Culture Night 2012 – Youghal local radio station CRY 104FM hosted an open mike night with Tony Sheehan, Tim Smyth, John Kennedy and Jim Coleman broadcasting live from John Kennedys ‘The Gossip Shop’ at 135 North Main Street, Youghal. Noel Cronin and Paddy Lane were the technical assistance for the live event. Audio courtesy CRY 104fm

Click on the play button below to listen back to the live broadcast on Friday 21st September 2012. ( Length 2 hours approx)

Youghal Culture Night 2012 CRY 104FM broadcasting from John Kennedys 'The Gossip Shop' at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

Youghal Culture Night 2012 CRY 104FM broadcasting from John Kennedys ‘The Gossip Shop’ at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

Youghal Culture Night 2012 CRY 104FM broadcasting from John Kennedys 'The Gossip Shop' at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

Youghal Culture Night 2012 CRY 104FM broadcasting from John Kennedys ‘The Gossip Shop’ at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

CRY 104FM hosted an open mike night with Tony Sheehan, Tim Smyth, John Kennedy and Jim Coleman broadcasting live from John Kennedys 'The Gossip Shop' at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

CRY 104FM hosted an open mike night with Tony Sheehan, Tim Smyth, John Kennedy and Jim Coleman broadcasting live from John Kennedys ‘The Gossip Shop’ at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

Youghal Culture Night 2012 CRY 104FM broadcasting from John Kennedys 'The Gossip Shop' at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

Youghal Culture Night 2012 CRY 104FM broadcasting from John Kennedys ‘The Gossip Shop’ at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

CRY 104FM hosted an open mike night with Tony Sheehan, Tim Smyth, John Kennedy and Jim Coleman broadcasting live from John Kennedys 'The Gossip Shop' at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

CRY 104FM hosted an open mike night with Tony Sheehan, Tim Smyth, John Kennedy and Jim Coleman broadcasting live from John Kennedys ‘The Gossip Shop’ at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

Youghal Culture Night 2012 CRY 104FM broadcasting from John Kennedys 'The Gossip Shop' at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

Youghal Culture Night 2012 CRY 104FM broadcasting from John Kennedys ‘The Gossip Shop’ at 135 North Main Street, Youghal.

CRY’s Primary School challenge “Bun Scoil Cur i gCoinne” reached its dramatic conclusion on Wednesday the 3rd of October at 6.30 pm when the final was aired which saw Kyle National School and Scoil Mhuire from Tallow engage in a battle Royale in their bid to be crowned CRY primary school champions 2012.

Tallow National School who proudly held aloft the CRY Primary School challenge 2012

Tallow National School winners of the CRY Primary School challenge 2012

The two teams led brilliantly by Captain’s Donna Coleman and Carl Tobin could not be separated after six rounds of questions and the tension in the GAA club was mounting as the two Captains went head to head in a 3 question Tie Breaker Round. Again in the tie Breaker Round it went right down to the wire with each Captain answering a question each and after successfully making it through the first round ,the quarter finals and the semi finals it all came down to one final Question, Neither team deserved to lose and it was a cruel way to exit the competition but it was Tallow’s Captain Carl Tobin who buzzed in first and answered correctly to wrap up the victory for Scoil Mhuire Tallow . And it was Tallow National School who proudly held aloft the CRY Primary School challenge 2012 and who brought the trophy home to Tallow while Kyle NS will live to fight another day .

Tallow National School who proudly held aloft the CRY Primary School challenge 2012

Tallow National School winners of the CRY Primary School challenge 2012. Picture of Tallow National School winners included are Neil Moore Principal Scoil Mhuire Tallow, CRY 104fm presenters Orla Riordan and Marita Kelly and Darragh Parker Community Development Officer.Tallow Team Captain Carl Tobin. Gemma Clynch, Ian Beecher and Cian Ryan.

