Welcome Home to Enniscrone Fest starts on Sunday

The 10th annual Welcome Home to Enniscrone Festival gets underway at the Diamond Coast Hotel on 10 June. The five-day event has become a popular destination for many from the UK, various parts of Ireland and also people from the western region who like to ramble along any time during the festival.

The event is promoted by Enjoy Travel, based in Blackburn, England – a family company that promotes country and Irish and Céilí holidays overseas. Under the guidance of CEO Gerry Flynn, who hails from the Ballina region and has strong connections to west Sligo, the Enniscrone Festival commands a special place in the hearts of many who enjoy the music and festivities, along with availing of strolls along one of the finest beaches in Ireland on the shores of Killala Bay.

“Coming to Enniscrone and Ballina is always like coming home,” says Gerry. “It is always so relaxing and our regular clientele have a special fondness for the place. Apart from the famous beach, there is something happening from the set dance workshops right through to the wrap-up each night.

Louise Morrissey tops the bill for the Sunday show, making her debut appearance with Enjoy Travel. J & K Country play the opening slot.

The Monday night show features The Duets, Kevin Prendergast, Olivia Douglas and The Enjoy Travel Band.

Glenshane Country, featuring Pat McKenna and Hughie Turner, are on stage from 9pm to 11pm on 12 June, followed by Donna Duffin and The Enjoy Travel Band. Paddy Jordan and Kieran Towey are on stage on Wednesday night (9pm-11m) followed by Galway-based Champagne Shuffle.

The festival draws to a close on 14 June with Brendan Magee and Eugene Cunningham and the Stephen Smyth Band. The afternoon (3pm-5m) slots feature Michael Fox, J&K Country, Paddy Jordan and Kieran Towey, Glenshane Country and Stuart Moyles.

Céilí dancers can look forward to the music of Duntally, Foot Tappers, Salamanca, The Long Note and Matt Cunningham Band.

Homespun Country returns for one night only

The Homespun Country Show made its debut in Portstewart Town Hall in July 1980 and became the first major concert tour for Irish artists in Northern Ireland.

Crawford Bell and Jim Gough were the men behind the venture, when they both worked with Outlet Records in Belfast.

The shows played to packed halls in Portadown, Lisburn, Ballymena and a host of other places.

Now, 38 years on, Seán Wallace is hosting a Homespun Country Reunion Show in the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch, Co Down, on Thursday night, 14 June. It will feature Crawford Bell, Gene Fitzpatrick, Hugo Duncan, Joe E Hamilton, Billy McFarland, Leon and The Homespun Band.

“The Homespun Country Show enjoyed phenomenal success and caught the imagination of the region. Crowds flocked to the shows. We will have all the original artists with the exception of the late John Greer and also Ann Breen, to whom we would all like to extend best wishes for a speedy recovery,” says Seán.

Tickets are available from the hotel reception (028-9756 2828), local outlets, or directly from Seán Wallace on 0777-9 115404.

Curtis hosts Fanfayre

The 13th annual Curtis Magee Fanfayre will be held in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, for four nights, 17-20 June. The event attracts a regular and loyal clientele from all over the UK and Ireland.

Each night sees music and dancing from 9pm to 1am. The Sunday night features Curtis along with Johnny McHugh and guests artists Boxcar Brian, Billy McFarland, Geri Kane and Gerard Dornan.

Hugo Duncan and John Hogan top the bill on Monday and the other guests include Country Harmony and Gary Wilson. Gary Gamble will present his Daniel O’Donnell tribute act on Tuesday, while Dominic Kirwan is also on the bill along with Country Harmony.

The Farewell Party takes place on Wednesday when Curtis will be joined by his daughters Natasha and Shannon. Making their debut at the Fanfayre will be Gary Fitzpatrick, winner of this year’s Glór Tíre on TG4, and also Belfast singer John Laverty who appeared on the BBC’s The Voice.

Comedian Gary Wilson is compere for the four nights.

All nights are open to the public with £10 admission payable at the door.