Another winner from Pat

Derry singer Pat McKenna has another winner with the release of his latest single, I Can’t Think of None Other But You. It is already picking up serious airplay on the Irish radio stations within the first few days of its issue.

The song is very much in the traditional country vein and there is no doubting the appeal of this kind of music with audiences all over Ireland.

Pat along with Hughie Turner comprise Glenshane Country, and they are now among the most popular acts on the circuit in many parts of the country.

Frank flies country flag in Roscommon

Frank Nelson has been flying the country music flag in Roscommon for three decades and more. This week sees the release of a three-CD boxset, featuring 44 songs that have fond memories for the man from near Strokestown.

No stranger to dancers on both sides of the Irish Sea, Frank has played dates all over the island of Ireland down through the years, while also undertaking numerous trips to perform at venues in many parts of England.

The songs featured on the new release, The Collector’s Box, are all vintage country songs, with most of them emanating from the golden era of the genre. The collection is available through irishmusic.co.uk and further details can also be had from Frank on 00353-868061551.

Tribute to music man Seán

Down Cork way, Seán Donnellan has been an institution in country and Irish circles for close on three decades. He amassed a large and loyal listenership to his five nights a week shows on C103FM.

Many listeners were far from pleased when changes at the station saw Seán transferred to a weekend slot.

Now a song in his honour has been penned by Barry O’Halloran from Ballinhassig, Co Cork. Music Man is an ode to a gentleman who has helped so many along the music path. Seán, with strong links to Roscommon, has been a loyal friend to numerous people on the circuit and his genial disposition has always been appreciated by the folks in this side of the music business scene.

“This song is a tribute to Sean of C103 for his invaluable contribution to country and Irish music over the last 27 years and for bringing so much joy to his many and very loyal listeners,” says Barry. The song was produced by Tony Kirby.

Former showband singer dies in Kildare

The death took place last week of Peter Lawlor from Naas. Peter was closely associated with the Irish showband scene in the late 1960s and took over as lead singer with The Pacific after the departure of Sonny Knowles. He was known by the stage name of Peter Law.

The Pacific, who were earlier fronted by Seán Fagan, were one of the big showbands of the era and played all the top venues. Peter recorded some numbers with the band and also featured on the front cover of Spotlight magazine back in 1968.

He is survived by his mother Vi and family members Jim, Michelle, Tom, Paul, Marie and Mark.

Rolling off the presses

Tyrone songstress Cliona Hagan has released a radio play single ahead of her forthcoming album. Little Darling is a high energy newwave country number composed by Gary Millar.

Annie Shot the Jukebox is the latest from Fermanagh-based Michael Cleary. The song is from the pen of Eamon McPhilomey, also from Fermanagh, who presents the Saturday night show on Mid West Radio.

The new single from Eddie Carey has just hit the airwaves. Don’t Go was penned by the man from Limerick, who also launched his new band in recent times.

Home to Glenamoy from The Duets

Home to Glenamoy is the new album from The Duets, the Mayo duo featuring Tommy and Kathleen Moran. The Duets are known to many who attend the National Ploughing Championships and have performed on the main stage over several years now.

The 14-track collection is their first in some years and featured a selection of songs that are in regular demand at their shows. These include numbers such as Two Rooms and A Kitchen, Love Me When I’m Old, Music and The County Clare, Reasons, God’s Plan, The Old Claddagh Ring, Erin Tennessee and the title track, Home to Glenamoy, composed by Chicago-based Joe McShane. CL