Kyle NS Runners- Up

Kyle NS Runners- Up

Kyle NS Runners- Up

Kyle NS Runners- Up. Pictured are Principal Joanna Kelly, CRY 104fm presenters Orla Riordan Marita Kelly, Darragh Parker, and the team members Captain Donna Coleman, Sinead O Shea, Jamie Watson and James O Shea. 

Kyle NS Runners- Up

Kyle NS Runners- Up

CRY’s Primary School challenge “Bun Scoil Cur i gCoinne” reaches its conclusion this week on Community Radio Youghal with the two semi finals and final of the competition due to be aired from Monday the 1st of October to Wednesday the 3rd of October. Of the 16 schools who entered the competition only four now remain and to find out whether it’s going to be Scoil Mhuire from Tallow, Bun Scoil from Youghal, Kyle NS or Scoil Iosaf Castlemartyr who will be crowned CRY Primary school champions 2012 tune in from Monday at 6.30 on your local station.

Mon 1st Oct 6.30pm. SF Episode 13 Scoil Mhuire Tallow V’s Bun Scoil Mhuire Youghal
Tues 2nd Oct 6.30pm SF Episode 14 Kyle NS V’s Scoil Iosaf Castlemartyr.
Wed 3rd Oct 6.30pm The Final

More info:
Darragh Parker
Community Development Officer
Community Radio Youghal.
4 Catherine Street.
Youghal
Co Cork

Tel 353 24 92288/91199.
www.youghalradio.com

On Friday the 25th of May at 10am, Community Radio Youghal embarked on their second annual Radio Marathon, as they attempt to broadcast 50 hours of continuous live Radio. The Radiothon – as it is called – kicked off on Friday morning from North Main Street Youghal. The CRY team will broadcast from North Main Street and The CRY studios in Catherine Street for the duration of the 50 hours, finishing up on Sunday 27th at 12 midday.

Darragh Parker, Community Development Office with CRY104fm, Stuart Pearson, SVP collector; John Power, PRO, SVP Youghal; Seamus O'Ceallachain, Principal Pobailscoil Na Trionoide, Youghal; Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Eoin Coyne and Sean Power, SVP collector. Seated: Pobalscoil na Trionoide Transition Year students who kicked off the continuous live broadcast from North Main Street, Youghal - Hermina Hakobyan, Jack Mulcahy, Bethany Scott, Brendan Delaney and Megan Cliffe at the start of the CRY 104fm 50 hour Radio Marathon. Photo: Youghalonline

Darragh Parker, Community Development Office with CRY104fm, Stuart Pearson, SVP collector; John Power, PRO, SVP Youghal; Seamus O'Ceallachain, Principal Pobailscoil Na Trionoide, Youghal; Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Eoin Coyne and Sean Power, SVP collector. Seated: Pobalscoil na Trionoide Transition Year students who kicked off the continuous live broadcast from North Main Street, Youghal - Hermina Hakobyan, Jack Mulcahy, Bethany Scott, Brendan Delaney and Megan Cliffe at the start of the CRY 104fm 50 hour Radio Marathon. Photo: Youghalonline

The event is a joint fundraiser in aid of St Vincent de Paul and CRY104fm and all proceeds will be split evenly between the two organisations.

John Power, PRO with the local Youghal branch of the SVP said this will be a major boost in the ongoing  operation of the society. The demand has never been so high at this time and thanks to CRY 104fm for their great help.

Pobalscoil na Trionoide Transition Year students who kicked off the continuous live broadcast from North Main Street, Youghal - Hermina Hakobyan, Jack Mulcahy, Bethany Scott, Brendan Delaney and Megan Cliffe at the start of the CRY 104fm 50 hour Radio Marathon. Photo: Youghalonline

Pobalscoil na Trionoide Transition Year students who kicked off the continuous live broadcast from North Main Street, Youghal - Hermina Hakobyan, Jack Mulcahy, Bethany Scott, Brendan Delaney and Megan Cliffe at the start of the CRY 104fm 50 hour Radio Marathon. Photo: Youghalonline

Saint Vincent De Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the largest, voluntary, charitable organisation in Ireland. Its membership of 9,500 volunteers throughout the country are supported by professional staff, working for social justice and the creation of a more just, caring nation. This unique network of social concern also gives practical support to those experiencing poverty and social exclusion, by providing a wide range of services to people in need.

