Following sold out summer shows, Marty Morrissey is bringing his variety show back on tour, beginning this weekend in Killarney on Friday before motoring up to Castlebar on Saturday.

“Life is for living. We’ve all experienced tough times in recent years, so this show brings people and communities together for a night out to laugh, sing and dance,” says Marty – and so say all of us.

“I hope this will appeal to all ages from age eight to 80 and that people will go home with a pep in their step and a smile on their faces.”

Marty and Bernard

Bernard O’Shea will be joining Marty on the road this year and we hear the show will be as interactive as possible – if you have an aisle seat booked, be ready to have a chat with Bernard.

“I like to think this will be different,” says Marty, and even though we were talking on the phone, Irish Country Living is sure his eyes are twinkling with mischief. “There is so much talent in our country, I’m hoping these shows will give some local people with that raw ability to perform a chance to share a stage with some better-known stars,” he adds.

In Killarney, the Kerry version of Ed Sheeran will be joining the lineup along with Eurovision winners, Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan.

Other acts you can expect are The Galway Tenors and accordion player Liam O’Connor from Cork, dubbed “the fastest fingers in the world” as he is in the Guinness Book of Records for playing 11.67 notes per second.

Joining Marty in Killarney, Castlebar and Limerick will be Ceol. Said to be discovered by Nathan Carter, this new band are re-jigging folk music and went down very well when playing The Dome at last summer’s Rose of Tralee festival.

Sammy the spaniel

With these dates on the horizon, Marty has to make sure a new pal will be looked after while he is on tour. Sammy the King Charles spaniel was a present from Marty for his mother and since she died, Sammy has moved in with Marty.

“He gets excited when he sees me putting my jacket on to go out and he knows exactly where the ball is and goes and gets it and starts wagging the tail and looking up at me to come with me,” he tells us. Marty assures us Sammy is partial to the small ball; a sliotar or tennis ball and does not seem as keen on the big ball.

“When I am out most of the neighbours want to meet Sammy – that is how I have gotten to know my neighbours.”

And don’t worry, while Marty is away partying, Sammy will be well looked after by friends who have a special friend of Sammy’s.

“They play ball together and then cuddle up in their doggie bed. They are totally in love with each other!”

Marty’s Party will be calling at:

  • Killarney’s INEC Club, Friday 10 February.
  • Royal Theatre, Castlebar, Saturday 11 February.
  • Limerick’s University Concert Hall, Friday 10 March.
  • Leisureland, Galway, Saturday 25 March.
  • Letterkenny’s Clanree Hotel, Friday 31 March.
  • Tickets are on sale now - see local venue for ticket details.

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