“I wish to thank everyone for a fantastic show last night! Very rarely does so much talent share one stage for such a great cause. The ever-popular Damian McGinty brought his best with some great songs, and we had many talents such as Niamh McGlinchy, Stephen Barr and Michael Doherty.

A last thank you must go out to our many American friends and supporters, particularly DianeS, whom I met long before the Facebook program began. Thank you all, there was as many people at the show in spirit as there were in the seats. Hopefully somewhere along the line, we can all meet in person, but From The Heart 2 has brought many people together. We did not foresee support from so far, but greatly appreciate it!”

—Cathal Lynch
—From The Heart 2

Cathal, the videos were wonderful. Those of us over here sure appreciate your middle of the night tenacity. Thank you back. DianeS

Here are some videos from the concert.

Mickey Coleman singing Miss You More than Words Can Say. He wrote this song for the first concert.

Damian McGinty singing Ronan Keating’s Hold On

Micheal Doherty doing Boy George’s Karma Chameleon

To read more about this concert click here. You can find more videos from the concert at Cathal’s YouTube Page

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Following the success of last years “From The Heart” concert in The Millennium Forum, a second will take place to raise awareness of suicide and honor Eamonn’s memory. 

DATE:                    Saturday, July 10, 2010

Time:                     8:00pm – 11:30pm

Location:              Millennium Forum, Derry

Many musical talents will be on show for the concert. Among them are:

Ben Kelly

Damian McGinty (of Celtic Thunder)

Maureen Campbell

Michael Doherty

Mickey Coleman

Niamh McGlinchey

Plunkett McGartland

Stephen Barr

May McFetridge will also be the hilarious host for the evening, plus much more to be announced!

Tickets: £12.50, £15.00, £16.50

All proceeds go to Foyle Search & Rescue: http://www.foylesearchandrescue.org/

Tickets available online:
http://gcldvsh.sed2.info/index.php?view=details&id=178%3Afrom-the-heart-memorial-concert&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=3

Or by telephone: 028 71 264 455

The following is an excerpt from a statement by SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan:
“The marked incidence of suicide in Derry – in particular among young people – is devastating the families and friends of victims and shocking the whole community. We are all left struggling with perplexing questions. No one on their own can establish or express adequate answers. This is a profound issue where we literally have to come together – different agencies, churches, professionals, community groups and families. We have to admire and applaud so much good, hard, sensitive work which is being done and so much of it led by those who have been bereaved by suicide.
Through this follow up concert, Bebe Johnson is determined to do just that. This is a warm way to bring people together to talk openly and honestly about suicide and mental health issues, so that we can encourage our young people to do the same. Bebe has put her heart and soul into the organisation of this concert. In support of her courageous efforts, I would urge people throughout the North West to support this concert, the proceeds of which will go to Foyle Search & Rescue.”

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As part of the recent release of his new album, A Mothers Lullaby, Mickey Coleman has announced a tour schedule for Easter week in and around Co. Tyrone. For those of you lucky enough to be in the area their dates, venue links and phone numbers follow.  ENJOY!!!

Sunday 4th April – Bellaghy GFC Hall Co.Derry

Tuesday 6th April – The Waterfront Hall, Belfast ( BT Studio)
Box office 02890334455

Wednesday 7th April – The Marketplace Theatre, Armagh
Box office 02837521821

Thursday 8th April – The Burnavon Theatre Cookstown
Box office 028 8676 9949  

 Friday 9th April – The Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen
Box office 028 66 325440

Saturday 10th April – The Riverside Theatre, Coleraine.
Box office 02870323232

Mickey’s cds are available at cdbaby

and at

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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 self-conscious about the reference, Mickey responded without hesitation; “talkin the talks one thing, but walkin the walks another.” Prophetic words!. With his A Mothers Lullaby, Mickey most certainly is “walkin the walk” in the footprints of the likes of Christy Moore and Bob Dylan. Mickey advocates for powerless abused children, innocent casualties of war having no escape from the devastation, loved ones left to cope with suicide, the end of political corruptness, the unemployed and those unfortunates caught up in the associated turmoil. For this album, Mickey has written lyrics guided by his conscience and from his heart. His fine voice lending so much power to the words they take your breath away. Having Plunkett McGartland accompanying Mickey on some of these songs is the perfect compliment to the richness and clean clear sound of the new songs.

