A rapturous welcome awaits Big Tom and The Mainliners when they head south to play a major show in the INEC, Killarney, on Saturday, 27 August. This will be their first date in Killarney for several years and it is generating phenomenal interest.

Big Tom is Ireland’s undisputed King of Country Music. Tom was honoured as the first inductee to the Hall of Fame at the recent RTÉ Country Awards night in Dublin. The man from Oram near Castleblayney received a tumultuous reception from the adoring audience.

This year marks the golden jubilee of the release of Gentle Mother, the song that started it all for Big Tom and The Mainliners. It was back in 1966 that Tom McBride recorded the song that was to shape his destiny and make him a veritable institution on the Irish entertainment scene.

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Over the years he has enjoyed the love and respect of the people, sharing numerous highlights in an extraordinary career. Big Tom had the honour of being the bill-topper at the London-Irish Festival in Roundwood Park in front of a crowd of 82,000 people. The Mainliners drew capacity crowds to all the Irish ballrooms in England back in their early days.

He has represented Ireland at the International Country Music Festival in Fort Worth, Texas, received almost every accolade on the country circuit, and was made a Freeman of Castleblayney a few years ago.

When Big Tom made a guest appearance on the RTÉ Late Late Show country special last October, the response was overwhelming.

The Killarney dance show looks set to be a massive night, with people travelling from all over Ireland as well as many making the journey from the UK. They sure look set to give The King a royal welcome in The Kingdom.

The Outlaws will open the show at 9pm and Big Tom and The Mainliners will be on stage around 10.30pm. Tickets are on sale from the hotel reception on 00353-64 667 1555.

Meanwhile, fans of the band up north can catch Big Tom and The Mainliners when they play The Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown on Friday 19 August, with support by The Outlaws.

This show is nearly sold out in advance. For further details, contact the reception at 048 867 64949. CL

Bluegrass in Dunmore East

The 22nd Guinness International Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival will take place from 25 to 28 August in the Waterford seaside village. Bluegrass enthusiasts can look forward to a great few days in this lovely setting a few miles out the road from Waterford city.

American duo Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley will headline a special concert and tickets for this show cost €20.

There are also a wonderful selection of free shows with Sligo’s brilliant band Rackhouse Pilfer, that included Willie Kelly, son of well-known country singer Sandy Kelly. Other bands include One Horse Pony, Dr Bluegrass, Cup O’Joe, Foghorn String Band, Betse & Clarke (from Kansas City), Mons Wheeler Big Band, Barefoot, and New Bread Winners.

For further information, contact Mick Daly, Dunmore East, on 087 2562899.

Condolences

Condolences are tendered to Willie Fitzgerald, founder of Cork Music Station (internet radio), on the recent death of his mother Mary (nee O’Leary) from Meelin, Co Cork. Mary, who was predeceased by her husband Timothy and daughter Margaret, is also survived by her daughters Mary (O’Connor), Joan (Buckley), Sheila (Foley), Emily (Hayes), and Elizabeth (Cregan), and son Jerry.

Mary Prendergast tops

the charts

Waterford-based Mary Prendergast has reached the No 1 spot in the South East Radio (Wexford) popularity charts. Mary’s new single, Take Me Back To Ireland In The Morning, topped the charts on Tony Kehoe’s show last Friday evening.

New Kerry Fearon release

Bing Bang Boom is the latest release from Kerry Fearon. Kerry, who is a presenter with Downtown Radio in Belfast, was a finalist in the recent series of Glór Tire on TG4.

The Outlaws

The Outlaws have enjoyed a high profile this summer as they play support for Big Tom and The Mainliners. Big Tom’s son, Dermot McBride, is now a member of The Outlaws. Their latest single, Forget Your Troubles, written by lead singer Seán Hughes, was released last week and is already garnering a lot of airplay.

Eamonn Jackson release

Eamonn Jackson has opted for an old favourite for this new release. Country Roads, which was a huge hit for John Denver who also wrote the song, is the latest from the Cavan man.

Laura’s night in Kerry

Laura Dunlea will launch her new album, Life Is A River, in the Torc Hotel (Darby O’Gills) in Killarney on Saturday 10 September. This is a big night for Laura and she will be joined by Breakaway, Joe Guerin and DJ Keane for the launch. The compere is Dermot Moriarty from Radio Kerry.