Kilbane performs in Belmullet

Kilbane performs in aid of Erris Wheelchair Assocation


Country Roads
Michael Commins

THE Erris branch of the Wheelchair Association will present James Kilbane in concert at the Broadhaven Hotel, Belmullet, on Monday, January 5. Proceeds raised will be used in the Erris area for the work of the association.
For James, it will be an opportunity to bring his popular seasonal Country, Irish and Gospel concert to the Erris region and, at the same time, help raise much-needed funds for the branch which was formed back in 1982.
The Erris Wheelchair Association has over 100 members who avail of the centre in Belmullet and an outreach centre in Glenamoy. There are just four full-time staff working with the members and the main support of staff comes from Community Employment schemes. Members avail of activities from music and training to art and crafts.
Staff and members currently work out of a prefab but are hoping to move to a purpose-built building with more up-to-date facilities in the future.
With seven successful albums to his credit, James Kilbane’s brand of Country, Irish and Gospel music has grown popular over the past number of years and he has carved out his own niche in what can at times be a crowded market.
Tickets for the show are €15 each or a special group ticket rate is available for friends or a party at €45 for four people. Donation tickets are available from the Broadhaven Bay Hotel reception at 097 20600, members of the Erris Branch of the Wheelchair Association, from outlets in Belmullet, Bangor and Glenamoy or from Theresa at 087 9358901.
All support will be most welcome as the Erris branch of the Wheelchair Association continues to do some great work in this region of north west Mayo.

Double Mayo date for Flavin

ALL of 21 years have rolled by since Mick Flavin launched his career back in 1987. The Longford man continues to retain a strong following in many parts of the country and he is coming west during the Christmas.
Mick and his band will be on stage in the McWilliam Park in Claremorris on St Stephen’s Night and they will perform in Hiney’s Upper Deck in Crossmolina on Monday, December 29.
A new album is in the planning and Mick will be recording a batch of fresh material early in the new year. But in the meantime, country followers can catch him on his visits to Claremorris and Crossmolina this week.

Christmas night radio ramble

THE Christmas night show (December 25) on Mid-West Radio will once again feature a host of local entertainers and will get under way at 10pm.
For a good many years, I have hosted this show and many musicians and singers from the region have been part of the festivities on this special night of the year.
We are expecting quite a few ‘ramblers’ to turn-up on the night for a sing-song, music and a little bit of story-telling as well. It usually runs through until around 1.30am. Hope you can join us for the show which will also be broadcast around the world on the internet.