Cootehill show raised €20,000

The seventh annual fundraiser in support of Drumlin House Training Centre in Cootehill and St Christopher’s Hospice in Cavan was staged at the Errigal Hotel in Cootehill last Thursday night.

The venture was a resounding success and raised in excess of €20,000. The organisers, John and Anne McIntyre, presided at the presentation of cheques for €10,049 to each cause. John led the words of thanks to the many business people who generously supported the night and all the regular clientele who filled the room to capacity.

The show was headlined by Michael English and his band, and they were joined on stage by John McIntyre for a rousing rendition of The Belfast Polka – with John on tin whistle and Michael on piano – that received a standing ovation from the appreciative audience.

P J Murrihy from Co Clare made his debut on the Cootehill show, performing a well-received selection of his own songs. Gerry Guthrie from Ballina was another debutant on the show and he went down a treat with a fine selection of songs.

Athlone natives Keith and Lorraine McDonald included some showband classics in their repertoire with The Hucklebuck – still a huge favourite. Monaghan native Gerry Duffy regaled the audience with some humourous stories. The compere for the night was Joe Finnegan from Shannonside-Northern Sound Radio.

Richie shines up his boots

Shine Up My Boots is the latest single from country pop singer Richie Remo. The Ulster native returns to his country roots in style for his new release, which he infused with his familiar energetic and foot-stomping style.

Richie is much in demand, especially in the northern region, and is currently on tour in Scotland. He has shared the stage on several occasions with Derek Ryan, Nathan Carter and various other artists from the younger brigade.

The new single was produced by Wayne Thorose at the Ballyrose Studio in Co Roscommon. It is accompanied by a music video, filmed at the Gilkey Ranch in Claudy, where Ritchie saddled up with some other cowboys to lend an authentic feel to the production. It has already been uploaded on YouTube.

Billy dies in Tyrone

The death has taken place of Billy Mullen from Sion Mills, Co Tyrone. Billy was a drummer with Gene Stuart and The Homesteaders for many years and was recognised as one of the best on the scene. He was a gentleman who always made time for the people who came to support the band.

The passing of his son, Brian, in 2015 at the age of 49 was a major blow to Billy. Brian featured with various bands over the years, including those fronted by Dominic Kirwan, Stephen Smyth, Jason McGilligan and other combinations.

Billy, who was also predeceased by his wife, Betty, died peacefully home. He is survived by his family, Christopher, Damian and Nicola, his brother, Jim, and the family circle.

Caitriona Ní Cheannabháin.

Caitriona takes Songs from the Mists on tour

Caitriona Ní Cheannabháin from Connemara takes her Songs from the Mists show to three venues over the coming weeks. The show will find a natural home in the Taibhdhearc in Galway on Saturday 29 September, where many people with Connemara connections are expected to support the night.

The show will be staged in Áras Chrónáin in Clondalkin, Dublin, on Friday night 5 October; and at the Mullingar Arts Centre on 20 October. All shows are at 8pm.

Patrons can look forward to an enjoyable mix of songs in Irish and English, music and dance. There are also sing-along numbers where the audiences can join in.

Joining Caitriona, a former Glór Tíre finalist, as well as a Sean Nós singing champion, will be Marie Walsh from Clifden, an All-Ireland champion on piano and accordion; Padraic Keane from Oranmore, who plays pipes, flute and tin whistle; Pat Coyne from Cong, a superb guitarist and studio owner and producer; her brother, Paul, who has won Irish Oireachtas and the TG4 Singer of the Year awards; and Caitriona’s nephew, Ronan, with a nice selection of sean nós dancing.

Caitriona is also among the guest at the Michael Commins Galway Sessions, which will be staged at the Clayton Hotel in Galway on Sunday and Monday night, 4-5 November.