John Joe Deely album launch in Galway

Some big names from the Irish country scene are lending their support to Galway singer John Joe Deely who holds a launch night for his new album in Gallagher’s of Ballyfa (Galway) on Thursday 28 November. Topping the bill will be Brendan Shine and Declan Nerney.

John Joe spent a considerable period of his young years between hospitals in Dublin and Galway and his love for country music played a key role in helping him cope with those trying times. It was in Keane’s of Oranmore that he first ventured on a stage several years ago with Declan Nerney.

His debut album attracted a lot of attention and he secured a guest spot on the Afternoon Show on RTÉ with Marty Whelan and Mary Kennedy back in those days. The title song on the new album, My Story, relates John Joe’s musical journey over 30 years and expresses thanks to all who have made his dream come true.

Dear Old Galway Town, The Green Willow, Lovely Derry On The Banks of the Foyle, I’ll Settle for the Shores of Ireland and Lay Down Beside Me are some of the 12 tracks on his new album.

Other guests on the show in Ballyfa include Kevin Rohan, Bernie Heaney, TR Dallas, Sabrina Fallon, Clodagh Lawlor, Valerie Seale, Joe Glynn, PJ Keane, and The Breakaways. There will also be a raffle with proceeds to Galway Hospice in memory of their help for John Joe’s late father, Mattie Deely. The show gets underway at 9pm.

Bluegrass Gospel in Omagh

The Vision of Hope Bluegrass Gospel night will be staged in St Mary’s in Killyclogher just outside Omagh on Sunday 1 December at 8pm.

This special night is once again being coordinated by John Hutchinson whose late father, Shay Hutchinson of the famous Melody Aces Showband based out of Newtownstewart, was one of the true pioneers of country music on the island of Ireland. Shay died in 2004.

The line-up for this year’s bluegrass concert features the Knotty Pine String Band, Gerarda McCann, Niamh McGlinchey, James McShane, Louise Coyle, the Ward Sisters, Ciara Fox and Martin Ward. The Bluegrass Gospel night in Killyclogher has become hugely popular in recent years and always attracts a capacity crowd. Further details and tickets can be booked by contacting the Parish Office on 028-822 43375 or John on 077-422 39933.

Athlone country

Country aficionados in the Athlone region can enjoy some great sounds every Wednesday night in Rob’s Ranch House in the town. On stage are Danny and Tom Sheerin from the legendary Sheerin Family Band playing a marvellous selection of great country songs. Their show starts at 9.30pm.