Farewell to Sandy Harsch

Sandy Harsch, presenter of Country Time on RTE Radio One, died recently following a short illness. She was 76.

Born in Rhode Island, US, she came to Ireland in the late 1960s and worked as a photographer and journalist with Hot Press magazine.

Sandy became host of the Saturday night Country Time programme on RTE Radio One in 1996 and held that position up until her recent illness. Her forte was her knowledge and love of American country music.

She is survived by her daughters Caitriona and Rebecca, the family circle and many friends.

Patsy sings The Winds of Yesterday

Patsy McCaul has finally released his first album. The man from Ballintubber, Co Roscommon, has issued a batch of singles going back to the 1980s up to recent times but never a full album until now.

“I have picked 10 songs that I think will resonate well with people who come to see us at the dances and who listen to the country shows on radio.

“All 10 are traditional country songs and the kind we love to feature on stage programmes. I would like to thank all the musicians on the various songs as well as John Staunton who produced the album and Annette Griffin from Ashford Castle for her beautiful backing vocals,” says Patsy.

Further details about the album and booking enquiries can be directed to Patsy at 086-2771164.

Tributes to Jimmy Neary

Many tributes have been paid to Jimmy Neary from Castlebellingham, the host of the Shades of Green Show on Dundalk FM, who died peacefully at his residence last week. Jimmy (65), who had a great fondness for country and Irish music, presented the show every Sunday from 3pm to 5pm and on Monday night from 8pm to 9pm. He was hugely supportive of artists of all generations from around the island of Ireland. Jimmy is survived by his wife Marita, son John, daughter Karen, grandchildren, mother Mary, brother Patrick, the extended family and friends.

Michael Commins Christmas Show

The Michael Commins Christmas Show on the Keep It Country channel on Sky 376 will have the later starting time of 1am on Christmas Day night. Many of the regular Tuesday programmes on the channel are running two hours behind normal schedule on this day only. The repeat will go out as normal on Saturday 29 December at 10pm.

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