A Mothers Lullaby is the next step in Mickey’s journey up the road to becoming one of the great folk singers both in Ireland and here in the states. He’s surely ”walkin the walk” with A Mothers Lullaby! Brilliant Mickey, just brilliant!!!

The reasons why Mickey wrote Mothers Lullaby have been explained eloquently by Mickey himself and would be diminished by any synopsis I could pen here. Visit his MySpace page and read his blog: Mothers Lullaby (why I wrote this song). http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

Locked Gates, a narrative written by Patricia Campbell, draws not so subtle parallels between County Tyrone’s recent past and present day Gaza. It is brilliant in its simplicity. Agree or disagree with Mickey’s recitation, where and when he spent his formative years makes him uniquely qualified to give voice to these words.

With Brighter Day Mickey describes the strife occurring in present day Ireland, both the Republic and the North. In three short verses Mickey covers dissention and hope for reconciliation, unemployment, alcoholism, corrupt politicians, poor or non existent services, wasteful excess and child abuse. Plunkett McGartland gives added depth to this piece with his considerable talents at the piano.

Mickey wrote Miss You More Than Words Can Say for a mother who had lost her 22 year old son to suicide. It has been included in a charity album, From The Heart, and performed by Mickey during a benefit concert last July to raise the profile of the Suicide Awareness campaign. This song is beautiful and it’s great to see him share it with a wider audience.

Pillow of Tears gives a voice to faceless closeted children abused by clergy. The stark honesty of Mickey’s words strongly illustrate the almost unbearable pain suffered from these ugliest of acts.

This man writes, sings and plays from his heart whatever the topic. Don’t let his more serious songsovershadow the other touching, more traditional songs penned by Mickey for this album.

Writing, singing and playing from the heart is clearly illustrated  with Culdaff. (a village in Donegal on the Inishowen peninsula). In this one Mickey tells the sad story of high hopes, disappointment and resignation over what will never be, and almost unbearable loneliness for home.

Stranger in the City weaves a tale of youthful exploration, immaturity of decisions made and the wisdom of realizing what’s important in life.

Your Love Pulled Me In and Can Always Count on You are most obviously written for a special person. The first song is the story of finding love at the exact right time, the second a confirmation of love and commitment to a present and future together.

Judgement Day is a genuinely happy tune that’s unashamed by its tilt toward good old fashioned country and western. It’s a toe tapping sing along song that will bring a great big smile to your face. Hard to choose which is more fun, Mickey’s words or Plunkettâ’s honky-tonk piano style in this one.

A Mothers Lullaby song list:

Mothers Lullaby

Locked Gates

Brighter Day

Your Love Pulled Me In

Miss You More Than Words

Pillow of Tears

Can Always Count On You

Judgement Day

Stranger in the City

Culdaff

Purchase A Mothers Lullaby on Mickey’s website: http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html

Now available at: and

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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 of the release, Mickey will also be embarking on a tour taking him to the cities of Belfast, Derry, Donegal, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Glasgow and London.

The Fanrealm staff would like to express its’ sincere congratulations and best wishes. Adh mor ort Mickeyand continued success. Here’s hoping it goes platinum!

To order Mothers Lullaby or for tour details visit Mickey’s website: http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html

To hear a few of his new songs, visit Mickey’s Myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

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Our readers from the Belfast area should definitely take this event in. The next supergroup a la the Beatles might be right on your doorstep. Two of Fanrealm’s favorites are taking part in the festival. Mickey Coleman will be there on the 24th and Oracle will be playing on the 27th along with another band Oracle’s lead guitarist Chris Logan plays in called Exit. I have listened to them on my space too and they are excellent.

