Heard it on the grapevine

Margo’s tribute to Betty

Back in 1979, Betty Reilly from Co Sligo enjoyed a sizeable hit with her recording of The Tower of Sweet Rathlee. The song got plenty of exposure at the time and was later recorded by Margo on one of her albums.

When Betty died two years ago, her son, PJ penned a song in her memory called The Girl From Sweet Rathlee. Margo accepted a request from PJ to record the song with him. It also features the musical talents of Stephen Smyth, James Kelleher and Eddie Lee.

PJ has expressed a big thank you to Margo for joining him on his latest single and for honouring the memory of his mother in such a very special way.

Nashville inspiration

A recent trip to Nashville provided the inspiration for the new single from Trudi Lalor. The song was composed by her husband, Billy Morrissey, and serenades the role of many of the legendary American stars.

“Thoughts come into your head when you stand on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where so many of the legends have performed throughout the years,” says Billy. “This is the kind of country that made the music so popular and we know there will always be an audience for real country music,” says Billy.

The song, Keep on Keepin’ it Country, is an up-tempo number and is taken from her new album, due out this year.

Folk Revival show

The Set Theatre in Kilkenny will host a Folk Revival of the 1960s on 23 March. The show will feature tributes to the famous Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners, as well as songs from Bob Dylan and others.

Paddy Fitzpatrick is among the group of 14 singers and musicians who will be on-stage for this special show: “Our group comprises of people from Kilkenny, Tipperary and Laois, and we will be performing songs that were such a part of the folk revival era of the 1960s.

“The concert is in support of the L’Arche community in Kilkenny, as well as Buckley Park and we can assure patrons this will be a memorable night in Kilkenny,” says Paddy.

Tickets are now available from The Set Theatre and further details can also be had by calling the theatre on 056-7765133.

John dies in Meath

Well-known Meath country singers Matt and Paul Leavy were bereaved last week with the passing of their brother, John, in Athboy. The family have strong connections with the country scene in Meath.

John, who was predeceased by his father, Johnny, will be sadly missed by his mother, Maureen, daughter, Aimee, sons, Ethan and John, and their mother, Annette, brothers, Liam, Christopher, Matthew, Val, and Paul, sisters Mary, Jennifer, Patricia and Majella, relatives and a wide circle of friends. CL