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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.
