Author Archive

Declan O’Rourke began his career on the Dublin singer-songwriter circuit in 2000 and released his debut album under an independent Irish record label in late 2004. Since Kyabram went straight in at fifth position on the Irish charts and very soon achieved Gold, Platinum and then double-Platinum status.  Even now, more than five years...

“Hope to see some of ye in the very near future folks. Slan..” The Druids are a four-piece Irish REBEL band made up of three Kildare men and a Wexford man… Paddy Mangan from Johnstown Bridge on banjo, mandolin and vocals; Gary Lawlor from Clane on acoustic guitar and lead vocals; newest recruit Darren Egan...

Timeless Traditions, released in February 2009, is Malachi Cush’s fourth album and follows successes with his debut album Malachi, New Day and Celtic Heartbeat. It is an exceptional collection of traditional Celtic songs enhanced by Malachi’s effortless laid back style and smooth mellow voice. A favorite of mine is County Tyrone. I listen and my...

Last month The Tossers were profiled here along with four other Chicago area Celtic bands not to be missed. These guys are a huge favorite of Chicagoans, consistently selling out and pleasing the fans with their traditional folk and Celtic punk rock fury presentations. During the month of March, they’ll be performing around the Midwest...

Last fall Mickey Coleman and Plunkett McGartland sat down with Malachi Cush on his Sunday Morning Jukebox radio program and discussed Mickey’s newest song and upcoming album, A Mothers Lullaby. During a lighter moment and as friends do, Malachi poked fun at Mickey about being referred to as the “next Irish folk sensation.” Obviously...

Today, 29-Jan-2010, is a big day for singer/songwriter, Mickey Coleman, with the launch of his brand new album “Mothers Lullaby.” Mickey’s been called the next Irish folk sensation, and if the selections on his Myspace page are an indication of the quality and sound of the new album, he’ll have this title for the forseeable future.As part...

Fanrealm continues to highlight great local Celtic bands and musicians with several excellent groups from the greater Chicago area. Just outside the city and right up there close to the top in visits to Fanrealm are Naperville and Plainfield, both filled with Celtic music lovers. For these two towns and the rest of Chicagoland, here are several of my favorite groups. You’ll find them...

Singer/songwriter Mickey Coleman, from the shores of Lough Neagh, County Tyrone Ireland is on his way to becoming the latest sensation to hit the Irish music folk scene. Mickey who has been writing, singing and playing music from an early age completed his critically acclaimed debut album Carefully Crafted, consisting of all original material, a...

(from: “Mickey Coleman Folk Singer/Songwriter“  - Facebook, 07-Jan-2010)  “A Mothers Lullaby, an anti war song written by myself and Plunkett McGartland about the attacks on Gaza on 27th December 2008, will be launched in Casement Park Belfast on Friday, 29th January 2010 at 8:30pm. Everyone welcome…. More details will follow. You can listen to...

Merry Christmas, anxious readers! What follows is a conversation I recently had with singer & songwriter, Mickey Coleman.  I’ve been listening to Mickey’s music and following his career for about a year now. Found him quite by accident while researching Northern Ireland for a once in a lifetime trip last summer. As travel time approached, we decided...

Contemporary & traditional Irish music from Kells live artists and most recorded live at Kells – Portland. All proceeds from the sale of this CD benefit Providence Child Center, a special care center for disabled children and their families. CD available in Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub and also at their online store OK,...

Kells website reads “Our goal is to provide our guests with the best experience, from beginning to end. Excellent service, delicious food, outstanding atmosphere and of course live Irish music seven nights a week.” On my two visits last weekend, I found these comments to be right on the mark. Being in Kells feels...

Mickey recently posted that he “Will be appearing on Malachi Cush radio show mid 106 on Sunday at 12.00 along with Plunkett McGartland! We might even get a song from Malachi TUNE IN!” Malachi is another incredibly talented NI singer and local radio personality. His show originates in Cookstown, County Tyrone. Give the lads...

As many of you know, I spent 10 days this summer past in Ireland, mostly touring the North. Along the way, I was able to connect with a young lad I discovered quite by accident (almost a year ago now) while researching the trip. He stole my heart with the first song of his...