.Mark Leen at the Christie Hennessy statue yesterday.
YESTERDAY would have been one of Tralee’s best loved sons, Christie Hennessy’s 75th birthday, so it was only fitting the occasion was marked.
His good friend, entertainer and businessman, Mark Leen, laid flowers at his statue in Abbeycourt on behalf of himself and the Tralee music fraternity and also laid a tribute from Christie’s wife Jill and the Hennessy family.
Mark spoke a little about Christie’s life, sang some lines from his classic songs and spoke fondly about what his music meant to him, the people of Tralee and how his music will live on forever.
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Sadly, the annual Christie Hennessy Festival, which normally took place at the start of this month, had to be cancelled due to COVID, so it was important that the great man, who passed away in December 2007, was remembered this month. See Mark’s tribute below…
.Ryan J receiving his prize on Saturday night. Photo: Joe Hanley
SINGER/SONGWRITER Ryan J was crowned the winner of the 9th annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest with his song ‘Timebomb’ on Saturday night.
The live final took place at The Ashe Hotel, Tralee, with a special guest performance from singer-songwriter Mundy.
Ten finalists were selected from just under 300 entries from across Ireland and beyond to perform their original song in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges.
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Speaking at the announcement of the winner Ryan said: “I can’t believe this happened, I’m over the moon! I had everything packed away so this was unexpected. Well done to everybody who came and performed, the talent was amazing. Thank you to IMRO and all involved.”
Ryan J was presented with a cheque for €1,000, courtesy of CARA Credit Union. For the first time in the contest’s history, two finalists were named in second place, Nnic with ‘The Place’ and Ivan Nicolas with ‘Sicily’. Both received €300 as worthy runner-up prize.
The competition, which is a tribute to one of Tralee’s most famous sons, received almost 300 entries from across Ireland and beyond.
Now in its ninth year, the competition has grown in stature over the years to become one of Ireland’s leading song competitions and continues to attract a high calibre of songwriters from Ireland and overseas, covering a broad range of musical genres.
Previous winners have included Paul McDonnell, Dave Molloy, Alan Kavanagh, Enda Reilly/Christine Deady, Míde Houlihan & Katie O’Connor, Curtis Walsh and Gemma Bradley.
.Claudia Gordillo, Ricardo Gordillo and Mark Leane at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
‘THE Troubadour Club’ at The Ashe Hotel was packed on Friday night to officially open the 9th annual Christie Hennessy Festival weekend.
There was an amazing lineup of artists from around the country at the event and every seat in the house was filled before Deputy Mayor of Tralee, Sam Locke, took to the stage to welcome everyone and officially open the festival.
The entertainers for the night included Christie Hennessy Tribute Act – Pam & Joe O’Connor, Kieran Kelly (Dublin City FM), Dara, Glen Dunleavey, Syrens, Loughy (from Stockholm, Sweden), Seamus Harty, Queenless Kings, Roy Buckley and Liam O’Connor & Band.
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The Christie Hennessy Song Competition is on Saturday night at the hotel with ten finalists selected from over 250 entries and they will perform their original songs in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, courtesy of CARA Credit Union while the runner-up receives a cheque for €300. Mundy will be the special guest on the night and entry on the night is free. Scroll down for photos…
Sinead Somers and Anne Murphy at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Noreen Quirke and Seamus Quirke at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanPat McDonagh, Eileen McDonagh, Caroline Melia and James Horan at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Pa and Bridget Donnelly at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMildred Clapham, Martina Wadding and Lucelle Murphy at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Suzanne Boyle, Sandra O’Sullivan, Kellyanne Nix, Colm Nix, Sheila Nix and Fiona Griffin at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMelanie Quaid, Pat Clifford and Jim O’Sullivan at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Margaret Dillane and Marie Sweeney at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAmy Roche and Celene Moloney at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Sam Locke officially opening proceedings at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanThe big crowd at the Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
.The Mayor of Tralee Cllr Jim Finucane who launched the Christy Hennessy Festival week-end in The Mall Tralee on Tuesday. Included is, in front; Suzanne Ennis of Cara Credit Union, Cllr Sam Locke, Jim Finucane and Kieran Ruttledge. Back; Vicky O’Regan, Celene Moloney and Peter Maguire. Photo by Joe Hanley
THE 9th annual Christie Hennessy Festival weekend will kick off with the ever popular Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway this Friday night.
Returning to The Ashe Hotel, it begins at 8pm along with an amazing lineup of artists from around the country.
Tickets cost €10 and include a free pint of Heineken or Killarney Ale at the bar before 9pm. The entertainers for the night includes Christie Hennessy Tribute Act – Pam & Joe O’Connor, Kieran Kelly (Dublin City FM), Dara, Glen Dunleavey, Syrens, Loughy (from Stockholm, Sweden), Seamus Harty, Queenless Kings, Roy Buckley and Liam O’Connor & Band. Tickets are limited but are still available from reception at The Ashe Hotel.
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The Christie Hennessy Song Competition on Saturday night takes place as a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons.
The ten finalists were selected from over 250 entries and they will perform their original songs in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, courtesy of CARA Credit Union while the runner-up receives a cheque for €300.
The winner will also receive a media campaign courtesy of Yangaroo Music Ireland. The final takes place on Saturday, November 2 in the Ashe Hotel Tralee from 8pm featuring a special guest performance from Mundy. Entry to the final is free.
Lisa Curran (BMus) is back this year with another exciting workshop to share the most up to date research and techniques in Pop and Contemporary vocology.
Lisa has studied most recently with BAST and Voice science works and is bringing all her knowledge to the talented Vocalists in Tralee.
This workshop is open to all levels of vocalists and is a must attend event at the Christie Hennessy celebration weekend. Lisa’s workshop takes place Saturday 2nd November 12.00-1.30pm
The second workshop on Saturday is with Matt Kelleghan of Moving Hearts. Matt was a sound engineer for Planxty and Christie Moore and co-founder of the Rock School in Dublin.