In the Cork Region SVP is the biggest charitable organisation, helping those in need in Cork and has been present in the region since 1846. Throughout the City and County 94 local Conference units and over 800 members, composed of volunteers based in local parishes, work on various projects including–

  •         home visitation, providing financial and practical help,
  •         assisting with educational support, helping students,
  •         caring for the homeless in Cork, through two hostels.
  •         hospital and prison visitation.

Wherever there is need, the Society attempts to help. Through the generosity of the public, the SVP raises funding for this work by Church Gate collections, through flag days, from bequests received in Wills and other generous donations. In the past year alone, around €4million has been spent on assistance to those in need in Cork. This has been used to help to provide food, fuel and direct financial support as well as giving help in other ways.

Community Radio Youghal, meanwhile are planning to relocate from their premises in Cumann na Daoine to Nagle House. The new studio complex  will provide a better service to the community. It will include better training facilities for Volunteers and Community groups, including more access to Studio Recording equipment and technical training for volunteers and those students who wish to gain experience in broadcasting and the media.

There will be on street collections during Friday and Saturday and Collection boxes will also be placed in shops throughout Youghal town beforehand. So, if you want to play a request for yourself or your friends and family throw a Euro or more in the box and fill out the request form. All proceeds will go to these two worthy causes.

And don’t forget, all your favourite CRY presenters will be keeping you entertained throughout Friday and Saturday night the 25th and 26th of May with 50 hours of non-stop broadcasting.

 

 

The Benchwarmers Sports show are doing a live broadcast from Youghal Rugby Club on Fri April 27th 2012 as part of a fundraising evening for the club.

Following on from the success of their Christmas special in the Nook Bar , CRY’104fm ‘s popular sports show the Benchwarmers will be taking their roadshow to Youghal’s Rugby club on  Friday the 27th of April from 8-10pm.

The 'Benchwarmers' Sports show live broadcast from Youghal Rugby Club on Youghal local radio 104fm

The 'Benchwarmers' Sports show live broadcast from Youghal Rugby Club on Youghal local radio CRY 104fm

Aaron Kenny and Neville O’Donoghue (Nev’s last show as he is going working abroad) will be joined by a host of special guests  which will include, Munster Rugby Players, Youghal Rugby Club Committee members and Players from the  Club and it will also include a few surprise guest’s, with a live audience on the night.

Afterwards the club will be hosting a Charity horse racing from 10 – 11pm in aid of the Juvenile youth section within in the club, with finger food on the night also

So come along it promises to be a great night with some great guest’s and entertainment on the night and of course  all the action will be broadcast live on your favourite local station CRY104fm.

The Great CRY Giveaway in association with Youghal’s Business Community runs from March the 12th until Good Friday April the 6th.

For your chance to be a weekly winner just become a CRY member at the reduced rate of 10 euro and then listen in Daily after the news at one and the news at five.

Collect the names of all 5 businesses to enter the weekly draw ,

Theres a fantastic prize on offer for the weekly winners

And then the four weekly winners will battle it out for a chance to walk away with over 20 great prizes worth in excess of 1000 Euro, One lucky person will walk away with the lot .

For more information and terms and conditions give Community Radio Youghal a   call on 024 91199 or 92288, log onto youghalradio.com or follow us on Facebook.

The Prize List:

I -pod family game courtesy of Cal Flavins Expert and Topline Store.

