Showband exhibition

A renowned Fermanagh showband aficionado, Philip Darcy takes his acclaimed exhibition to the Johnston Central Library in Farnham Street, Cavan, on Monday and Tuesday, 21 August.

Remembering the Showbands features memorabilia from the 1960s, 1970 and 1980s and is a wonderful trip down memory lane. Philip has lovingly gathered photo handouts, newspaper clippings, posters, annuals, LPs and a host of original Showband photos from all parts of Ireland.

The Enniskillen native loves meeting people and reliving magical memories from the showband era. A warm welcome awaits all callers and normal library hours apply to the exhibition.

Flying the Connemara flag

Connemara singer Matthew O’Donnell returns to the recording scene with the release of his new promotional single, Stay All Night Stay A Little Longer.

This song was originally recorded in 1945 by Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and was co-written by Wills and Tommy Duncan. Through the years a number of American country singers have recorded it, including Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and consummate performer Buck Owens, well-known for his famous Bakersfield sound.

Matthew O’Donnell and his band had their official launch at the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris back in March. Arrangements are now being firmed up for a weekend in England later this year.

In the meantime, Matthew is also taking bookings for concert guest spots and other appearances. Contact his manager Eugene McDermott in relation to bookings and further information on 094-9023663 or 086-8035558.

Leitrim debut for CC

If I Needed You, a song that charted in America for Don Williams and Emmylou Harris, is the debut single from CC Hackett who hails from Bornacoola in lovely Leitrim.

CC has been doing some gigs in her home region over the last few years and it has been a cherished wish of hers to record a song. This number was recorded in Kilskyre, Co Meath, and features Paul Sheerin, Charlie Atkins, Pat Murray and Nigel Connell.

There is no doubting her country voice and other songs look set to follow. This is a highly impressive debut by the Leitrim lady.

Andreas and the family tradition

Andreas Durkin continues the family tradition in music going back the generations, with the release of his new single The Cowboy Rides Away. The song was a major hit for Logue and McCool in former times.

The young Cavan man is son of country singer Kathy Durkin, while her father was Eugene Leddy who had a popular céilí and old time band in the Breffni region for many years. Andreas has guested on a number of Caribbean cruises organised by Gertie Byrne out of Fort Lauderdale in recent years.

Mary pens the songs

Longford-based Mary O’Brien has been a prolific songwriter over the years. She has just released a 15-track album, It Is What It Is, featuring a collection of her songs.

Mary is delighted to see this project reach fruition. “For the past 25 years I have had the pleasure of writing for many of our well-known singers including Mick Flavin, Margo O’Donnell, Philomena Begley, Seamus Moore, Michael O’Brien, Louise Morrissey, Dermot Hegarty, Carmel McLoughlin, Trudi Lawlor and the Moynihan Brothers.

“I am always delighted to hear their versions of my songs and I appreciate their constant support for me as a songwriter. One of the songs on the album, You’re Everything a Girl Will Never Need, features three of my best friends in the business, Carmel McLoughlin, Philomena Begley and Kathy Kane. We had a lot of fun recording.”

Mary features several co-writes on the album, including two songs with Charlie McGettigan, Was There Ever A Time and Sometimes. Other collaborations see Mary pen numbers with Peggy Burnham and Terri Sharp from Texas, and German/American writer Ott Lukk from Minneapolis, the latter two who sadly passed away before the album was finished.

Mary also did the music to some verses written by her sister, Laura Duffy, as well as a co-write with her husband, Seán Sweeney – who is well known on the céilí band circuit.

Musicians featured on the album include Paul Gurney, Martin Cleary, Tony Fitzgibbon, Noel Sweeney, Seán Sweeney, Arthur Moynihan, John McGuinness and Alan Lee. The album was produced by Seán Sweeney.