Matt will be dealing with the importance of live sound and production, as well as arrangements and recording tips. His workshop takes place from 2.00-3.30pm, both workshops take place in The Ashe Hotel.
The Christie Hennessy music weekend is proudly supported by Kerry County Council. “It is a fantastic weekend of music showcasing some very talented artists from all over the country,” said Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Jim Finucane.
For more information on the Christie Hennessy Festival Weekend or the workshops you can check out their social media pages or email them at christiehennessyfestival@gmail.com
THE Christie Hennessy Celebration of Songwriters and Musicians is just weeks away now and it’s set to be a great weekend featuring excellent music talent and special guest, Irish singer-songwriter, Mundy.
This years event will once again be taking place at the Ashe Hotel in Tralee Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 and is a must for music fans.
The Friday night will feature the Troubadour Club night with eight different bands and solo artists playing three original songs. The acts are Pam & Joe O’Connor, Kieran Kelly, Seamus Harty, Queenless Kings, Liam O’Connor & Band, Roy Buckley, Loughy, Dara, Syrens and Glenn Dunleavy. Tickets cost €10 and include a free pint at the bar before 9pm.
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Saturday night will feature 10 acts performing one song each in the Cara Credit Union Sponsored IMRO Song Contest, with Mundy appearing as special guest on the evening.
Also during the weekend, Matt Kelleghan (Moving Hearts and sound engineer for Planxty & Christy Moore) will give a special workshop in The Ashe Hotel on the Saturday at 2pm.
The theme will be ‘the importance of live sound at gigs, song arrangements, pre-production and recording’. For more about the festival, check out their facebook page here
.The new plaque erected to mark the place where Christie Hennessy worked years ago.
A NEW plaque has been erected at a building in Upper Castle Street to mark where the late Christie Hennessy worked before heading off to England all those years ago.
The plaque is located outside Tralee Supermarket at the junction of Moyderwell and Upper Castle Street.
It was where Christie worked as a messenger boy for Nora Deady and of course his time there from 1956 to 1960, inspired his famous Messenger Boy song.
The new plaque was erected by the committee involved in the annual Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting which will be held again this year in November.
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It completes the trio of plaques erected around town to mark where Christie was born, lived and worked.The ‘born’ plaque (left) is in a laneway in St John’s Park and was officially unveiled back in November 2017.
Christie was born in a cottage at 2 Steeple View, formerly known as Peter Street off Brogue Makers Lane.
The ‘lived’ plaque (right) is located at the entrance to Casement’s Avenue and recognises that he lived at No.36 there from 1947 to 1960 when he emigrated to London.
Of course, the main monument to Christie is in the town centre.
.Musician/businessman Mark Leen and Frank Hartnett of Kerry County Council who laid a wreath at the Christie Hennessy statue on Tuesday morning to mark the 11th anniversary of the singer’s death. Photo by Dermot Crean
TODAY marks the 11th anniversary of the death of one of Tralee’s best loved sons.
On December 11, 2007, Christie Hennessy succumbed to illness and he will be remembered with the town centre filled with his music this afternoon.
Tralee Chamber Alliance and Kerry County Council have combined to have his music played on the PA system, while local musician and businessman Mark Leen will sing his songs in the Marquee on the Mall between 1pm and 4pm.
Mark said it was vital that we remember the great singer/songwriter who loved his hometown.
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“The statue here is not only a tribute to Christie, but Tralee had more musicians per capita than any town in Ireland and this is the embodiment of all musicians in the town. The Christie Hennessy weekend is held every year and that’s very important. Christie overcame a lot of difficulties, including dyslexia, to write his songs,” said Mark.
Over the years the Chamber and Council have erected a number of tributes to Christie, including the statue in the Central Plaza, a stone monument there, a plaque to mark his birthplace near St John’s Park and a plaque at the house in Casement’s Avenue where he lived.
Now there are plans to put a plaque at a premises in Moyderwell where Christie worked as a messenger boy. It is hoped this will be erected by Christmas.
A new CD, ‘The Last Goodbye’, featuring Christie’s music accompanied by the RTE Concert Orchestra has also been released to coincide with his anniversary.
THE weekend is here and for music fans its a good one.
The Celebration of Christy Hennessy & Songwriter takes place over the next two nights inn The Ashe Hotel and people will have the opportunity to hear over 20 acts playing their original material across a large number of musical genres.
On top of this, there are free workshops and discussions on the music industry on Saturday afternoon for anyone who is interested in a career in the music business.
The weekend kicks off with the now traditional Troubadour Club at 8pm, hosted by Francie Conway (€10 admission on the door). At this event there are eight selected acts from Kerry and beyond performing their own material.
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This ranges from solo acts to full size bands, with the headline act this year being the ‘Hendrix on the accordion’ Liam O’Connor. This is renowned as probably the best night of music in Kerry by those who have attended in previous years.
On Saturday night they will have the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest where the 10 selected finalists will perform their songs in front of the assembled audience and the judging panel.
This event is totally free to the public so we would invite all the music loving people of Tralee to come along and support these fantastic and talented artists from across Ireland.
The ten finalists in the 2018 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition are:
1. Niamh Kennedy | ‘Lonely Sea’
2. Paddy Dennehy | ‘Strange Wings’
3. Heather McGrath | ‘Intoxicate Me’
4. ELKAE | ‘Sold’
5. Allen Monaghan | ‘Bird’
6. Gemma Bradley | ‘Beserk’
7. Leila Keeney & The Healer | ‘Look Away From Our Creation’
8. Emma Langford | ‘The Belle And The Ruin’
9. Ciara Sidine | ‘Finest Flower’
10. Liam O’Shea and The Grunts | Everytime (We Kiss Goodbye)
Special guest performer on the night will be award winning international singer-songwriter Don Mescall.