A Handcrafted Lamp  supplied by Jack O Patsy Pottery. Barometer and Clock Set from Muckleys Jewellers. A Footstool  supplied  by Ned O Connells Furnishings. Lunch For 2 in the  Lighthouse Brassiere.Fuel Voucher courtesy O Neills Oil Coal and Gas,3 Way Mirror  courtesy of Maxgrove Furniture Centre, A Changing Bag from 4 Kidz. A Framed Picture  supplied by McGoldricks Art Gallery  3 Piece Plant Table Set from Lucey Furnishings. Oregan Scientific Radio Controlled Projection Clock from Irwins Electrical. A Handmade Lamp  courtesy of Scotts. Hall Table courtesy of Keen Price Furniture. An original Painting from Gallery 123,Hamper from Brookes Super Valu.

Kettle and Toaster  supplied by Denis Broderick and Sons.Rug from Lucey Flooring and Carpets.6 piece Grooming set courtesy of Jimmy Flanagan Windows and Doors . A Manchester Utd Jersey from Sport and Leisure . Fleece Throw  courtesy of Wm Nevilles.  A 50 Euro pampering Voucher from Harmony- A Touch of Spa. A Hand crafted Table lamp from The Gift Gallery. An Original Painting by Freda Art Gallery Jewellery from Timeless Jewellers.

Terms and Conditions, Competition open to CRY104fm members , Membership forms available in the offices of Community Radio Youghal  4 Catherine Street or in Youghal Credit Union.

“The River Blackwater- Life and Lodgings” is a brand new 5 part Documentary which will be aired on Community Radio Youghal starting this Sunday the 24th of July 2011 at 1pm and will run until Sunday the 21st of August.

Youghal radio CRY 104fm launch the new 5 part radio series called “The River Blackwater- Life and Lodgings” at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Thursday 21st July 2011. The new documentary is funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound and Vision scheme and will air beginning on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 1pm. Pictured at the launch are Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne with Declan Gibbons, CRY 104fm station manager and Tommy Collins, Chairman CRY 104fm with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland contract. In the background are Tony Gallagher, Captain of the boat 'Maeve', Darragh Parker, Angela Kearns, Linda O'Regan, Author and historian Kieran Hefferan and Barty Murphy

Youghal radio CRY 104fm launch the new 5 part radio series called “The River Blackwater- Life and Lodgings” at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Thursday 21st July 2011. The new documentary is funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound and Vision scheme and will air beginning on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 1pm. Pictured at the launch are Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne with Declan Gibbons, CRY 104fm station manager and Tommy Collins, Chairman CRY 104fm with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland contract. In the background are Tony Gallagher, Captain of the boat 'Maeve', Darragh Parker, Angela Kearns, Linda O'Regan, Author and historian Kieran Hefferan and Barty Murphy. Pic: YOL

The 5 part series follows the three man crew of Tony Gallagher, Kieran Heffernan and Frank Mills on board the boat  “Maeve” as they leave Youghal Harbour and make their way towards  Cappoquin in Co Waterford stopping off on the way to visit the Historical Houses and famous landmarks that inhabit the  banks of this beautiful unspoilt River which is known as the Irish Rhine. The three man crew also stop on the way to talk to some of the families that have fished this great river and call the banks of the River home. The Documentary is funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) under the Sound and Vision scheme.

Youghal radio CRY 104fm launch the new 5 part radio series called “The River Blackwater- Life and Lodgings” at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Thursday 21st July 2011. The new documentary is funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound and Vision scheme and will air beginning on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 1pm. Pictured at the launch are Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne with Tony Gallagher, Captain of the boat 'Maeve', Author and historian Kieran Hefferan, Tommy Collins, Chairman CRY 104fm and Declan Gibbons, CRY 104fm station manager.

