I am writing this in my hotel room in Dublin at the end of a one week tour with two Southern Belles.  (That’s their story anyway)I will be dropping them of in the morning and getting home to get a bit of relaxation before the mayham starts again with Johnsmith on July 16.

I enjoyed another wonderful tour with Chuck Brodsky and his fans.   We covered new ground by staying in Galway City,  Dublin and Doolin.   There were so many highlights,  but I have to mention an incredible night with John Sheehan of the Dubliners in our hotel in Dublin.   John is so humble,  he is a wonderful man and he made one of our guests very happy by talking fiddle playing with him for over an hour.   His stories and playing  mesmerised everyone.  It was a very special night.   There were many great people with us,  but I must thank the Canadians for their input.   All in all it was such a special tour.   I must thank Chuck for his input also.   He sang for us almost every night.  His wife Jenny was also a joy.   We had a great first night with Foolin in Doolin and I want to thank Blackie,  Carl and Cyril for this.   Galway was really great and was very exciting at night.   Dublin,  of course is a great city and we explored it to the full.

I then had to go to Florida and Boston for 5 days and was very happy with the way it turned out.   I will be talking later about the Boston part of the trip.  I did a little business,  which may turn out well.  Next years tours are filling in very well and I think at this stage  my schedule is  pretty much full.

I had some bad news earlier this week when my former cab partner in Doolin, Noel O’Connor died.   This was very sad as Noel was only 49 years of age.  I could not get to the funeral as I was on tour,  so that made it more devastating for me.   Some of my very early guests would have stayed in Noel’s B & B in Doolin.

We have two very exciting back to back tours planned with Johnsmith.   I am really looking forward to John coming back and can’t wait to hear his new CD.   I have heard the tracks and I think it is his very best CD.   We have great artists lined up to play for us including:-  Don Stiffe,  Eilis Kennedy, Foolin in Doolin,  Fiddle Case,  Eoin Duignan,  Donogh Hennessy, The Howley Sisters,  Geraldine McGowan,  Altan.   What a music line-up !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would love to hear your comments on the blog.   Please feel free to leave them on the site.   I look forward to reading them.