Don’s songs have now been recorded a huge number of artists, including Rascal Flatts, The Backstreet Boys, Lonestar, Geri Halliwell, Ronan Keating, Sir Cliff Richard, Nathan Carter, Mackenzie Porter, triple platinum French artist Marina Kaye, Sharon Corr, Aslan, American Idol’s Clay Aiken, Boyzone, Canadian Idol Winner Theo Thams, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Lulu, Kirsty, The New Cities, French Canadian artist Garou, Woodstock’s legendary Richie Havens, US Country star Neal McCoy, Brian Kennedy, Luke Dickens, Jaydee Bixby, The High Kings, Frances Black, Grant & Forysth and many, many more.
Don’s new studio album, ‘Lighthouse Keeper’ will be the first studio album in twelve years, following his debut album ‘Innocent Run’. The new album will be released both digitally and in hard copy on 2nd November and features lead single ‘Love Me Right Now’, a collaboration with Nashville legend Stella Parton.
THIS year’s Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriters includes a fantastic line up of musical talent to be enjoyed.
The event, which takes place at The Ashe Hotel on the weekend of November 2/3, kicks off on the Friday night at 8pm with the Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway.
The line up includes Pam & Joe O’Connor (Christie Hennessy tribute act), Patrick Pierse and Friends, Luke Clerkin, Susan O’Neill, Chapter 2, Karrie, the Righteous Dudes, Pete Holidai (from the Radiators from Space and Troubled Pilgrims) and “the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion” Liam O’Connor.
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Each act will play three original songs of their own composition on the night. Francie Conway said; “We are very much looking forward to another special Troubadour Club night, the acts are all fantastically talented and unique in their own special way, everyone who attends these nights are always blown away by the talent on show and we guarantee this year will be no exception.”
Tickets for the Troubadour Club night can be purchased at the Ashe Hotel or online at Eventbrite, priced at €10. Tickets entitle the bearer to a free pint at the Ashe if presented before 9pm.
Saturday of the Celebration sees two new additions to the event this year. Lisa Curran will be running a Vocal Workshop at 1pm and Pete Holidai will run Music Business workshop looking at how to manage your career in the music industry followed by a panel discussion with some music professionals at 2.30pm, both of these workshops are free to attend.
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The event will close as usual with the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song contest final where 10 acts have been selected to perform their own original composition from over 220 entries.
Once again the event starts at 8pm and a special guest to be announced shortly will also perform on the night.
Francie Conway said; “The winners of the song contest have gone on to greater things and some are really making their mark in the industry, this year we look forward to another great night showcasing the fantastic talent that exists here in Ireland”.
The organisers of the event paid special tribute to the sponsors of the Christie Hennessy Celebration especially, Kerry County Council, IMRO, Tralee Chamber Alliance, Cara Credit Union, Radio Kerry, The Ashe Hotel, Grassroots music and Francie Conway himself.
For further details please contact –Peter Maguire 087 990 5975 or Francie Conway 087 972 4514, or Kieran Ruttledge 087 908 3550.
THE annual Christie Hennessy music celebration will take place in Tralee this winter.
The event, which has taken place in Tralee since 2011, was provisionally booked for the INEC in Killarney this October, but now it has been confirmed it will take place in the Ashe Hotel again this year on November 2 and 3.
The festival receives funding from Tralee Chamber Alliance/Kerry County Council and it was understood that the Chamber would have liked to have seen some changes to the format of the festival.
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However, a meeting took place between the organisers, Tralee Municipal District councillors and Tralee Chamber Alliance to resolve any issues and they have now been settled.
The festival sees local acts and up and coming musicians from around the country perform during the weekend.
THE Christie Hennessy music festival, which has been taking place in Tralee since 2011 could be moved to Killarney this year by organisers.
The two day festival, held in honour of the late singer/songwriter from Tralee, usually takes place in October and consists of two main events — The Troubadour Club on Friday and the Christie Hennessy Song Contest on the Saturday night.
The festival receives a substantial amount of funding from Tralee Chamber Alliance/Kerry County Council. It’s understood that the Chamber would like to see changes to the format of the festival to make it more appealing to the general public and music fans in general, before committing the full amount of funding.
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The festival sees local acts and up and coming musicians from around the country perform during the weekend and while it has a loyal following, it has not seen significant growth and hasn’t been successful in attracting an increase in local people attending the events in the past number of years.
The organisers, including well known musician Francie Conway from Tralee, have provisionally booked the INEC in Killarney for October 12/13, but they are still open to keeping the festival in Tralee.
The Chamber Alliance and Kerry County Council would both like to see the the festival retained in Tralee and are hopeful an agreement can be reached with organisers.
THE children of Tralee’s most famous singer/songwriter have announced a concert in the INEC to celebrate the life and career of their father.
Christie Hennessy’s children will perform as ‘Hennessy’ at the Killarney venue on Friday, June 15 as part of a five date tour.
Amber, Hermione and Tim who have all had careers within the music business both as artists and as managers, have come together to celebrate the work and career of their late father, who passed away in December 2007.
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“We miss our dad every day. Coming together to perform as Hennessy seems the best way for us to honour him – both through his music and our own personal memories. We cannot wait to meet all of Christie’s fans as we sing his favourite songs, ones everyone will know and love, as well as arranging a few surprises for you all, from our family to yours.” – Hermione, Amber and Tim Ross.
Hermione, Amber and Tim will perform classic songs made famous by Christie Hennessy including: ‘Messenger Boy’, ‘Oh Jealous Heart’, ‘If You Were To Fall’, ‘All The Lies That You Told Me’ and ‘Roll Back The Clouds’, as well as singing songs that influenced their father.
The show, Hennessy: A Tribute to Christie will feature heart-felt stories and anecdotes about a man for whom fame came late in life. Tickets for ‘Hennessy: A tribute to Christie’ go on sale this Friday, January 26 at 9am from ticketmaster.ie
.At the blessing of the Christmas Crib in the Square on Monday were Carmel Quilter O’Neill, Jean Foley, Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald, Mayor of Tralee Norma Foley, Rev Jim Stephens, Frank Hartnett, Mark Leen and Michael McCarthy. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Christmas Crib in the Square received a blessing yesterday afternoon.
Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald PP of St John’s and Church of Ireland Rev. Jim Stephens performed the joint ceremony watched by a small gathering, while Mark Leen concluded the blessing with a Christmas hymn. The crib was subject to vandalism last year and new statues were found to replace the damaged ones.
Also, the statue of Christie Hennessy was blessed on the 10th anniversary of his death. Two wreaths, one from his wife Gill and the other from Kerry County Council were laid at the foot of the statue and Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald gave a blessing.
Jean Foley, Frank Hartnett, Mayor Norma Foley, Mark Leen, Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald and Michael McCarthy at the blessing of the Christie Hennessy statue to mark the 10th anniversary of his death on Monday afternoon. Photo by Dermot CreanMark Leen and Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald at the statue..
.Jimmy Ross unveils the plaque to his brother Christie at St John’s Park on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean
A SMALL gathering of musicians and supporters of the Christie Hennessy Festival gathered at an archway in St John’s Park on Saturday afternoon for the unveiling of a plaque to the late singer.
Although Christie grew up in Casement’s Avenue, it was in a cottage at 2 Steeple View, formerly known as Peter Street off Brogue Makers Lane, that the late singer was born 72 years ago.
Local musician Mark Leen said Christie was a proud Tralee man, who always maintained his accent, wrote beautiful songs and was a masterful guitar player.
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“Just as Joe Dolan is remembered in Mullingar, Christie Hennessy is being honoured today,” said Mark, who thanked Cllr Sam Locke, stonemason Billy Leen, Frank Hartnett of Kerry County Council and Tralee Chamber Alliance who paid for the plaque.
Christie’s brother Jimmy Ross performed the unveiling which was followed by a performance of a Christie classic, ‘All The Lies That You Told Me’ by Francie Conway and Luan Parle.
Francie Conway also told an amusing story about how his father — a friend of the Ross family — wondered why Christie changed his surname from Ross to Hennessy.
“My dad said ‘I don’t know why he changed his name from Ross to Hennessy. Ross is a very fancy name. Any fella up the town who thinks they have a few bob is drinking Hennessy!’,” said Francie. Scroll down for photos…
The crowd gathered at the unveiling of a plaque marking Christie Hennessy’s birthplace at St John’s Park on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean.Musicians Francie Conway, Luan Parle and Mark Leen at the unveiling of a plaque marking Christie Hennessy’s birthplace at St John’s Park on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot CreanKieran Ruttledge of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Jimmy Ross and Cllr Sam Locke at the unveiling of a plaque marking Christie Hennessy’s birthplace at St John’s Park on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot Crean.Francie Conway and Luan Parle performing at the unveiling of a plaque marking Christie Hennessy’s birthplace at St John’s Park on Saturday afternoon. Photo by Dermot CreanThe new plaque in the laneway at St John’s Park. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Farrell O’Gara and Natasha George at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A WEALTH of music talent took to the stage in The Ashe Hotel last night as the 7th annual Christie Hennessy Festival kicked off with The Troubadour Club.
Nine acts played three original songs each and there was an impressive attendance to hear such artists as Mike Hanrahan from legendary folk group, Stockton’s Wing and leading Irish singer-songwriter, Luan Parle.
Also appearing were The Shans, Sweet F.A., Isolated Frequency, FoxTales, Jamie O’Reilly and Mark Leen.
Bronagh Gallagher, who starred in The Commitments and many other blockbuster movies, will be the special guest at the 7th Annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition Live Final tonight (Saturday).
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Luan Parle, Aisling O’Carroll from Kerry School of Music, Suzanne Ennis from Tralee Credit Union and Tralee Municipal Councillor Sam Locke will form the judging panel and Sam told us the standard of the 10 shortlisted entries this year is incredible.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, courtesy of Tralee Credit Union while the runner up receives a cheque for €300.
Admission to the final is free and gets underway at 8.30pm so if you want to hear great original music, The Ashe is the place to be tonight. Scroll down for photos…
Padraig Teahon, Sean McCord and Kieran Ruttledge at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Helen Locke, Sam Locke and Junior Locke at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAaron Hutchinson, Sandra Lopez, Shane Scanlon, Robin Clarke and Michal Wagner at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Fiona Griffin and Suzanne Boyle at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanEva Conway and Jamie Reilly at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Eileen Whelan and Anne O’Shea at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMary Leen and Brian Phelan at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanDenis Deery and Jennifer Tiernan at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Mike Leahy, Damian Greer and John Quirke of Sweet F.A. at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanEleanor Collins, Carmel Quilter O’Neill and Mary Long at the The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Launching the Christie Hennessy Festival 2017 at the large billboard on Pembroke Street last week were Mark Leen; CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance Kieran Ruttledge; Mayor of Tralee Norma Foley; President of Tralee Chamber Alliance Aidan Kelly; General Manager of The Ashe Hotel Stephen O’Connell and Suzanne Ennis of Tralee Credit Union (sponsor). Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Ashe Hotel will be the centre of music entertainment again this weekend, as it hosts the 7th annual Christie Hennessy Festivalon Friday and Saturday night.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the untimely death of Tralee’s most famous singing and song-writing star which will give this year’s Christie Hennessy Festival added significance.
Bronagh Gallagher, who starred in The Commitments and many other blockbuster movies, will be the special guest at the 7th Annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition Live Final on Saturday.
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Mike Hanrahan from legendary folk group, Stockton’s Wing, will perform at the Troubadour Club one Friday, as will leading Irish singer-songwriter, Luan Parle.
The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel from 8.30pm on Friday, November 3 will feature top Irish singer/songwriter, Luan Parle and Mike Hanrahan along with The Shans, Sweet F.A., Isolated Frequency, FoxTales, Jamie O’Reilly and Mark Leen.
Each of the featured nine acts at the Troubadour Club will perform three songs in a cabaret setting.
