Sonny Knowles waves fond farewell

Sonny Knowles, who died last week at the age of 86, came to fame during the showband era in the 1960s.

The Dubliner co-fronted The Pacific along with Seán Fagan and the band enjoyed a number of Top-10 hits in that decade.

His first hit, No One Will Ever Know, reached No 5 in the Irish charts in early 1965. He charted again in September of the same year with We Could which reached No 6. No One Knows saw him rise to No 3 in the charts in 1966.

His other successes came in 1972 when Music from Across the Way went to No 2 and in 1975 when his version of the country classic, Not That I Care, reached No 14 in the Top 20.

Though he was mainly associated with The Pacific, he also spent some time with the Earl Gill Band. From the mid-1970s on, Sonny moved more and more into the cabaret scene.

He retained most of his popularity in the general Dublin region but did many guest spots at various shows around the country down through the years. His familiar wave became his best known trademark.

Sonny was noted for his easygoing manner and gentle rapport with people. He loved the stage and brought a real sense of warmth and intimacy to all his shows.

The affection for him has manifested itself in the many generous and deserved tributes expressed by people in the business and various walks of life who had such respect for him over the years.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated in St Agnes’s Church, Crumlin Village on Wednesday, followed by interment in Newlands Cross Cemetery.

He is deeply regretted by his wife Sheila and their family, Geraldine, Gary and Aisling, the extending family circle and legion of friends.

Michael lends support to Galway CF

Michael Golding has released his debut album as a fundraiser for the Galway Cystic Fibrosis Hospital Project.

The 16-track collection was recorded in New Mills Sound Studio in Ramelton, Co Donegal and was produced by Johnny McHugh and Percy Robinson.

A native of Castleblayney near Mountbellew, Michael has named the album Back to Castleblakeney which has the same lyrics as Back to Castleblayney with just the small change of place name. He also includes a Big Tom medley for good measure.

Forty Shades of Green, Come Back Home to Erin, The Wild Side of Life, The Back Sheep, Back in 68, Blueside of Lonesome and Galway Bay, are just some of the songs included on the album.

“I have sang occasionally at house parties and sing-a-longs and singing a few songs with various pub groups and bands over the years.

“I decided to go with the idea and record a full album and I chose Cystic Fibrosis Galway to received the proceeds from the sale of album and I am glad to see the album now on release,” says Michael.

The album will be launched in The Blakeney Inn on Saturday, 8 December and the compere for the night is Padraig Devaney.

Oram in mourning again

For the third time in 2018, a veil of sadness descended on the McBride family of Oram, Castleblayney, with the tragic death of Rita Bogdanova, partner of Dermot McBride.

Her sudden passing came as a huge shock to the family, friends and legion of supporters, less than seven months after the death of Big Tom McBride last April and his wife Rose who died at the end of January.

Rita, 41, took ill in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital just before the birth of their baby daughter. She was a native of Latvia and came to Ireland around seventeen years ago.

St Patrick’s Chapel in Oram was crowded to overflowing for the concelebrated Funeral Mass.

Rita is deeply regretted by her partner Dermot, son Ciaran and daughters Amelia and Adelina, her parents and sister, the McBride family circle, and her many friends in Oram, Castleblayney, and in Latvia.

Mayo and Manchester launches for Big Tom book

The Mayo launch of the newly published book Big Tom - The King of Irish Country will take place in The Bridge Street Bar, Castlebar, in association with Castle Book and Card Centre, at 7pm on Friday 30 November.

The writer of the book, well-known Tuam journalist and broadcaster Tom Gilmore, will be present to sign copies.

The guest speaker is Michael Commins.

The UK launch takes place this Thursday night, 22 November, in The Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, at 7pm. Ballygar native Martin Logan will be the guest speaker.

Martin presents the 30-minute show, The Irish in the UK, on Sky 455 Showcase channel and will record scenes from the launch for transmission in three weeks time.