Country Sound: Galway Sessions

The countdown is on for the annual country sessions in the Clayton Hotel in Galway on 3-4 November (Sunday and Monday). The shows attract a loyal clientele who return year after year from all four provinces as well as from the UK and America.

Blending in new country acts with some of our favourite traditional country singers is at the heart of the success of the concerts each year.

The shows have become established as the annual highlight of the country music scene in Galway and patrons can look forward to two wonderful nights of quality entertainment with more than 30 artists on stage over the two nights.

Among the headline acts on the Sunday night are Brendan Shine, Ray Lynam and Tom McBride Jnr, son of the legendary Big Tom who was accorded a tremendous welcome when he did a guest spot in Glenamaddy three weeks ago.

Tony Kerr, a classic country singer from Antrim, returns this year as does his fellow county man, Billy McFarland. The show also features Damian Davis, Kevin Prendergast, Annmarie O’Riordan (Cork), Paddy Fitzpatrick (Kilkenny), Catriona Canavan, Larissa Tormey, Andrew McMurdie (Armagh), Richard Mulligan (former Irish 5,000m and 10,000m champion as well as world silver medallist in the masters 10k), Joe Forde, John McIntyre, Kieran Lundy and Colie Cloran to complete a superb line-up.

There is another cracking concert on Monday night with John Glenn, Mick Flavin, John Hogan and Gary Gamble as the headliners. All four are genuine bearers of the spirit of real country music.

Barry Stuart, son of the late great Gene Stuart, is back again and he will use this occasion as the west of Ireland launch for his debut CD. Nan Tom Taimín from Connemara is also launching her superb new country album at the Monday night show.

Kilkenny Elvis (Myles Kavanagh) makes his debut this year. The bill also features such firm favourites as Pat McKenna, Matt Keane, Eddie Lee, Olivia Douglas and Mick Mulhern. Aoife Leonard (16) from Clare got a great reception on her debut last year and returns by popular demand, while Michelle Murphy (Wexford) and local two-piece Breakfree (Matt Doyle and Kieran Donohue) also feature on the show.

All artists will be backed by the superb six-piece band featuring Frankie Colohan, Tony Maher, Paul Vignoles, Maria Fahy, Colm Naughton and Mike Stewart. On top of all that are the renowned afternoon sessions in the lounge from 3.15pm-5.30pm on both days and further music and celebrations in the lounge after both concerts.

Early booking of accommodation at The Clayton has been exceptionally strong this time and all the details can be had from the hotel reception on 091-721 900.

Tickets for the shows are €30 and are available from The Clayton Hotel, the usual outlets in Mayo and Galway, Ticketmaster and direct from Patsy Brown on 086-155-1841.