Luan Parle, Aisling O’Carroll from Kerry School of Music, Suzanne Ennis from Tralee Credit Union and Tralee Municipal Councillor Sam Locke will form the judging panel for the 7th Annual IMRO from 8.30pm on Saturday, November 4 in The Ashe Hotel.
They will have their work cut out to pick a winner from the 10 original songs that will be performed live by the 10 finalists who were shortlisted from over 200 entries from all over Ireland.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, courtesy of Tralee Credit Union while the runner up receives a cheque for €300. Katie O’Connor took home the top prize last year with her song ‘Just Too Young’.
Admission to The Troubadour Club on Friday, November 3 is only €10 while admission to the IMRO Song Competition Final on Saturday, November 4 is FREE. Both events will get underway at 8.30pm.
Everyone who arrives to the Troubadour Club BEFORE 9pm on Friday night, on presentation of their admission ticket at the bar, will receive a complimentary pint (over 18 with ID).
Tickets are available from Tralee Chamber Alliance Office, 18 Denny St, Tralee (066 7121472) and at the door in The Ashe Hotel on both nights.
.Launching the Christie Hennessy Festival 2017 at the large billboard on Pembroke Street were Mark Leen; CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance Kieran Ruttledge; Mayor of Tralee Norma Foley; President of Tralee Chamber Alliance Aidan Kelly; General Manager of The Ashe Hotel Stephen O’Connor and Suzanne Ennis of Tralee Credit Union (sponsor). Photo by Dermot Crean
CHRISTIE Hennessy’s legacy is strong and his life will be celebrated by a host of top singer-songwriters from all over Ireland at next weekend’s Christie Hennessy Festival in at The Ashe Hotel, Tralee on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the untimely death of Tralee’s most famous singing and song-writing star which will give this year’s Christie Hennessy Festival added significance.
Bronagh Gallagher, who starred in The Commitments and many other blockbuster movies, will be the special guest at the 7th Annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition Live Final.
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Mike Hanrahan from legendary folk group, Stockton’s Wing, will perform at the Troubadour Club, as will leading Irish singer-songwriter, Luan Parle.
The CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “The Christie Hennessy Festival is a wonderful event for anyone who enjoys listening to live music. Both nights are great occasions with fantastic talent on display and everyone on stage will perform their own original songs. I am constantly amazed by the standards of musicianship in Ireland and this festival is a great platform for these bands to showcase their talent. It’s all done in honour of Tralee’s own Christie Hennessy, who was himself a great singer and songwriter. We are grateful to everyone who has supported the event – The Ashe Hotel, Tralee Credit Union, IMRO and Mark Leen who has kindly sponsored the festival billboard at Balloonagh Cross on Pembroke Street.”
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The Troubadour Club in The Ashe Hotel from 8.30pm on Friday, November 3 will feature top Irish singer/songwriter, Luan Parle and Mike Hanrahan along with The Shans, Sweet F.A., Isolated Frequency, FoxTales, Jamie O’Reilly and Mark Leen.
Each of the featured nine acts at the Troubadour Club will perform three songs in a cabaret setting.
Luan Parle, Aisling O’Carroll from Kerry School of Music, Suzanne Ennis from Tralee Credit Union and Tralee Municipal Councillor Sam Locke will form the judging panel for the 7th Annual IMRO from 8.30pm on Saturday, November 4 in The Ashe Hotel.
They will have their work cut out to pick a winner from the 10 original songs that will be performed live by the 10 finalists who were shortlisted from over 200 entries from all over Ireland.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, courtesy of Tralee Credit Union while the runner up receives a cheque for €300. Katie O’Connor took home the top prize last year with her song ‘Just Too Young’.
Tralee-native, renowned singer-songwriter and Festival co-organiser, Francie Conway said: “The Christie Hennessy Festival is held in high regard within the Irish music industry and this year’s line-up is a testament to its popularity. As a fellow-songwriter, I think Christie Hennessy would be delighted to have his celebration weekend showcasing new song-writing talent.”
Admission to The Troubadour Club on Friday, November 3 is only €10 while admission to the IMRO Song Competition Final on Saturday, November 4 is FREE. Both events will get underway at 8.30pm.
Everyone who arrives to the Troubadour Club BEFORE 9pm on Friday night, on presentation of their admission ticket at the bar, will receive a complimentary pint (over 18 with ID).
Tickets are available from Tralee Chamber Alliance Office, 18 Denny St, Tralee (066 7121472) and at the door in The Ashe Hotel on both nights.
.Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Terry O’Brien with Christie Hennessy’ wife Gill Ross, Frank Hartnett of Kerry County Council and Cllr Sam Locke. Photo by Dermot Crean
A NEW stone plaque was unveiled in town on Saturday at a ceremony to dedicate the area around Christie Hennessy’s statue to his memory.
Councillors and members of Christie’s family were in attendance for the event, which came about initially as a result of a motion from Cllr Sam Locke at a meeting of Tralee Municipal District earlier this year.
Mark Leen and Mickey Harte played some songs before the ceremony began and Frank Hartnett of Kerry County Council spoke of the rich heritage of music and musicians in the town and how this needs to be recognised.
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Christie Hennessy’s wife, Gill Ross, thanked the people of Tralee for selecting such a kind, genuine and hard-working man to honour and said that his work and memory will live on. Other speakers included Francie Conway and Mayor of Tralee Cllr Terry O’Brien who also spoke of Christie’s musical legacy.
The plaque was then unveiled by Mayor of Tralee Cllr Terry O’Brien and Gill Ross to dedicate the area, ‘Christie Hennessy Place’. The plaque contains lyrics from Christie’s songs and the area is a fitting tribute to one of the town’s much-loved sons. Scroll down for photos…
Francie Conway speaking at the ceremony. Photo by Dermot Crean.Some of the crowd present for the unveiling ceremony. Photo by Dermot CreanGill Ross lays a rose at her late husband’s statue. Photo by Dermot Crean.The new plaque at ‘Christie Hennessy Place’. Photo by Dermot CreanMickey Harte plays for the crowd at the ceremony. Photo by Dermot Crean
.Cllr Sam Locke, Oliver Ross, Jimmy Ross, Francie Conway, Simon Ross and Kieran Ruttledge at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE Celebration Of Christie Hennessy Weekend kicked off last night with musicians performing at The Troubadour Club in the Rose Hotel.
