Cootehill concert raised €22,000

The annual John McIntyre Concert night in The Errigal Hotel in Cootehill was a resounding success last week. The venture raised a staggering €22,000 for Drumlin House Training Centre in Cootehill and St Christopher’s Hospice in Cavan.

This was the sixth annual event organised by John and Anne McIntyre and the night has now established itself as a major social night, where people come back to lend support year after year. The appeal has also spread much further afield, with many people making long journeys to Cootehill for the venture.

The headline act was Michael English and his band, with Michael taking the show home after a full house enjoyed a fine variety of music on the night. His rendition of How Great Thou Art was accorded a standing ovation.

Keith and Lorraine McDonald performed a variety of music, with their showband selection going down a treat. Patrick Feeney’s showstopper was the old Wexford ballad, Boolavogue.

Local Cavan man Eamonn Jackson kept it country all the way, with a selection of favourites from over the years. Gerry Duffy from Monaghan delivered a humourous monologue which was perfect for this concert night.

The show was opened by John McIntyre, who did a selection of songs and some lovely instrumentals. John now fronts his own popular group, Brass Roots. In former times he was a member of the country band Gerry Black and The Seasons. His debut DVD is drawing near completion and is being filmed by Gerald O’Donoghue from Headford.

The compere for the night was Joe Finnegan from Shannonside-Northern Sound Radio, who lauded the efforts of John in organising this highly popular annual night in support of the chosen causes.

Dungarvan goes country in October

Some of the big names from the Irish scene will be heading to Lawlor’s Hotel in Dungarvan for a country music dancing weekend from Friday to Sunday, 13-15 October.

There will be a double bill each night, with all lead singers taking along their own bands. Those who will front the shows in Dungarvan are Declan Nerney, John McNicholl, Paddy O’Brien, Gerry Guthrie, Paul Kelly and Joe Davitt. The opening act goes on stage at 9.30pm.

PJ Murrihy provides the music for the afternoon (3pm to 5pm) on Saturday, 14 Octoer, with Patrick and Conor O’Sullivan doing likewise on the Sunday. Pat Daly hosts the nightly sing-song in the bar.

Tickets for all the shows can be had on the door. Special weekend packages are available and all the details about these and the lineups for each night can be had by calling Lawlor’s on 058-41122 or emailing info@lawlorshotel.com.

Michael Commins on the airwaves

The Michael Commins Show airs on the Keep It Country Sky 389 channel every Tuesday night between 11pm and midnight. The show, which features a mix of mainly Irish and American country music, has repeats on Friday evening between 5pm and 6pm and Saturday night from 10pm to 11pm. It can also be accessed on Freesat 516, Freeview 87 and online at Keep It Country TV.

Michael also hosts two weekly shows on Mid West Radio on Wednesday night from 11pm to 2am, and on Sunday night from 10pm to 1.30am. The station broadcasts on 96.1FM across the western region and online at midwestradio.ie.

Simon opts for ‘gem of a waltz’

Offaly native Simon Casey made his national breakthrough on the RTÉ series You’re A Star around a decade ago. Some albums later, Simon has opted for a waltz number to connect with radio audiences around the country.

The Third Dance From The End, penned by Noel O’Farrell, may well be his most commercial release since Another Day Gone and the duet with Ray Lynam on As She’s Walking Away.

“I first heard this song sung live by Noel and found myself drawn to the simplicity of this gem of a waltz. Basically, it is a simple love song, but with a powerful message that says love is a blessing, that love is the answer. I really believe it is a winner and I can’t wait to share it with music lovers of all ages,” says Simon. CL