Youghal radio CRY 104fm launch the new 5 part radio series called “The River Blackwater- Life and Lodgings” at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Thursday 21st July 2011. The new documentary is funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound and Vision scheme and will air beginning on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 1pm. Pictured at the launch are Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne with Tony Gallagher, Captain of the boat 'Maeve', Author and historian Kieran Hefferan, Tommy Collins, Chairman CRY 104fm and Declan Gibbons, CRY 104fm station manager. Pic: YOL

Youghal radio CRY 104fm launch the new 5 part radio series called “The River Blackwater- Life and Lodgings” at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Thursday 21st July 2011. The new documentary is funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound and Vision scheme and will air beginning on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 1pm. Pictured at the launch are Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne presented with an audio cd of the show from Tony Gallagher, Captain of the boat 'Maeve'and Author and historian Kieran Hefferan, also included in the background are with Darragh Parker, Angela Kearns, Tommy Collins, Chairman CRY 104fm, Linda O'Regan, Barty Murphy and Declan Gibbons, CRY 104fm station manager.

Youghal radio CRY 104fm launch the new 5 part radio series called “The River Blackwater- Life and Lodgings” at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, on Thursday 21st July 2011. The new documentary is funded by The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under the Sound and Vision scheme and will air beginning on Sunday 24th July 2011 at 1pm. Pictured at the launch are Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne presented with an audio cd of the show from Tony Gallagher, Captain of the boat 'Maeve'and Author and historian Kieran Hefferan, also included in the background are with Darragh Parker, Angela Kearns, Tommy Collins, Chairman CRY 104fm, Linda O'Regan, Barty Murphy and Declan Gibbons, CRY 104fm station manager. Pic: YOL

 

Community Radio Youghal held its 2011 AGM at a well-attended main hall in Cumann na Daoine, Catherine Street on Monday 13th June. At last year’s AGM of Youghal Communications Ltd (the company that runs Community Radio Youghal), new Articles of Association were adopted, paving the way to open up membership of the station.

C.R.Y Chairman, Tommy Collins welcomed all present to the meeting and proceeded to get through the agenda. The AGM heard of much progress made during the year. There are over 100 members of Community Radio Youghal to date, and this figure is expected to continue to rise. Volunteer activity at the station is also on the increase, with some 130 volunteers active with the station at the moment.

The meeting was told how, in common with all other businesses in the area, the radio was finding the current business climate very challenging, but the station is keen to play its part in supporting local initiatives and events. Reference was made to the two top national awards won by the station since the last AGM – for the ‘Last of the Yarns’ series and the ‘Perspectives’ programme. Two more major series, supported by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland  will be made in the Autumn; one about life on and around the Blackwater and the other focussing on Youghal’s Heritage Trail.

Plans are at an advanced stage for a move to premises at Nagle House, where – subject to available funding – new studio facilities will be built. These will allow the station to better accommodate and facilitate its increasing number of volunteers and to provide a much improved service to the listener.

The meeting was taken aback when, towards the end of the AGM, Tommy Collins announced that he was stepping down as Chairman and from the Board. After several member present expressed their surprise and disappointment at this announcement, Tommy agreed to remain on the Board for the time being. However, he re-iterated his intention to step down from the chair at the next meeting of the Board.

A members’ draw was then held.

The Chairman then closed the meeting and invited all present to partake of some light refreshments.

 

C.R.Y Chairman, Tommy Collins, directors Jim Coleman, John Kennedy, Noel Cronin and Declan Gibbons, station manager

C.R.Y Chairman, Tommy Collins, directors Jim Coleman, John Kennedy, Noel Cronin and Declan Gibbons, station manager

CRY 104fm DJ Claire Regan and Siobhan Fogherty on the news desk

CRY 104fm DJ Claire Regan and Siobhan Fogherty on the news desk

Theresa and Maura Joyce, Margaret Carey and Barty Murphy

Theresa and Maura Joyce, Margaret Carey and Barty Murphy

Cllr. Eoin Coyne, John Kennedy, Frankie Keane, Jim Coleman and Tim Smith

Cllr. Eoin Coyne, John Kennedy, Frankie Keane, Jim Coleman and Tim Smith

Youghal Youthreach, VTOS,  BTEI students and teachers take part in “Today FM’s Shaved or Dye”. The charity Shaved or Dye event was held on Friday (11th March 2011) at the East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre, Youghal. The participants made the collection through sponsorship cards and the Facebook network. “Today FM’s Shaved or Dye” 2011 has raised over €541,000 for the Irish Cancer Society! - Report / Pictures www.youghalonline.com

Students and teachers from Youghal Youthreach give the heads up for the Today Fm Shave or Dye charity

Students and teachers from give the heads up for the Today FM Shave or Dye charity

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has already contributed and good luck to anyone who is going to Shave Or Dye in the coming weeks – if you haven’t already signed up, read below to see how you can take part.