Members of Christie’s family were present, including his wife Gill and brothers Oliver, Simon and Jimmy Ross, to see a great night of music from 12 artists.
Well known local man Francie Conway performed along with Mickey Harte, John Buggy, Chapter 2 and many more musicians at the well attended event.
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Saturday sees a special ceremony near the statue of Christie, when the area will be dedicated the ‘Christie Hennessy Plaza’. It will take place at 4pm.
Later on Saturday, the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition takes place at 8:30pm at The Rose Hotel and admission is free to all.
Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries across Ireland will perform their original songs in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges including special guest John Spillane.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, with the runner up collecting €300 courtesy of Tralee Credit Union. Scroll down for photos…
David Blaize and Cormac O’Daly at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot CreanMark Caplice and Becky Jackson at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean.Kevin Geary and Helen Geary and James Quill at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot CreanAdam O’Leary and Pamela O’Connor at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean.Standing; Cllr Sam Locke with Gill Ross, Frank Hartnett and Lesley Knight at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot CreanSarah Abbott and Brian Harmon at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean.Simon Malcolm and Christina Dureke at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot CreanRoscrea couple Michael Thompson and Lorraine Kinsella at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean.Celene Moloney and Triona Houlihan at the Troubadour night on Friday at the Rose Hotel. Photo by Dermot Crean
THIS weekend sees the Celebration Of Christie Hennessy return to Tralee and there’s a great line-up of entertainment over the two days.
This year’s festival which will be held in The Rose Hotel on November 25-26 and will feature performances from, John Spillane and Mikey Harte.
There will also be a special ceremony on the Saturday near the statue of Christie, when the area will be dedicated the ‘Christie Hennessy Plaza’. It will take place at 4pm and will be followed by the switching on of the Christmas Lights by Kieran Donaghy.
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The Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway will kick off the festival on Friday night at 8:30pm. Music acts performing include Chapter 2, John Buggy, Mickey Harte and many more. Tickets €10.
On the following night The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition takes place again at 8:30pm at The Rose Hotel but is free to all.
Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries across Ireland will perform their original songs in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges including special guest John Spillane.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, with the runner up collecting €300 courtesy of Tralee Credit Union.
Tickets for the Troubadour Club can be bought at Tralee Chamber Alliance on Denny Street at the door on the night. For information contact (066-712 1472)
THE programme and line-up for The Celebration of Christie Hennessy Festival, which is now in it’s sixth year, has been announced.
This year’s festival which will be held in The Rose Hotel on November 25-26 and will feature performances from, John Spillane, Mikey Harte and Aonghus McAnally.
There will also be a special ceremony on the Saturday (November 26) near the statue of Christie, when the area will be named ‘The Christie Hennessy Plaza’. It will take place at 4pm and will be followed by the switching on of the Christmas Lights.
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The Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway will kick off the festival on Friday night at 8:30pm. Tickets €10. On the following night The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition takes place again at 8:30pm at The Rose Hotel but is free to all.
Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries across Ireland will perform their original songs in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges including special guest John Spillane.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, with the runner up collecting €300 courtesy of Tralee Credit Union.
Once again this is sure to be a great two night’s entertainment that showcases up and coming talent along with honouring the musical legacy of one of Tralee’s most famous and beloved sons.
Tickets for the Troubadour Club can be bought at Tralee Chamber Alliance on Denny Street at the door on the night. For information contact (066-712 1472)
.Fans and family gather outside the Christie Hennessy memorial in Central Plaza to mark would have been his 70th birthday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THE area around the Christie Hennessy statue could be set for a name change.
At the next meeting of the Tralee Municipal District of Kerry County Council on Monday, there will be a motion put forward that the area near the statue at Central Plaza/Abbeycourt be renamed ‘Christie Hennessy Place’.
The motion has been put forward by Cllr Sam Locke to “enhance the area” he said.
“I was speaking to the Hennessy family and they felt it would be nice to rename the area ‘Christie Hennesey Place’. So, I’m just running it to see what the other Councillors feel about it,” said Cllr Locke.
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This is the latest proposal to honour one of Tralee’s most famous sons who passed away in 2007.
Plans are also mooted for a light that will shine across Central Plaza lighting up the Christie Hennessy statue, which was unveiled back in 2009.
Back in November, what would have been Christie Hennessy 7oth birthday a special floral tribute was laid by the memorial to honour the occasion.
The ceremony came just two weeks after the ‘The Christie Hennessy Festival’ which had one of its most successful years to date since it began back in 2011.
.Laying a floral tribute to mark what would have been, Christie Hennessy’s 70th birthday were, from left: Ollie Ross, Deputy Michael Healy Rae, Mayor of Kerry Pat McCarthy, Cllr Graham Spring, Cllr Sam Locke, Jimmy Ross and Mark Leen. Photo by John Drummey
THURSDAY would have been Christie Hennessy’s 70th birthday and to mark the occasion, a healthy crowd gathered outside ‘The Messenger Boy’ singer’s memorial in Central Plaza.
The occasion also marked plans for a light that will shine across Central Plaza lighting up the Christie Hennessy statue, which was unveiled back in 2009.
Though his children Hermione, Amber and Tim were unfortunately unable to attend, Christie’s family was represented by his brothers Oliver and Jimmy Ross who still live in town today.
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“It’s brilliant to see the crowd here and it’s great what is done to remember him here. He’d love all of this,” said Jimmy Ross.
“Christie always kept a fondness for Tralee. He would always come home on holidays and I’d be on stage with him playing the guitar, it used to be great,” said Jimmy.
A special 7oth birthday floral tribute was laid by the memorial to honour the occasion. The ceremony comes only two weeks after the ‘The Christie Hennessy Festival’ which had one of its most successful years to date.
