The Hodgie Song Book at last

Fermanagh man Eugene Cunningham has been involved in the country music scene for many years.

Hodgie, as he is affectionately known to all, has also featured with numerous bands over the years and has also written several songs.

He has just released a new 22-track album entitled Eugene Cunningham presents: Hodgie’s Song Book. The album is in association with the Marie Currie Foundation which provides care and support through terminal illness.

Among the artists who feature on the album are Big Tom, Ally Harron and Marian Curry, Jimmy Buckley, Brendan Magee, Vincy Walmsley, Seamus Moore, the Benn Sisters, Anthony McBrien, Thomas Maguire and Fhiona Ennis, Seán Brennan, Seán Corrigan, Barry Doyle, Wee Tom, Stephen Smith, Seán McAloon, Thomas Milligan, and Cathy McGovern as well as one from Eugene himself.

Eugene Cunningham.

“I thought the time was right to put together a collection of the songs on the one album and I would like to thank all the singers for their goodwill and support for this project.

“Country music has been a way of life for me for so long now. I’m still enjoying it as much as ever,” says Eugene, who along with Brendan Magee, plays weekly dates on the dancing circuit.

The CD can be purchased online at www.hodgiessongs.com as well as in some regional record shops and at Eugene and Brendan’s gigs.

Birr night for Offaly Hospice

The Cherry Tree in Birr will host a major country music night in support of the Offaly Hospice on Tuesday, 7 August. The host for the night will be Joe Cooney from Midlands Radio.

Olivia Douglas will make the short journey over from Ferbane for this special night in Birr. “All of us taking part in this show are glad to lend our support to all associated with the Offaly Hospice. They provide a great service and we hope many people, in the area will come along to The Cherry Tree on the night,” says Olivia.

Also down for guest spots are TR Dallas, Alex Roe (Clara), Colin Kenny, Sabrina Fallon, Pete Kennedy, Ger Long, Ben Troy, Paul Kelly, Christy Mac, Aidan Clerkin, David Kiernan, Claire Dillon and Shane Moore. Tickets for this event are just €10 and doors open at 8pm. Light refreshments will be served and there will also be a raffle.

Kevin’s party in Irishtown

The annual Kevin Prendergast Party Night will be held in Bourke’s of Irishtown on Friday, 3 August, starting at 9.30pm. This will be the 15th year of the event which sees a grand gathering of friends of the popular country and Irish singer.

Kevin lived for many years in Manchester before returning to his native Mayo.

The release of his own song, Let’s Go Back To County Mayo, provided the springboard for Kevin’s surge in popularity in the 1980s and he has performed at shows all over Ireland and the UK.

He is also a regular on the Gertie Byrne Caribbean cruises that sail each year from Fort Lauderdale.

Joining Kevin will be Kay and The Country Stars from Erris as well as Mary Prendergast from Waterford, Noreen Burke from Galway, and Mick Mulhern from Mayo. This is always an enjoyable night and a great meeting place for friends and neighbours.

Stephen’s one-way ticket to Belfast

Stephen Rosney and the Back Axels are recording some of the most innovative music in Ireland these times. Their latest release is the infectious One-Way Ticket To Belfast, a song composed by Stephen and his friend, Nashville-based songwriter Ric Sandler.

The Offaly man has been ploughing a rich furrow in recent months with a number of fine productions to his credit. He has also co-written songs with Max T Barnes, including The Button Box Boy, and has been to Nashville on a few occasions. Roscommon day at

Donamon Castle

The annual family picnic day at Donamon Castle, a few miles out from Roscommon town, takes place on Sunday 29 July. This venture always attracts a large and loyal support year after year. The day begins with Mass at 12.30pm and this will be followed with a major line-up of entertainment featuring The Conquerors, Jake Carter and band, the Castlerea Brass and Reed Band, Patsy McCaul, Crazy Corner, Bill Haugh, and the Duggan School of Dancing.

There are also all the regular attractions which are such an integral part of open day at Donamon Castle. Fr Pat Hogan (Rector) extends grateful thanks to those who support the venture.

Michael is guest on Midlands Radio

Michael Commins and Derek Ryan before the ICMA's at RTE

Irish Country Living country music columnist, Michael Commins, will be the featured guest on the Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick Saturday night Late Show on Midlands Radio (103.5fm) on this Saturday night, 28 July, just after 11pm.

Michael is no stranger to the midlands region having spent five years with the Bank of Ireland in Abbeyleix and one in Athlone. He is also president of the Colt GAA Club in Co Laois, which is also home club of Kevin Lalor Fitzpatrick.