Ally and Marian are Donegal bound

Fermanagh duo Ally Harron and Marian Curry will host their annual Country and Irish weekend in the Central Hotel, Donegal Town, on 26-28 May. The venue has been home to their venture, which attracts a large and loyal clientele, over the last few years.

Joining them for the celebrations will be Eamon McCann, Shaun Loughrey, Shawn Cuddy, Francie Smyth, Seán Corrigan, Chris Logue, Céilí Time and Sheila Gormley.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ally and Marian maintain a busy schedule on the dancing circuit, with shows in various parts of Ireland and the UK.

“The annual gathering in Donegal sees many of our great friends come together for what is always a most enjoyable few days. We are all set and ready to go,” says Ally. Further details can be had from 0044-7967556401.

Nigel’s big night in Cavan

The Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, is the venue on Thursday 9 June, for the launch of the debut album from Nigel Livingstone.

Nigel, who hails from Cavan, is now performing country shows around the northern and western regions as well as the midlands. A new single, Little Ole Wine Drinker Me, has been released from the album. He is very excited about the upcoming launch.

“People have been so supportive and the good wishes are much appreciated by me.

“Brian Kerrigan and Al McQuilkin did a wonderful job in recording and producing the album at Harmony Studios in Letterkenny. I have 14 songs on the album and I am very pleased with how it has turned out for me,” reflects Nigel.

People can dance the night away to Nigel and his fine array of special guests. These include Cliona Hagan, Gerry Guthrie, John Hogan, Keelan Arbuckle, Matt Leavy, Sean Corrigan, Aidan Clerkin, Sean Neil, Barry Armstrong, and Sean Donohoe, with Brian Kerrigan and Al McQuilkin the backing band for the night. The compere for the night is Gary Gamble from Highland Radio.

Further details on 049-9526444.

Mike Donegan dies in Limerick

Mike Donegan from Dromcollogher, Co Limerick, who died at his home last week, was well known on the regional circuit around Limerick and Cork.

He was the son of legendary Johnny Donegan, the fiddle player and ballad singer who died in 2011.

Leo Fitzgerald, from Star Trax Studios, says Mike was a special favourite with many on the Munster circuit: “He joined our band, Erin’s Fury, in 1999 and took a great liking to this part of the country and made lots of friends here over the years. Kiskeam, Cullen and Knocknagree became his second home.

“In 2007 he joined The Whiskey Jacks and spent the next couple of years with them. What Mike loved best of all was himself and his guitar in the pub, with his friends and a few pints. He was a fine ballad singer. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him over the years.”

Interment took place in Aglish Cemetery, following requiem mass in Broadford Church last Friday. Mike is survived by his mother, Mary, his brother, Maurice, the family circle, and his wide circle of friends and his musician friends.