim made an impressive debut appearance, while Ben Troy from Monaghan also did a guest spot. Des Willoughby, Fergal Flaherty and Marc Roberts were all back again. Others who featured on the concert were Karl Loxley, Mark McCabe and the Scanlon School of Irish Dancing.

Basil Henriques was musical director for the show and played some fine selections on the steel guitar. It was a hugely enjoyable night for the audience in the Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

Noel Cassidy releases new album

Noel Cassidy has been singing country songs since he can remember. The Longford man fronted his own band, The Wagon Masters, during the height of the country music boom back in the 1970s.

This week sees the launch of Volume II in a compilation series featuring a selection from previous albums as well as a few new tracks. Noel remains true to the traditional spirit of country music and songs like Run To The Door, Tramp On The Street, Carroll County Accident, and Second Fiddle are included here.

Also featured is the Johnny McEvoy classic, The Ballad of John Williams, as well as My Native Town Drumlish, a firm favourite with Longford people.

Noel can be contacted at 0868198947.

Johnny Brady writes with

Nashville stars

Johnny Brady has released his new album. Radio is a 16-track collection from the Antrim man which features an array of genres that fit loosely under the country mantle.

A new departure for Johnny is his emphasis on self-penned songs, and the album has eight numbers penned by Johnny. Among the collaborations are songs with Max T Barnes and Ralph Murphy, the time spent in Nashville being a rather creative period for Johnny. Two Bruce Springsteen numbers are featured on the album as well as a Derek Ryan song and one each from Bryan Adams and Ed Sheerin.

The album Radio leans heavily towards the country crossover market and is on the Tyrone-based Sharpe Music label.

Cowboy Larry keeps it country

Cowboy Larry has been turning out good albums in recent years up north. In Search of a Song is the latest from Larry, which features 15 tracks and was produced by William Mawhinney.

This country and gospel album from Larry also features duets with John Glenn, Trionagh Allen, Eugene O’Dornan, Crawford Bell and Paul Donnelly. The fiddle and harmonica skills of Charlie Arkins add a real country flavour to the album.

Cowboy Larry is a regular performer across the Ulster region and his albums can be bought from Music City, Dungannon, on 048-8775 0000 and other music store outlets.

Killarney dance gig for Big Tom

The biggest country show down south this weekend sees Big Tom and The Mainliners on stage at the INEC in Killarney on Saturday 27 August. As with all shows featuring The Mainliners, this is a dance gig and the two-hour show starts at 10.30pm. The Outlaws will provide support from 9pm.

Limerick launch for Eddie

Eddie Carey will host a launch of his new album in the Greenhills Hotel, Limerick, on 1 September. This is a big night for the young Newcastle West singer. A few radio-play singles, including the self-penned Murphy’s Bar, have proven popular for Eddie, who is known for the quality and vitality of his stage performances. Joining him for the launch will be Louise Morrissey and John Hogan on what should be a special night in the Greenhills Hotel.