Dessie Hynes has decided to call it a day and retire from the showbiz circuit after many years. Born and raised in Moynalty, Co Meath, Dessie has spent most of his life in Mullingar.

In recent times, he was part of a duo with Frankie Scorr who is also based in Co Westmeath.

Over the years, Dessie featured with Foster and Allen, Mattie Fox and Misty, and a number of other groups based in the midlands.

Dessie has written several songs and these have been recorded by many of our leading country performers.

Waterford country singer Jim Ed Houston was among the many people to pay tribute to Dessie.

“We will miss you, Dessie. You always had great talent and a great name in the business. It must be a sad day for you to come to this decision but your friends are only a phone call away.”

Dessie, away from the performing scene, should find more time to concentrate on his song-writing skills, so watch out for some new songs from the veteran entertainer in the times ahead.

The story of Little Nellie from Co Cork

Little Nellie of Holy God is the new single from Eddie Lee from Kerry. The monologue tells the strange story of a young child in Cork at the turn of the 20th century.

Little Nellie is buried in the convent in Sunday’s Well in Cork. The narration, written by Tommy James and Eddie Lee, relates to the moving story of a family who endured much illness.

Pope Pius X had prayed for a sign that children could receive Holy Communion at an earlier age than 12, which is what it was during his time. When he heard of Little Nell from Cork, he said: “This is the sign I have been waiting for,” and gave permission to receive from the age of seven.

Sheila Murphy from Scartaglen, Co Kerry, says they are now trying to bring the story of Little Nellie to a much wider audience. There is a move on to push for sainthood and make her Saint Nellie, the patron saint of First Holy Communicants.

COUNTRY NEWS

TR Dallas celebrates

Tom Allen will celebrate 35 years on the road as TR Dallas in The Well in Moate on Friday, 8 May.

The Westmeath country singer will be joined on the big night by Foster & Allen, Aidan Quinn and band, Triona Moore, Hugo Duncan, Trudi Lalor, Gene Stuart, Bob Brolly, Gerry Farrell, Tony Nugent, and some members of TR’s original band. A full house is expected to mark the special occasion.

Eimear picks up award

Hello Tomorrow is the latest album from Louth-based Eimear Furlong. The young Drogheda singer was among the performers at the recent Leinster Entertainment Awards night in Killashee House Hotel, Naas.

Eimear features 14 tracks on the album and among the songs are favourites such as Slaney Valley, Walking After Midnight, Kentish Town Waltz, Destination Donegal, Silver Sandals and Geraldine’s Thinking of Galway.

Knocknagree prepares for music day

The official opening of the new all-weather music venue, Star Trax, Knocknagree, Co Cork, takes place on Sunday afternoon, 17 May, at 2pm.

The show will feature Patrick and Conor O’Sullivan, Pat Horan, The Singing Barman, The Shannonsiders, Jimmy O’Donoghue Band, and Johnny Buckley. Admission is just €10 and a fine crowd is expected to attend the launch.