Donegal night for Francie Donnelly

The country music fraternity is rallying big time behind Francie Donnelly from Magherafelt. The country musician and singer, who is well known on the circuit in the Ulster region, is currently coping with a serious health issue.

“Those of you who have been following my story know of the devastating news that I have a brain tumour. Last week, I went into the studio and recorded The Last Great Love Song, one that is so close to my heart at this time.

“It was a very emotional day to say the least. I am staying positive, and will start my treatment of radiotherapy and chemo in a couple of weeks,” says Francie.

The big support night for Francie takes place in Biddy Friel’s, Letterkenny, on Thursday 28 March, starting at 8pm. It features a host of entertainers including John Hogan, Olivia Douglas, Johnny Carroll, Eamon Jackson, Muriel Day, Sabrina Fallon, Pat McKenna, Owen Mac, Eddie Gallagher, Malcolm McDowell, Ray Montana, Gareth Kirwan, Gary Fitzpatrick, Kevin Hughes, Seán Wilson, Richard Finlay, Conor McGinty, Dylan Murray, Dessie Mac, Malcolm Fisher and Andrew McMurdie. The compere for the night is Tommy Rosney from Highland Radio.

Stepping out in Scartaglin

PJ Murrihy will launch the new series of dancing in Scartaglin Heritage Centre in Kerry on Sunday 24 March. This is a new venture in the hill village between Castleisland and Ballydesmond with dancing from 9-11.30pm.

Cork duo Dermot and Irene Ring are playing in Scartaglin on Sunday 31 March, with Neily O’Connor Band on the 7 April and the Michael Collins Band the following week.

This is the latest in the series of John Joe Herlihy’s dances which also includes the regular Wednesday night dance in the Kerins O’Rahillys clubhouse in Tralee where Pat Costello is on stage on March 27 and Neily O’Connor on 3 April.

PJ Murrihy plays the Longcourt House Hotel in Newcastlewest on Friday, March 22, from 9pm to 11pm while Finbarr Dennehy is at the same venue on Thursday 4 April, with Bernie Heaney and Boz Moran there on 11 April.