Paddy O’Brien is putting the finishing touches to his 21st annual gathering which will be held in Dungarvan and Wexford in the coming weeks.

In the early 1990s, Paddy launched this series of events which have become an annual pilgrimage for so many people in the years since then.

The Waterford man was among the pioneers of the weekend ventures. It all began when he hosted his debut gathering in the Hilltop Hotel in Youghal. Loyal followers from various parts of the UK booked coaches for the trip. Some of them have made numerous trips since then, making these get-togethers a real reunion that many people look forward to each year.

Indeed, when it comes to the annual celebrations, Paddy O’Brien and Shawn Cuddy lead the way. They were well ahead of the posse and were the trail blazers in arranging weekends where so many people came across the Irish Sea to experience a real Irish welcome.

Four years ago, Paddy made the decision to host two back-to-back weekends to facilitate the many people wishing to attend these dancing shows. These are now shared between Lawlor’s Hotel in Dungarvan and White’s Hotel in Wexford town. The Dungarvan venture takes place from 20-22 February. Joining Paddy and his band will be The Indians, Shaun Loughrey, Gerry Guthrie, Trudi Lalor, Peter Burke, Tradstone, New West and Pat Tobin.

The action moves across to White’s in Wexford for the weekend of 27 February to 1 March. The line-up here, together with Paddy and the band, features Jimmy Buckley, Declan Nerney, Michael English, John Hogan, Tony and Theresa and the Stars, Wayne O’Connor and Pat Tobin.

Both weekends feature double band shows each night, with dancing getting underway at 9.30pm. Admission is €20 at the door. There is also afternoon dancing (€10) on the Saturday and Sunday.

Special all-in weekend packages are available at each hotel. For more details, call Lawlor’s Hotel on 058-41122 and White’s Hotel on 053-9122311.

For more information on these weekend shows, visit www.paddyobrien.com.