Thanks so much to David from Oracle for the heads up on this event. Oracle will be playing at 8PM sharp on the 27th. You don’t want to miss them (remember that whole Beatles warning above.. ).They are definitely a band to watch. This is a link to get tickets for the Black Box where Oracle will be appearing on Sat night Black Box tickets Black Box is at 18 Hill Street. Doors open at 8PM and Oracle is first up so don’t be late. Tickets are £5 plus P + P.

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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 short 18 months ago. And, since its debut has been sharing the stage with artists such as The Chieftains, Cara Dillon, Francis Black, Liam Reilly, Steve Cooney and many more.

His talent for penning songs that in some way or another have shaped his life and which have captured the hearts of many in his live performances has been well documented in songs such as The Brantry Boy, The Holylands Belfast, My Coalisland Girl and Kilkeel Fisherman.

Drawing influences from Christy Moore, Bob Dylan and Luke Kelly, Mickey has developed his own identity saying; “I am like myself. I don’t think I sound like anyone” in an interview with popular folk artist and producer Column Sands.

James McGarrity from JW Promotions says; “Mickey Coleman is another example of the class and caliber of new musicians in the Province. This talented singer/songwriter produced a sensational debut album and is set for great things.”

Mickey is currently writing with some of Ireland’s finest and adding the finishing touches to his brand new album, Mothers Lullaby. Scheduled to launch on 29-Jan-2010, it is now available for purchase and pre-order on his website:  www.mickeycoleman.com

Listen to some of Mickey’s songs now at: www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

Become a fan and follow Mickey on Facebook at:

Mickey Coleman Folk Singer/Songwriter: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=156313743038

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 (from:  Mickey Coleman Folk Singer/Songwriter  -  Facebook, 07-Jan-2010) 

“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 the song on my Facebook page.” …..Mickey Coleman

Mother’s Lullaby video:  Mother’s Lullaby video

Casement Park (Irish: Páirc Mhic Asmaint) is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Belfast, NI, and home to the Antrim football and hurling teams. The ground has a capacity of 32,600.

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Is the Terrace Bar in Omagh always loud, rowdy and packed wall to wall with GAA fans cheering Tyrone on to victory?

“No you really got it on a bad day.”

NOTE: Even with the ear splitting noise and chaos swirling around, Mickey did not disappoint, and….. Tyrone beat Kildare that night to proceed to the GAA 2009 semifinals.

I’ve already introduced Mickey and his music to many who will read this and am very excited to be able to post this interview for you as well. Here we go 

You’re born and raised in Ardboe, County Tyrone, N.I. Whats it like there? 

“Well I have to say I love where I live, the people are mostly friendly and when it’s not raining the view is fantastic. I live on the western shores of Lough Neagh which is the largest lake in Ireland, generations of my family made a living from this lake where the main industry is Eel exports to Europe.”

When did you realise that writing music and singing had become your life’s work?

“I had an accident a couple of years ago playing Gaelic football when I broke my leg. It’s only then that I started to play fulltime and write on a continuous basis at my songs. I have always had a great love for music and writing but it was only then that I had a chance to start doing what I love for a living. Follow your heart.”

You’ve posted a long list of people that influenced you but is there one person that inspires you?

“My Mother.”

What are your feelings on the success of your debut album, Carefully Crafted?

“My feelings are mixed; I think it could have been better. I suppose it was slightly rushed and maybe slightly over produced in the sense that there could have been less going on in it, I think it is a little busy at times. My next album will be more stripped back and will focus more on the lyrical input to the songs. I suppose overall I’m happy I suppose my next challenge is to keep raising the bar.”

You recently spent time with the legendary Christy Moore. What was that like? Did he give you any career advice? Is there anything else from that meeting you’d like to share at this time?

“Meeting Christy was the highlight of my career to date and to actually sit down and discuss songs, how we write them etc… was magic. The man has so much passion for the music. He was a real gentleman and has invited me to play with him on stage the next time he’s up North so I’m really looking forward to that.”

