Castleblayney rallies round Kym Owens recovery fund

Hometown legend Big Tom will headline a country music concert in support of 18-year-old student Kym Owens who was attacked and injured in a horrific incident in Maynooth on 20 November. Castleblayney and neighbouring areas have rallied around the Owens family and a major concert will be staged in the Glencarn Hotel on Tuesday 10 January at 8.30pm. Big Tom was among the first on board to lend support and the show will also feature Margo O’Donnell, Declan Nerney, Philomena Begley, The Outlaws, Marty Mone, Gerry Guthrie, John McNicholl and others.

Kym, a keen sports person who plays Gaelic football with Castleblayney, has been undergoing specialised treatment in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. The family have been inundated with messages of support and goodwill.

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TJ Byrne dies in Carlow

TJ Byrne, who played a central role in the Irish showband industry, died in Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow, before Christmas. It was TJ who steered the Royal Showband to legendary status on the Irish circuit. The Carlow man was the guiding light behind the famous Waterford band, fronted by Brendan Bowyer and the late Tom Dunphy.

While the Clipper Carlton from Strabane in Tyrone are generally regarded as the pioneers of the showband era, it was The Royal Showband who heralded in a new an invigorating style down south.

TJ Byrne handled their diary from the outset in 1957 and through the golden era of the 1960s.

He is survived by his wife Betty, son TJ Jr, daughter-in-law Silvia, brother Vincent, sisters Violet and Kathleen, grandchildren Aaron, Adam and Arthur, the family circle and friends.