The inter-related family group Clannad, return to our television screens at 8.30pm this Sunday night on TG4 on 'Ardan' as host Paidi O'Lionaird introduces a special show featuring An Clann as Dobhar and friends. Moya, Ciaran, Pol, Noel and Padraig returned to the live music scene after an absence of almost ten years.
Formed in the late 60's, Clannad emerged as one of the leading folksy traditional names winning the Letterkenny International Folk Festival and a recording contract with the Phillips label. Over the past three decades Moya and the band have recorded some 20 albums, selling over 15 million copies, enjoying international chart popularity with titles such as The Theme from Harry's Game and Robin the Hooded Man. After a ten year break Clannad reformed for the Celtic Connection Festival in mid-January and weeks later Moya, Ciaran, Pol, Noel and Padraig were at the Point Theatre, Dublin presented with a Meteor Lifetime Achievement Award. The band is just back from a major English tour.
On Sunday night the 'Ardan' Clannad tribute show is a nostalgic trip down memory lane and will feature family and friends as Paidi introduces former members of Horslips, Hothouse Flowers, The king of Tory, Patsy Dan, Aine Ni Churrain, etc and yours truly. The Clan as Dobhar will be interviewed and perform several of their golden oldies on this one hour special.
OFF THE CUFF RECORD
Country favourites Off the Cuff have recorded the old Johnny Cash hit, All Over Again, as their debut single. John, Stephen and the band will launch the single in Biddy Friel's of Dromoghill on Monday night, as Highland's own Pio McCann will be joined by a host of guests such as Logue and McCool, James Kilban, Elaine Boyle, Hugh McLean, Seamus McGee, Ryan Turner and many more popular names.
Off the Cuff were formed as Martin Cuffe's original backing band before they the hit the dancing scene on their own. They have toured Britain and are just back from a trip to Nashville. The band once more backed American guitarist and singer Bob Wootton on his recent nationwide tour. Bob, who backed the late Johnny Cash for over 30 years, suggested that John Dolan and the band should record All Over Again, a song penned by Johnny, as their debut offering. On Thursday night Dominic Kirwin and his band are live on stage at Biddy Friel's.
ANOTHER IRISH WIN
Despite stiff competition from Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales host country Ireland emerged winners of the 36th Pan Celtic International Song Contest. Our winning entry, Ta Me Caillte Go Deo (I Am Lost Forever), was penned by Dubliner Damian Mac Gabhann and sung by Deirdre Ni Chinneide with Fraoch, in the gala final staged at the Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny. Damien and Deirdre, who is a sister of RTE's Nationwide presenter Mary Kennedy, was presented with a cheque for ¤1,500 and a piece Derryveagh Crystal. Next year the 37th Pan Celtic International Festival moves to Donegal Town.
OIREACHTAS MEDIA AWARDS
The Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny was the venue where the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht, Eamon O'Cuiv presented the annual Oireachtas Media Awards. Hosted by Paidi O'Lionaird the award winners included Ronan Mac Aodha of R na G selected Radio Personality of the Year, Seo Beo an tSathairn (R na G) Radio Programme of the Year. In television land the awards went to TG4, Daithi O'Se received Television Personality of the Year, 'Ar Lorg Shorcha' Programme of the Year, Chliodhna Ni Chiosain was presented with Actor on the Year for her part in 'Aifric' on TG4, celebrating ten years TG4 were awarded the Hall of Fame Award.
Oireachtas na Gaeilge, celebrates all aspects of the traditional arts through the medium of Irish. Many critics now believe the time has come to include Irish programmes broadcast on local radio stations on the shortlist for the Oireachtas Media Awards.
NEWSROUND
Following the international success of the group Celtic Woman at home and in America, Sharon Browne and Phil Coulter have held auditions nationwide for their new group Celtic Man.
Following the success of Strictly Come Dancing, BBC TV will screen The Eurovision Dance Contest in the autumn. Hosted by Graham Norton, 13 countries including Ireland will take part.
The reformed trio The Police are heading back to Ireland after 20 years to play Croke Park, Dublin on October 6 next.
