Film

Song of Granite

8 December: An Irish-language film, Song of Granite premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh and has been well received by critics thus far. It is Ireland’s entry in the Foreign Language Category of the 2018 Oscars and tells the life story of famed sean nós singer Joe Heaney. In the film Joe is portrayed by three different actors: Colm Seoighe, Michael O’Chonfhlaola and Macdara Ó Fatharta, each representing a different time in Joe’s life. Directed by Pat Collins, Song of Granite is tipped to be a big hit this December.

Theatre

Walking Man

9 December: Aimed at children seven and over, Walking Man by Jody O’Neill is presented by Graffiti Theatre Company in Cork and tells the tale of a man who has spent his whole life in pursuit of success. Walking Man has always rushed through life, determined to follow in his father’s footsteps in getting the best job in the city, but when he has that done something doesn’t feel quite right. Walking Man is designed specifically for first-, second- and third-class children. For more information and booking, see www.graffiti.ie.

Comedy

Alison Spittle

7 December: One of Ireland’s fastest-rising comedians, Alison Spittle brings her latest stand-up comedy show to Kavanagh’s in Portlaoise. An effortlessly funny person, the show centres around Alison’s constant worrying. In fact, the Westmeath woman worries so much that she has decided she may as well get a show out of it, so she can worry about that. Alison’s career is on the up, her new TV show Nowhere Fast is currently running on RTÉ and she is due to play Vicar Street in January. For booking, see www.ticketmaster.ie.

Music

The High Kings

9 December: Known for their impressive folk sound, The High Kings, made up of Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden, are returning to the INEC Killarney. Now approaching their 10th anniversary, The High Kings are considered to be one of the finest exponents of Irish folk and ballad music. To date, the group has released four studio albums, two live albums and two live DVDs. They have also toured extensively in the United States, Europe and of course Ireland. As always, there is sure to be a high turnout for this Kerry gig. For booking, see www.ticketmaster.ie.

Nathan Carter

9 December: The man credited with reviving Irish country music, Nathan Carter is back for an Irish tour and has been drawing in huge crowds at venues across the country. Playing the Great Northern Hotel in Co Donegal, Nathan is sure to treat fans to some of their favourite tracks such as Wagon Wheel, Good Time Girls, Good Morning Beautiful and Skinny Dippin’. Since bursting onto the Irish country music scene nearly a decade ago, Nathan’s popularity has grown enormously and continues to do so, appealing to a wide variety of fans. For ticket booking, see www.ticketmaster.ie.

dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 10th December, Michael English

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Big Band Dancing:17th December, Gerry Guthrie

Social Dancing (9-12): 10th December, Blue Ridge Country

Leinster

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 9th December, Martin Kearney & Art Supple

Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown GAA, 10th December, Michael Sexton

Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, 9th December, Michael English

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 7th December, Liam Mannering, 9th December, Gerry Guthrie, 10th December, Robert Mizzell

Munster:

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 8th December, Barry Kirwan

Cork: Glanmire, The Vienna Woods, 11th December, Michael Collins

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Hotel, 11th December, Martin Kearney & Art Supple

Clare: Ennis, West County, 10th December, Mick Flavin

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bullgaden Castle, 13th December, Brendan Lee & Patricia

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 9th December, Lawerence Campion

Tipperary: Thurles, Premier Ballroom, 10th December, Checkers

Ulster:

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 9th December, Mike Denver

Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown House, 11th December, Derek Ryan

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 9th December, Derek Ryan

Donegal: Letterkenny, Josies Country Tavern, 8th December, Gerry Guthrie

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 9th December, Robert Mizzell

Monaghan: Castleblayney, Glencarn Hotel, 8th December, Robert Mizzell

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 9th December, Johnny Brady

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 8th December, Michael English