Paddy O’Brien is celebrating 20 years of annual get-togethers in the south-east this month. The man from Aglish, Co Waterford, is once again hosting two major celebrations. The destinations this year are Dungarvan and Wexford. Two decades down the road, Paddy is still as enthusiastic as ever about the role of country music.
Paddy O’Brien is celebrating 20 years of annual get-togethers in the south-east this month.
The man from Aglish, Co Waterford, is once again hosting two major celebrations. The destinations this year are Dungarvan and Wexford. Two decades down the road, Paddy is still as enthusiastic as ever about the role of country music.
“When you see Garth Brooks sell 240,000 tickets in an hour and a half after being off the scene for so many years, I think that speaks for itself. The popularity of country music is not being reflected by the Dublin-based stations at all.
“It is wonderful to see the likes of Derek Ryan, Nathan Carter, Lisa McHugh, Gerry Guthrie and others bringing in a whole new generation and spreading the good story of country music to a greater and younger audience. Country music has so much to offer and it is wonderful to see it happening all over again,” reflects Paddy.
It is all of 20 years since Paddy hosted his first such gathering in the Hilltop Hotel in Youghal. Together with Shawn Cuddy, he has the longest-running annual reunion of friends and followers.
“There are people who have been coming to my shows since the outset. It is a major social occasion for them and they look forward to renewing acquaintances every year. They come from England, Scotland, Wales and all around Ireland.
“Three years ago, we decided to host the back-to-back weekends at different venues. This has worked very well. We start off this time in Lawlor’s Hotel in Dungarvan on the weekend of 21, 22 and 23 February.
“Lisa McHugh, Shawn Cuddy, Shaun Loughrey and John McNicholl will join us. Afternoon entertainment will be provided by Gerry Carney, TR Dallas, John Hogan and New West, while Pat Tobin will entertain in the lounge afterwards.
“The weekend of 28 February and 1 and 2 March sees us over in White’s Hotel in Wexford town. Again, we have a fine line-up of bands and singers, including Jimmy Buckley, Shawn Loughrey, Stephen Smyth, Declan Nerney, Teresa and The Stars, Trudi Lalor and Pat Tobin. Lots of people are traveling over to join us for the celebrations.”
We’ll Meet Again is Paddy’s current album. Paddy is one of the most prolific recording artists in country music. One of the tracks, Louisiana, was released as a single.
“It’s a different kind of song to what I normally do. It has a Cajun feel and is very happy-go-lucky. It has received a great reception and is very popular on radio and at the live shows.
“I am putting together a number of songs for the next album and I am going into the studio in the next fortnight.
“We’ll be throwing around a few ideas and we’ll see what we come up with. I always aim to release an album around the first week of November. I am fortunate in that I am one of those people who enjoys studio work.”
Paddy is pleased to see country music on the crest of a wave again.
“While there has been hills and valleys, country music has remained steady. There is now a whole new generation coming into the fold which is great for everyone.”
Watch out for the annual Paddy O’Brien get-togethers in Dungarvan and Wexford. Special packages are available for both weekends, while patrons can also enjoy a walk-up on any night of their choice. Full details can be viewed at www.paddyobrien.com. CL
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