Ballymore Country Fest rolls out red carpet on Monday

The annual Ballymore Country Festival will be staged on Bank Holiday Monday, 6 August, starting at 1pm. The small village in Co Westmeath, was among the pioneers of the outdoor country festivals back in the 1970s.

The midlands has always had deep roots in country music with a lot of goodwill from Midlands Radio and other neighbouring stations and local newspapers all lending good support to the annual Ballymore Festival.

Brendan Shine has performed at nearly all the Ballymore Festivals since the 1970s and he is back again by popular demand on Monday. Other regulars at the Monday afternoon jamboree are Mike Denver, Derek Ryan, Jimmy Buckley and Michael English.

Flying the flag for the province of Ulster are Cliona Hagan from Tyrone and Johnny Brady from Antrim while local entertainers Olivia Douglas and Andy Feery are also on the bill. One of the country’s most musical families, The Sheerins from Westmeath, will do their own guest spot as well as providing music throughout the day.

Tickets are €20 in advance and €25 on the day. Under 14s are admitted free.

There is ample free car parking at the venue. Further details can be had by accessing www.ballymorecountryfestival.com.

Dan Paddy Andy and Real Rural Ireland

The Dan Paddy Andy Weekend, described by the organisers as Ireland’s Real Rural Festival, takes place in Lyreacrompane in Co Kerry from Friday 3 to Monday 6 August.

This is the 21st year of the festival and it opens on Friday night with a céilí featuring Tim Joe and Ann O’Riordan at 9.30pm on Friday night. Paddy O’Brien from Waterford and his band top the bill in the marquee on Saturday night with Stevie Donegan as the opening act. The Dan Paddy Andy Festival Waltzing Competition takes place in the Marquee on Sunday 5 with dancing from 3pm to 6pm to the Eddie Lee Band.

The humour of Peter Casey from Clare and the songs of Willie Relihan from Cork will entertain patrons in the marquee from 9.30pm to 11pm and this will be followed by the first appearance in Lyreacrompane of Pat McKenna and Hughie Turner of Glenshane Country from Derry.

Dolly rules okay

Lisa McHugh returns to the true and trusted talents of songwriter and country legend Dolly Parton for her latest song, Ya’ll Come. The song celebrated the old fashioned and genuine welcome of people from the southern states of America for visitors to their homes.

One of Lisa’s most successful recordings up until now has been anther Dolly Parton composition, Apple Jack. Recognising the well established bond that Dolly enjoys with Irish audiences, Lisa has chosen Ya’ll Come for her latest single.

It is a wise move by the Fermanagh-based and Scottish-born country singer.

Lisa has chosen the Dolly Parton song Ya’ll Come for her latest single.\ Lorraine Teevan

Ciarán stays close to roots

Ciarán Rosney releases his latest single, Remember Who You Are, this week. The sentiments of the song are close to his heart as it reminds him of the bond he had with his father growing up in Ballycumber in Co Offaly.

The song exhorts people never to forget their roots and to remain loyal to their upbringing and place of birth and always appreciate that sense of attachment to the people and community where you were born and raised.

Ciarán and his new band were launched on the dance circuit back in March and are very pleased with the progress since then. They are being managed by Mayo native Joe Finnegan who is also widely known for his five days a week morning show on Shannonside-Northern Sound Radio.