Declan Nerney has just recorded what looks set to be the country hit of the summer. The song tells the story of Big Tom and The Mainliners, Ireland’s iconic band, and it was written by Henry McMahon.

John Glenn is travelling west for the June bank holiday weekend. The popular Armagh singer and his band are playing in the Hide Out in Foxford on Friday, 30 May, and the Talk of The Town, Bangor-Erris, on Saturday, 31 May.

As far as we know, TR Dallas is the only country music artist seeking election to a County Council this week. The Moate-based singer, whose real name is Tom Allen, is hoping to retain his seat on Westmeath County Council. He is, of course, contesting the election under the name of Tom Allen.

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Jive Buddies have released their latest single. Good Morning Freedom is a catchy number from the Galway-based band, featuring lead singer Paul Keating who also recorded the popular Tuam Town Showband Show song a few years ago.

Nathan Carter played to huge crowds at the INEC in Killarney recently. There are lots of exciting things happening for him at the moment, with major contracts set to see him expand his appeal far beyond these shores.

Derek Veale is a singer and songwriter from Co Waterford. His songs are mainly in the country and folk vein. Among those he has recorded is one called The Chair, which was also recorded by Hank Snow many years ago.

When it comes to IMRO workshops, Brendan Graham is in a league of his own. Brendan commands huge respect among the songwriting fraternity and his workshop in Dublin last weekend reflected that.