Your new song, Mother’s Lullaby, is causing quite a stir. What was your inspiration for such a sad, heart wrenching story?

“My inspiration for this song came a few days after the attack on Palestine by Israel on 27/12/08 when there was footage beamed around the world of two kids age 4 and 6 standing crying in front of what was left of the family home. Both parents had been killed in the attack. The first thought that entered my mind when I saw these images was that they would have no mother to sing them a lullaby that night when they would go to bed. Most of the time the truth is not told in the media when it comes to war so I thought that I would give my take on it from what I knew of the situation. I know this fact due to growing up in Northern Ireland where the nationalist community suffered greatly at the hands of Britain due to not having a proper outlet in the media. If you search back in the TV archives, you will see that Gerry Adams voice was always over dubbed by an actor’s because he was deemed a terrorist and so called terrorists had no voice at that time. Yet the same man is in government with them today and has free speech. Does that mean they got it wrong in the media? Need I say more!!!!!”

I know that bringing awareness to the growing problem in Ireland of young people losing their lives to suicide is a cause you passionately support. How did you become involved in the “From the Heart” benefit concert and, will there be another?

“I performed a concert in Derry one night and sang a song “Sunday Morning Calling” from my album, which is about the emotional rollercoaster you go through when you lose someone to this issue. I was approached a few weeks later by a lady who asked me to write a song for an album to raise its awareness in the Derry area. It was a success, the concert sold out over 1,000 people.

There will be another concert 27^thFeb 2010 in Letterkenny, County Donegal.” 

In your interview with singer, songwriter, local radio host, Malachi Cush  http://www.streema.com/radios/Six_FM?f=0  http://www.myspace.com/malachicushon a recent Sunday morning, you said the Old Ardboe Lament is a traditional Irish tune that you adapted for your album. Do you know the origins of this haunting song?

“This song was written by a local bard by the name of John Canavan whom I think passed away in the early 1900s, roughly 1920 or there about. The song is about emigration and the first line of the song was recited by a man who was leaving Ireland around that time heading for America never to return. In those days the local people would have a leaving party at a crossroads for the people that where emigrating because a lot of them either died on the way there or would never return.”

Do you enjoy performing more in a small pub or a larger venue such as the Millennium Forum?

“I prefer to perform in theatres or somewhere there is a listening audience as most of my songs have a story to tell. When in a noisy bar they kind of get lost in the noise. Any where there is quiet I suppose.”

What are you listening to on your iPod today or what cd is in your player in the car right now?

“You might be surprised at this; Colbie Caillat. www.colbiecaillat.com/  I think she’s great, just discovered her!

I love all types of music. I listen to James Taylor a lot I also love Glen Frey, Don Henley and Bruce Springsteen. On the Irish scene at the moment I like a guy called Declan O’Rourke. www.myspace.com/declanorourke Check him out if you haven’t found him already, he’s amazing. To be honest I’m always on the lookout, I love discovering new music.”

Is there a release date for your new album and will it be available at cdbaby as well as your website?

“To be honest I don’t have a release date. It keeps being put back as I don’t want to rush it and the finance of course. However, I am hoping one of two things: Either I get recognized by a record label or I put up my fee.  lol….

I am hoping that it will be complete by the end of February, God willing. I will certainly keep you all posted on that…”

One we all want to know ~~ when can we see you here in the States?

“I’ve been and gone, Diane. Was in Florida for 2 weeks and had a great time. Thanks to Jill Pearson for inviting me as Celtic Thunders street team special guest.”

And finally, what would you most like your American fans to know about you? 

“That I love them sincerely and I really appreciate their love for my music. It’s great knowing that people on the other side of the world love my music and songs.”

“Thank you so much.”

Find and follow Mickey at these sites:

http://mickeycoleman.com/index.html

http://www.myspace.com/mickeycoleman1

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=156313743038

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Malachi is another incredibly talented NI singer and local radio personality. His show originates in Cookstown, County Tyrone. Give the lads a listen if you’re up that early.

http://www.sixfm.co.uk/portal/

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