In February 2010, Today FM launched Shave or Dye – our first ever station charity drive in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.  The campaign saw our presenters shaving and dyeing their hair and in turn asking listeners to do the same. The response was phenomenal, as people across the length and breadth of the country raised more than €800,000 for the Irish Cancer Society and we’re doing it all again!

 

Students and teachers from Youghal Youthreach and beauticans from the ITEC Beauty Course who took part in the "Today FM's Shaved or Dye'' event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. The charity fundraiser event was held at the East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre, Youghal, Co. Cork.

Students and teachers from Youghal Youthreach and beauticans from the ITEC Beauty Course who took part in the "Today FM's Shaved or Dye'' event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. The charity fundraiser event was held at the East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre, Youghal, Co. Cork.

Get Involved

There are several ways you can help raise money for Shave Or Dye.to benefit the Irish Cancer Society.

Get a Sponsorship Pack -  get your fundraising pack jammed with fundraising resources, a sponsorship card, Shave or Dye t-shirt and poster.  Just click here to register your participation or call the Shave or Dye hotline at CallSave 1850 350 360.

Other Ways to Help

If you plan to hold an EVENT, either in your workplace, a club, pub or other venue where lots of people can Shave Or Dye, call our Shave Or Dye Hotline on CallSave 1850 350 360 and we’ll do all we can to help.

The latest data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland indicates that there were 29,775 new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2009 and new cancer cases are expected to reach over 40,000 by the year 2020. That’s why we need your help (and head) more than ever.

If you are concerned about or affected by cancer, please call the National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700 for advice, support and information.  Staffed by specialist cancer care nurses and open Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm and Fridays 9am – 5pm.

Students and teachers from Youghal Youthreach and beauticans from the ITEC Beauty Course who took part in the "Today FM's Shaved or Dye'' event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. The charity fundraiser event was held at the East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre, Youghal, Co. Cork.

Students and teachers from Youghal Youthreach and beauticans from the ITEC Beauty Course who took part in the "Today FM's Shaved or Dye'' event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. The charity fundraiser event was held at the East Cork Further Education and Youthreach Centre, Youghal, Co. Cork.

Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Singer/Songwriter Stephen Leeson, former lead singer with The Dublin City Ramblers is guest artist on the popular Shane Supple’s “Yawl ready for this” on Youghal local radio CRY this Friday (18th March 2011) at 12 noon. Shane will be talking about himself, his new album and the launch of his solo career which takes place in The Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh Co. Cork on Friday March 25th.
By Carol Noelle Rice.

Singer/Songwriter Stephen Leeson

Singer/Songwriter Stephen Leeson

Stephen Leeson former lead singer with the well renowned Irish folk group “The Dublin City Ramblers” will officially launch his solo career in The Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh Co. Cork on Friday March 25th.  Stephen will use the fabulous Dublin based group “Whiskey Still” as his backing band on the night to electrify the stage with a repertoire of folk, trad and a bit of bluegrass.

Support on the night will also be provided by Cork based contemporary singer, Darren Andrews who may be new to the Cork scene but is going down a storm in the last few months he has been performing here.  Tickets for the event are priced at €12 but with a superb line up, it guarantees to be a great night of Irish music and talent.

Stephen Leeson is a really talented singer/songwriter who was a former member of Dublin Folk Band “The Dublin City Ramblers”, whom have a lot of famous tunes to their credit, which includes the classic hit, “The Rare Auld Times”.  Joining the Dublin City Ramblers as their lead singer at the tender age of 21 years, Stephen played with the band for a number of years.

