The Duets plough a furrow with album launch in Glenamoy

The Duets will host the launch of their new album in Healy’s of Glenamoy in north Erris on Friday night, 2 February.

Many will be familiar with The Duets, featuring Tommy and Kathleen Moran, who have performed on the main stage at the National Ploughing Championships for several years.

They also perform regular shows around the western province and further afield, including regular dates in England.

The new 14-track album was recorded at Crookwood Studios in Slane, and was produced by David Arkins. It includes a nice blend of new and standard numbers that showcase the stage programme of The Duets.The title track, Back to Glenamoy, was composed by Chicago-based Joe McShane, a native of south Armagh, as was Erin Tennessee. The Nuala Woods song, Two Rooms and a Kitchen, is there too, as is Then The World Will Know, a co-write between Daniel O’Donnell and Marc Roberts. The Old Claddagh Ring, a song that topped the Irish charts for the late Dermot O’Brien from Louth many years ago, is included here, as is Reasons, a popular number from the Sandy Kelly repertoire.

“We have played at the Ploughing Championships for the past 12 years and have got to know so many people from all parts of Ireland. It is such a massive event and we are so fortunate to be part of it,” says Tommy.

“We do a lot of work over in England these times and are doing shows in Leeds on 23 January, Birmingham on 24 January and in Dollis Hill, London, on 25 January. We will be back there again for most of the month of March and there are several other gigs lined up in the UK for later in the year.”

Meanwhile, the focus is on the big night in their home parish of Glenamoy on 2 February.

“We are delighted to have our good friends Mick Flavin and Brendan Quinn, two great names from the country circuit, as our special guests on the night. We have known both of them for years and it will be a great honour to have them in Glenamoy,” states Tommy.

“Also joining us will be some popular entertainers from the Erris region, including Kay and The Country Stars, JP Ruddy, Colm Henry and Chantelle Padden. The Ryan Turner Band will provide the music for all the artists. We are expecting a full house on the night.”

Former Indians band member dies

John Woodfull, Sandymount and formerly of Inchicore, Dublin, who died recently in St Vincent’s Hospital following a short illness, was a member of The Indians band for many years. Prior to the launch of The Indians, John featured with the Dublin-based Casino Showband.

The Indians, who enjoyed huge success on the dancing circuit back in the 1970s, when they packed out halls and marquees all over the country, featured Noel Brady, Eamonn Keane, John Woodfull, Shay O’Reilly, Chris Mullahy, Brian Woodfull and Dougie Walsh.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and family, Ciara, Colin and John Paul, the family circle, relatives and friends.

Michael’s golden jubilee night

A night to celebrate the golden jubilee of Michael Fox on the country circuit will be held in The Gateway Hotel in Swinford on Thursday night, 25 January.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Michael spent 35 years playing dates around England before settling in Mayo, where he has done regular solo shows over the last 15 years. He presents regular shows on the internet station, Irish Country Music Radio.

He will be joined for the celebration dance in Swinford by The Duets, Carmel McLaughlin, Bernie Heaney, Trevor Moyles, Jason Travers, Anne Biddie and Francis Donnelly. The compere for the night is Michael Neary from Mid West Radio.

Mitchelstown goes country

The new series of Sunday night dances in the Firgrove Hotel in Mitchelstown are attracting big support across the southern region. Patrons can look forward to the next big dance with Mike Denver and band on 4 February.

Tubbercurry farewell to Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Lundy (neé Walsh) from Tubbercurry, who died last week in Sligo Hospital, was mother of well-known Sligo entertainer Kieran Lundy. She was 98 and a member of the nursing profession in former times. Kieran has recorded a number of albums, including an entire collection of Jim Reeves songs. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia, and sons, Robert, Brendan, Seamus, Gerry, Kieran and Paul, the family circle and many friends. CL