Coming just a few weeks after another successful Laois country festival in Emo, Ballyroan is all set to put its best foot forward for this gala weekend. Nathan Carter is the star attraction and a full house is expected for his performance in the marquee on Saturday night, 6 August. Born in Liverpool with strong family roots in Co Down, Nathan has become a phenomenon on the circuit in the last five years. Playing to full houses at dances and concerts on both sides of the Irish Sea has become the norm for the 26-year-old.

Nathan is all set to rock Ballyroan as he and his band take to the stage. He has played sold-out shows in the INEC in Killarney and Vicar Street, Dublin. His latest album, Stayin’ Up All Night, has soared to the top of the Irish album charts. From Wagon Wheel to The Boat To Liverpool, it will be a real music festival celebration in this rural heartland.

Other acts announced

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Laois native Trudi Lalor will open the weekend of marquee dancing and music in Ballyroan when she plays support to Nathan. The Mountrath native, who resides in Co Tipperary, has been closely associated with the country scene in the midlands for many years.

The festival continues on Sunday with another two-band show. Cliona Hagan from Tyrone has been rapidly making a name for herself and was the recipient of the best newcomer accolade at the inaugural RTÉ Irish Country Music Awards night in Dublin some weeks ago. Her power-packed stage show is winning her a whole new legion of followers.

The night will be rounded off by Declan Nerney and his band who are firm favourites across the midlands. The Longford man will perform many of his best-known songs for what should be memorable night.

A unique event

Pat Whelan, who is chair of the Ballyroan-Abbey GAA Club on whose grounds the marquee festival takes place, said: “We are delighted to bring the stars of country music to Ballyroan. This is a unique event in the midlands and we look forward to a great weekend with Nathan and the other top entertainers.”

The Ballyroan Festival is sure to revive golden memories for some of the older folks in this lovely region. The famous Stradbally and Durrow carnivals were absolutely massive events in Laois in the late 1970s and early 80s while the Macra Hall in Abbeyleix played host to all the major country stars and bands in the same era.

Doors open on both nights are open at 9pm with the shows under way at 10pm. The marquee can host up to 2,000 people. Limited seating is also available. A host of hospitality facilities will be available on site, with ample parking. Coach and taxi services will also be facilitated over the weekend. Full weekend tickets are priced at €30 while tickets for either night are also available in several retail outlets in Ballyroan, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise and Mountrath, and also each night in Ballyroan.

More information on Ballyroan Festival 2016 is available from www.ballyroan.eu, Facebook Ballyroan2016 or Michael Scully on 087-905 3283.

Valerie gets the Seale of approval

Valerie Seale’s new album, A Long Long Way To Go, marks an impressive debut by the lady who has appeared on a number of Enjoy Travel promotions in Spain and Portugal in recent years. She has also performed on Joanie Madden’s cruise tours in the Caribbean and Joanie and friends have returned the favour by doing some great sessions in Valerie’s pub in Aughrim, a few miles from Ballinasloe.

While Valerie operates her business in Co Galway, she is a native of nearby south Roscommon. Her brother Tomás has played with the Roscommon senior hurling team. She is the eldest of a family of five and the family circle has been steeped in music with strong connections to the famous Aughrim Slopes Céilí Band in former times.

A most noteworthy aspect of the 14-track album, which is mainly folk and Irish with some country as well, is her decision to record several songs composed by Irish writers. These include You Waltz So Softly Through My Mind, Nancy Moyles, If Anything Happened To You, Home Away From Home, A Little Something, Isle of Hope, The Wings of the Angels and Connemara Marble Ring.

Michael English is among those who has endorsed the debut album from Valerie Seale. “A fantastic selection of songs from a great singer and good friend,” says Michael.

Seamus Shannon brings his own touch of west of Ireland lingo to his plaudits: “Mighty singing, Valerie – and best of luck with it.”

America-based Joanie Madden of Cherish The Ladies group says: “Valerie Seale is a renowned hostess in east Galway with her famous pub and restaurant. This is a gorgeous album, sung beautifully by Valerie, while backed by top-notch musicians.”

Valerie has dedicated the album to her late husband, Aidan McGann. A donation from this album is being made to the Croí Heart Foundation in his memory.

“I am especially grateful to Tony Maher and Frankie Colohan [of The Conquerors] and Chris Dallat, who along with a host of top-class musicians produced this album. It was recorded in Tony’s studios in Cloughanover, Headford. I am delighted with the response and am very grateful to all the radio deejays that have played tracks on their shows,” says Valerie.