An enchanting young man who sings with great passion, heart and soul, Stephen Leeson, is best known for his unique voice, his impeccable stage presence and his versatility as a musician, with the capabilities of playing:  The Guitar, Five String Banjo, Bodhran, The Harmonica, Bones and Spoons.  Currently working on his second album, this Irish Folk Singer is back on the road once again, as, he returns home to the Emerald Isle to officially launch his solo career in The Sirius Arts Centre on the 25th, March 2011.  Stephen Leeson is currently gearing up for his Irish gigs which commenced in mid January and will see him travel to many parts of Ireland throughout the year and looks forward to releasing his second album in the forthcoming months.

Stephen Leeson was born and raised in Tallaght which is situated on the southside of Dublin.  With one older sister and a younger brother, Stephen was an active young child who was involved in various sports ranging from:  football, hurling, soccer, basketball, Thai boxing, Tae Quando, surfing amongst others.  However, with a family that is stepped in Traditional Irish music, it wouldn’t take long before the sounds of various musical instruments would encapsulate his heart.

“Since I found out that I could sing….all I ever wanted was to sing and play music and that is all I’ll ever what to do….that is, play music and entertain people”.

Stephen learnt the craft of his trade at a very young age, as his father is part of the long established Dublin Folk Band “Whiskey Still”.  Stating that his father and Paddy Sweeney of the band Barleycorn, are his biggest influences, Stephen has had the privilege of performing with many great artists himself in his young life so far.  He took on the role of lead front man and singer with Irish Bands “Dublin Legacy” and “Porter Black”, as well as, playing alongside the talents of:  Finbar Furey, Sean Og McKenna, Barney McKenny (Dubliners), Philip McCaffrey, Brian McCormac (Barleycorn), Paddy Sweeney (Barleycorn), Donal White, George Murphy (You’re a Star), Mike Hanrahan (Stockton’s Wing) and Maurice Lennon (Stocktons Wing), amongst other talented Irish musicians whilst sharing the stage with Tommy Flemming.

Stephen has performed in various venues both at home and abroad and spent three years playing numerous festivals throughout Ireland, other European countries, as well as, America and parts of Asia with the Dublin City Ramblers.

During Stephen’s time with the Ramblers, this well renowned Irish folk band were presented with a gold album from “Dolphin Records”, for sales of their CD’s and continued to play in many venues throughout the world, with Stephen loving every minute of it.  Stephen learnt quite a bit when he was touring with “The Dublin City Ramblers” and it clearly shows in his professionalism, mannerism and his on stage presence.  The way he can captivate his audience and carries them away with his angelic voice that is deepened with emotion throughout each and every song he performs.  With an ability to work the stage and engage with his fans, his performance leaves an impressionable impact that is not only memorable but special for everyone that has had the opportunity to experience his live shows, leaving him in huge demand both at home and abroad.

Looking forward to officially launching his solo career in The Sirius Arts Centre Cobh on March 25th, Stephen Leeson will have the fabulous Dublin Group “Whiskey Still” as his backing band on the night and you will hear him perform numerous well loved Irish Ballads ranging from “The Ferryman, Carrickfergus, The Contender, Freemantle Bay, Hard Times, 19 Arches, Galway Girl”, the list is endless.  Stephen also plans on incorporating some of his own new material from his forthcoming album on which he is currently putting the final touches too.

One of Stephen’s main ambitions is to keep recording both his own tunes, as well as, a few cover versions of classic Irish traditional songs and to keep entertaining with live shows as much as possible. An incredible young man with an extraordinary voice, with big achievable goals within reach, Stephen Leeson no doubt has a long and prosperous career ahead of him.

For more information on Stephen Leeson:

Please contact Carol Rice @ (+353) 089 4384175

c.ricemanagement@gmail.com

www.stephenleeson.com

www.shanesupple.com