Monaghan Country Fest

The sixth Monaghan Town Country Music Festival will be staged from 12-15 July. The inaugural event was launched back in 2013 when Big Tom and The Mainliners packed The Diamond for the big open-air show on a glorious eve of the Ulster football final night. The is a community-based festival, organised by a voluntary committee with the assistance of An Garda Síochána in Monaghan, Monaghan County Council and local businesses. All proceeds go directly to local charities and good causes. The Diamond provides a splendid setting in a region where country music has long held special appeal. The event is held over four nights, with the shows running from 9.30pm to 11.30pm – with the exception of the Sunday night show which is from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. The 2018 festival opens on Thursday night with Patrick Feeney and band, with Jimmy Buckley and band on stage on Friday night. The Saturday show features Michael English and band, while Mike Denver and his band play for the closing show on Sunday, 15 July. Admission at the entrance points to The Diamond each evening is €10. Further information on the festival can be had by calling 087-1479189.

The Brightest Road from John

A song from the pen of Derek Ryan marks the latest single from John McNicholl. The Derry man has chosen The Brightest Road because of the inspirational qualities he feels is contains in the lyrics: “The song has a very positive message. No matter how difficult things become, always look down the Brightest Road. The song was written with mental health in mind. This affects so many people of all ages in society today. We have got to spread the message that there is always someone out there to talk to when times get tough. Thanks to Derek for writing this song for me.”

Jim keeps its country

Jim Finnegan is the latest to sign with the Crashed Records label. His first single release with the Dublin-based company is the self-penned Keep It Country, with an album set to follow in the coming weeks. He started his career with the John Hogan Band and later featured with Kathy Durkin’s band. Jim released a number of albums over the years and is now looking forward to the latest chapter in his music career.

Cut the Grass says Paul

There is a strong seasonal flavour to the latest song from Donegal singer Paul Kelly. Cut The Grass is aimed especially at the farming community and was composed by Andrew Cox and Paul Kelly. The bouncy number has a real feel of summer and is proving highly popular on radio stations all over Ireland. It was produced by Jonathan Owens in his studios in Granard and Paul looks set to have a sizeable hit on his hands with Cut The Grass. CL