The Home Of Country and Irish Music

Down Under Music Lends a Hand on Irish Visit

Four Australian Entertainers will visit here in October and present benefit concerts at Belmullet, Ballinrobe, Limerick and Crossmolina.

Former Mayo resident, Joe McManamon lives in New South Wales and will be making his 18th return visit to family and friends. He will have 3 friends with him for the 3 week visit.

Joe has presented for benefit shows over the past 30 years across Australia and raised $1.4M dollars in the process. Five of these events have been at Sydney’s Opera House and at all Australian Capital Cities.

“Growing up in Castleconnor close to Ballina my family was regularly involved with the production of plays especially for the many drama festivals in the West of Ireland.

“In Australia I turned my attention to country music and commenced to present shows usually with 20 artists involved. Each of these events was in favour of registered charities. One of the most successful was one in support of a child whose patents were from Ireland and the show raised $30,000 for her Trust Fund.

“This year three friends asked if they could visit Ireland at the same time in October and the idea was born to present a few charity shows while we are here. Belmullet’s Wheelchair Association will benefit from the first one on Friday evening 2nd October. This will be followed by one at on Ballinrobe supporting The Western Alzheimer’s Foundation on Friday 9th October. We will travel to Limerick to present a show for local junior sports on Saturday 10th Oct and conclude the engagements at Crossmolina, for the local Parish Council on 16rth Oct. “ Joe McManamon said.

Australian artists appearing will be;
Vocalist John Brand who has performed extensively across the Australian Continent. He will sing a variety of Popular Hits, Irish Selections and Hits from Australia.
Keyboard Maestro TC Brown who plays solo and also as a backing musician. He has produced a new CD especially for the Irish Visit. TC has also performed at Sydney’s Opera House.
Historian Andrew Taylor A school teacher with an unusual interest, that of compiling lists of similarities between names Australian and names of a likeness in Irelands. Andrew is also a devoted Irish Music Patron with the music of hundreds of Irish vocalists in his collection.

Joe McManamon is producer and compere to the stars of his shows. From 5 major shows at Sydney’s Opera House to over 400 others in every capital and regional city in Australia he presents shows on request where assistance is required. He has over 200 entertainers who make time available each year on a pro bono basis. Joe went to school at Belmullet, Ballymonean and Ballina. His working life in Australia has been in professional marketing and radio production.

Joe features each week on www.irishcountrymusicradio.com and is Managing Editor for www.australiancommunitynews.com He can be contacted on eire3@bigpond.com and 02-67852620