Local musicians performed, including Mark Leen who was on hand throughout the ceremony, playing Christie’s songs and dispensing little nuggets of information of how they came to be and how Christie’s legacy still lives on.
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.Christie Hennnesey’s brothers, Oliver and Jimmy Ross. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.Fans and family gather outside the Christie Hennessy memorial in Central Plaza to mark would have been his 70th birthday. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At a ceremony to mark what would have been, Christie Hennessy’s 70th birthday were, from left: Anne O’Brien, Joseph O’Brien, Billy Lyons and Mary Mahony. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At a ceremony to mark what would have been, Christie Hennessy’s 70th birthday were, from left: Hayden Whelan, John McGillycuddy, Aideen Martin, Bernie Kennedy, Niamh Ni Gearailt and Cathleen Healy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At a ceremony to mark what would have been, Christie Hennessy’s 70th birthday were, from left: Eward Fitzgearld, Fiona Dwyer, Mary Ross, Oliver Ross, Richard Quirke, Jimmy Ross, Donie Houlihan, Donal Carey and Adrienne McLoughlin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
.At the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Denise Brassil and Meg Doyle. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
PLUGGING in for another year of music, the Christie Hennessy Celebration got underway last night with the Troubadour club held in the Fels Point Hotel.
The Club drew large crowds on Friday night with local and national talent on show.
The event showcased the talents of ten artists and was presented by Francie Conway, with acts including Sumdaze, Richie Ros, House of Hippies, Aidan And The Astronauts and rising stars Q14.
The festival is based in the Fels Point Hotel and will tonight feature the final of the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition beginning at 8:30pm.
Along with 10 hopeful up and coming acts, Aslan members, Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell, will be there as special guests.
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.At the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Andrea Boffelli, Patricia Lynch and Corina Smyth. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.At the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Sam Kavanagh, Micheal McGowen, Paul Dalton and George Donald. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
At the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Mary Heasmen, Mary Kate Heasmen, Joe Drury and Eoin Gallagher. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAt the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Megan Neiland, Sam Kavanagh and Mary Lucey. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAt the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Pat and Jenny Massey. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAt the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Michael Wagner, Sandra Caballao and Oscar Brophy. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAt the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Chris Kennelly and Leanne Malone. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAt the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Eileen Miller, Joe O’Connor, Aisling O’Connor, Pamela O’Connor and James O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAt the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Karen Belton, Wes Choy and Nick Belton. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAt the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Ibana McSweeney and Rennata Kico. Photo by Gavin O’ConnorAt the Christie Hennessy Festival ‘Troubadour Club’ in the Fels Point Hotel were, from left: Rachel Barrett and Rory Kelly. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
Well lo and behold, it’s the weekend again. It’s set to be a great one too with Halloween upon us, so there’s bound to be loads to get up to. Here’s a few suggestions…
Friday
Francie Conway, John Drummey and Kieran Ruttledge promoting the upcoming Christie Hennessy Celebration.
1. Watch some great live music
The annual Celebration of Christie Hennessy takes place this weekend and it’s gonna be great.
The Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway will return to kick-start the weekend tonight featuring performances by ten artists.
It starts at 8.30pm, admission is €10, but everyone who arrives before 9pm will receive a complimentary drink. That’s fair enough!
Aslan’s Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell will be the special guests at the Live Final of the 2015 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition on Saturday, October 31 from 8.30pm. Free Entrance.
The people who organise the regular Tralee Park Runs on Saturdays have capitalised on the fact that it coincides with Halloween for a special event.
A 5km fancy dress run will be held at 9.30am with participants encouraged to come as ghosts, vampires, witches, mummies or whatever else takes your fancy.
As usual, those wishing to take part in the timed 5km run for the first time will have to register on the Park Run site HERE.
3. Halloween fun in Friary Lane
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul are having a Halloween Story Telling and Face Painting event on Saturday morning from 10:30am until 11:30am in their thrift shop on Friary Lane.
Refreshments will be served on the day and everyone is welcome to join in the fun Contact SVP Tralee on 066-7122706 for more details.
4. Get out and enjoy the witching hours
Whether it’s bringing the kids trick or treating or dressing up for parties all over town, get out and enjoy yourself on Saturday. The weather’s meant to be great too.
Sunday
5. Having a baby?
The Baby Market returns to the Fels Point Hotel for another buying and selling bonanza from 12 noon to 2pm.
There’ll be 20 stalls with all things all things baby-related and some local vendors selling their goods and services.
Entrance fee is €3 per adult, €5 for two, kids free
.Co-organiser Francie Conway with President of Tralee Chamber of Commerce John Drummey and Chief Executive of Tralee Chamber Of Commerce Kieran Ruttledge promoting the upcoming Christie Hennessy Celebration. Photo by Dermot Crean
CHRISTY Dignam and fellow Aslan band member, Joe Jewell will perform at this year’s 5th Annual Celebration of Christie Hennessy at Fels Point Hotel on Friday/Saturday October 30/31.
The CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, Kieran Ruttledge, said: “The Christie Hennessy Celebration is a great weekend of top class music from some of Ireland’s best contemporary musicians. Both nights are great occasions with fantastic talent on display. I am constantly amazed by the standards of musicianship in Ireland and this festival is a great platform for these bands to showcase their talent. It’s all done in honour of Tralee’s own Christie Hennessy, who was himself a great singer and songwriter.”
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Christy Dignam and Joe Jewell will be the special guests at the Live Final of the 2015 IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition, in association with Tralee Chamber Alliance, Tralee Credit Union and Fels Point Hotel, on Saturday, October 31 from 8.30pm.
The IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition is a tribute to the life and music of one of Tralee’s most famous sons.
Paul McDonnell took home the top prize last year for his song, “Be All You Can Be”, co-written with Dave Molloy and Cathleen Flynn.
Ten finalists selected from over 200 entries across Ireland will perform their original songs in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges.
