Carlow rolls out carpet for Summerfest

The country music mantle falls on the shoulders of Carlow this weekend, as the town plays host to its first Summerfest event. The Hennessy brothers, Ollie and Walter, are the pioneering duo behind the weekend – which takes place at Oak Park and in association with Carlow Rugby Club.

The buzz has been building over the last few weeks as local radio stations and media outlets have come on board to lend their support to the Carlow venture.

Ollie Hennessy is delighted with the support and goodwill for the Summerfest: “It is great to see Carlow at the centre of a music weekend and we know that all who make their way to the town this weekend will enjoy the hospitality of the Carlow people and have a great time at the shows.

“This is an indoor event, inside one of Ireland’s biggest marquees and boasting an incredible, large dancefloor. Patrons are in for a truly memorable weekend when they come to Carlow for the Summerfest.”

Cliona Hagan is the opening act on Saturday night, 21 July. The Tyrone singer can hardly wait to make her Carlow debut, which comes hot on the heels of the release of her brand new album. These are special times for Cliona, whose star continues to shine bright in the country music world.

Derek Ryan is the headline act on Saturday night and he is assured of a big and warm-hearted welcome in his home county. He is immensely proud of Carlow and loves to fly the flag for the county wherever he goes on the circuit.

The Nathan Carter Show rolls into Carlow on Sunday night, 22 July. Wagon Wheel and other favourites will be rocking Oak Park, as the Liverpool-born singer runs through some favourites from his repertoire.

Earlier, dancers will get a chance to enjoy the music of Barry Kirwan from Tyrone and young Ben Troy from Monaghan, who should have the folks in fine dancing fettle prior to the arrival of Nathan on stage.

Tickets for the weekend festival are available from ticketstop.ie, Swans Electrical and Carlow Rugby Club. Further details can be had by checking summerfestcarlow.com, or Summerfest Carlow on Facebook.

Ryan family bereaved with death of Sally

Sally Ryan (nee Gahan) from Garryhill, Co Carlow, who died at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, last week, was mother of Derek Ryan, one of Ireland’s best-known country artists in recent years. She was in her mid-60s and news of her passing was received with sadness and regret.

Reposing was in Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh, with removal to St Lazarian’s Church, Drumphea, and interment in the adjoining cemetery following the celebration of requiem mass.

Condolences are tendered to her husband, Pat, and family, Adrian, Clodagh and Derek, in-laws, grandchildren, her sister, Mary, the family circle, neighbours and many friends.

Anne takes show to Donegal

Anne Randolph will present her first show in Donegal on Saturday, 4 August, when she will perform in concert in McCrory’s Hotel in Culdaff. The Mayo native is mother of Irish international soccer goalie Darren Randolph, and the family resides in Bray, Co Wicklow.

Anne (neé Walsh) hails from Kiltimagh and she is also a passionate supporter of Mayo, the GAA and basketball scenes. A former AIB employee, Anne presented her debut music show, Atlantic Heart Songs, to much acclaim in Dundrum (Dublin) and Kiltimagh last year.

Her current acoustic show comprises of songs from the repertoire of such renowned singers as Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Janis Ian and Iris Dement. She also includes some of Thomas Moore’s famous melodies, as well as songs of Percy French and Robbie Burns.

The show is relaxing and enjoyable and patrons in Culdaff are in for a real treat when Anne plays her first ever show in Donegal. Tickets for the show can now be purchased from hotel reception. Anne is working on songs for her debut album and is also putting together a new show Legends of Folk, which she will debut in The Mill Theatre, Dundrum, on 6 September.