Michael Commins country shows roll into Kilkenny

Country music followers are in for a huge treat when the acclaimed Michael Commins concert shows come to Hotel Kilkenny on Monday, October 30 and Tuesday, October 31.

Paddy O’Brien, the popular singer from Waterford, is among the many acts that will perform in Kilkenny at the end of October.

“I have featured on many shows over the years but the Michael Commins shows are truly unique,” he said. “I cannot recommend them highly enough and they are certainly among the best value shows in the country.”

The shows are entirely ‘community’ focussed with traditional country music at the heart and soul of the concerts along with some Irish ballads and folk songs.

Michael Commins hails from Mayo and is a journalist with The Mayo News as well the host of two very popular country shows on Midwest Radio for over three decades. He also compiles a regular country music column for the Farmers Journal and hosts a weekly country show on Sky 186 (Thursdays at 11pm).

He has written many songs that have been recorded by so many on the Irish scene including Big Tom, Foster and Allen, Margo, Frank McCaffrey, Larry Cunningham, Pat McKenna, Tony Kerr, Ross Molloy and Eddie Lee as well as songs recorded by Leona Williams ex-wife of Merle Haggard) and John Rex Reeves (nephew of Jim Reeves).

“I am absolutely delighted to be taking these shows to Kilkenny,” said Michael. “Our shows are not just about the artists but also about the wonderful people who support them from Donegal to Wexford and Antrim down to Kerry and Cork.

“The afternoon sessions in the bar from 3.30 to 5.30pm have acquired a great following with Mick Mulhern and his band and they also provide the music after the concerts,” he added. “Artists performing on the concerts along with patrons attending the shows are all welcome to come up and sing a song.”

The show on Monday, October 30, has a superb line-up featuring the great Art Supple from Cork, Paddy O’Brien, Olivia Douglas, Moyra Fraser, Thomas McBride (Monaghan), Yodelling Kenny Archer (Tyrone), Declan Aungier, Michelle Murphy, Ross Molloy (Stradbally), Paddy Fitzpatrick (Tullaroan), Sarah McEvilly (Mayo), Margaret Murphy (Rathdowney) and Charlie Arkins and The Ryan Turner Band.

The Tuesday night show on October 31 will also delight patrons with a superb bill that features Declan Nerney, John Glenn, Art Supple, Tony Allen (of Foster and Allen), Shawn Cuddy, Rachel Goode (Galway), Mick Mulhern (Mayo), Pat McKenna (Derry), Matt Keane (Galway), Jack Keogh (Wicklow), Gerry Walsh (Portlaw), Doris Shire (Limerick), Effie Neill (Cork) and Charlie Arkins and The Ryan Turner Band.

Tickets, €30, are selling fast and are now available from the Hotel Kilkenny reception, tel 056-7762000; Patsy Brown, 086-1551841 and Ticketmaster.