The winning songwriter will be presented with a cheque for €1,000 on the night, courtesy of Tralee Credit Union. Previous winners have included Alan Kavanagh, Enda Reilly and Christine Deady.
Open to all musical styles, the artists must perform their own compositions live (no backing tracks) and the 10 finalists – selected by IMRO – will perform their songs before a live audience (and panel of judges) in Fels Point Hotel.
The Troubadour Club presented by Francie Conway will return to kick-start the weekend on Friday, October 30 featuring performances by ten artists (many Kerry-based) including Q14, Roy Buckley, House of Hippies, Alan Kavanagh, Pam & Joe O’Connor, Richie Ros, Aidan & the Astronauts, Sumdaze and Tony Henderson.
Tralee-native, renowned singer-songwriter and Festival co-organiser, Francie Conway said: “The event is becoming the premier songwriters’ weekend in Ireland and attracting some of the finest contemporary songwriters in the country and from further afield. As a songwriter, I think Christie Hennessy would be delighted to have his celebration weekend showcasing new songwriting talent.”
Both The Troubadour Club on Friday 30th and the IMRO Song Competition Final on Saturday 31st will get underway at 8.30pm. Admission to the Troubadour Club is €10, but everyone who arrives on the Friday night before 9pm will receive a complimentary drink.
Entrance to the song competition on Saturday night is free.
Tickets are available from Tralee Chamber Alliance Office, 18 Denny St, Tralee and at the door in Fels Point Hotel.
.The Celebration of Christie Hennessy is set to be a another epic weekend.
THE dates and some of the acts have been announced for the annual Christie Hennessy Celebration, which will take place in the Fels Point Hotel later this year.
The ever popular music event will take place on October 30 and 31, with a whole host of various acts and musicians lined up to play.
Some of the acts booked so far for the Troubadour Club on Friday, October 30 are Sumdaze, Richie Ros, House of Hippies, Aidan And The Astronauts and rising stars Q14.
Entries are now open for the annual IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Competition 2015 which takes place in memory of one of Tralee’s most famous sons. Songwriters are invited to submit their entry to IMRO before the deadline of Friday 25th September.
Ten finalists will be selected to perform their song at the live final of the contest on Saturday, 31st October in Fels Point Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry, with the winning songwriter being presented with a cheque for €1,000 courtesy of IMRO.
Previous winners of the IMRO Christie Hennessy Song Contest have included Paul McDonnell, Dave Molloy, Alan Kavanagh, Enda Reilly and Christine Deady.
The deadline for entries is Friday 25th September and successful finalists will be notified by Friday 2nd October.
The celebration is one that never fails to draw the large crowds as local and national talents take to the stage to pay tribute to the great Tralee musician, Christie Hennessy.
IF you weren’t in Fels Point two weeks ago, there’s a chance for you to see some of the acts that performed at the Celebration of Christie Hennessy & Songwriters Festival.
If you have Sky, a special half hour programme will feature on the ‘Kerry County Matters’ show on Irish TV at 7:30 on channel 191 tonight.
If you don’t have Sky, you can also catch it on, Free to Air, Freesat 400, eVision boxes or online at http://www.irishtv.ie/
The big draws at this year’s festival were, blues musician, Don Baker. one time Eurovision contestant, Mickey Harte and legend of the Tralee scene, Victor McCullough, who made a welcome return to the town.
Victor McCullough, Francie Conway and Mossie Stack at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE feast of music that is the ‘Celebration Of Christie Hennessy And Songwriting’ was another great success with large crowds attending the big events over the weekend.
The Troubadour Club drew large crowds on Friday night with local and national talent on show, while an equally impressive audience of music lovers showed up on Saturday night for the Tralee Chamber Alliance sponsored song competition.
Tralee’s own Francie Conway, who helped found the festival, spoke to us about the event on Friday night.
“This is the fourth year of it. I was approached by IMRO four years ago to put something together in tribute to Christie. It’s growing and growing into something quite unique now. It’s possibly the most unique songwriting festival of this stature in the country,” he said.
“We have some wonderful, reputable artists playing including Don Baker, Keith Donald, Victor McCullough, Fiach Moriarty and Robert Delaney who flew in from Berlin to be with us,” said Francie.
Being a Tralee man, Francie recalled his family’s own connections to Christie.
My dad, Denis, was a good friend of Christie’s. He used to have Mac’s Bar on Pembroke Street and he used to deliver gas to Casement’s Avenue so he would have known the Ross family. I only met Christie late in his life, but he was very kind to my son Rory,” said Francie.
Judging by the response to the festival, hopefully it’ll continue for years to come.
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Neil Sanker, Jay Dalligan, Gary Keane, John O’Connor and Bernard O’Connor at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rachel Berry, Fiona McSweeney and Alanna Diggin at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanTony Hennessy, Christine Black, Philomena Fennessy, Helen Henessy, Kira Hurst, Nadine Hennessy and Ryan Hurst at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMaggie and Laura Griffin at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanOlivia Dunne and Lea Parker Bond at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanMarie Dillane, Margaret Dillanne, Angela Delaney, Eamon Dunne and Veronique Sebilla at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanFergus Dennehy and Darren Truslove at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanSamuel, Ivan, Olga and Gregor Pituch at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRobin Clarke, Oscar Brophy, Sean Powers, Oscar Cusack, Aaron Hutchinson at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot CreanBetty Bower, Phil Barrett, Angela Walsh and Marian McCormack at the Troubadour Club, part of the Celebration of Christie Hennessy and Songwriting Weekend, in the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
It completes the trio of plaques erected around town to mark where Christie was born, lived and worked.The ‘born’ plaque (left) is in a laneway in St John’s Park and was officially unveiled back in November 2017.
The ‘lived’ plaque (right) is located at the entrance to Casement’s Avenue and recognises that he lived at No.36 there from 1947 to 1960 when he emigrated to London.
THE weekend is here and for music fans its a good one.
THE children of Tralee’s most famous singer/songwriter have announced a concert in the INEC to celebrate the life and career of their father.
