NTB news: update

On the Niall Toner Band Facebook, Niall reports that the NTB (above) had a great time last Wednesday (22 June) playing at the IMRO headquarters in Dublin for the staff barbecue, with Keith Donald as special guest. 'Everyone had a ball, the food was just supreme, and the football afterwards wasn't bad either...'

And on Friday night, Niall had a further ball in the Alba Restaurant, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, playing solo at the launch of the Strawberry Music & Food Fest from 6.00 p.m. He writes:

Thanks to Richie and his helpers and committee, they are doing a fine job, and not forgetting Brian Cantwell and the Carlsberg gang for their sponsorship! Great audience, great food, and wonderful hospitality. I was also joined by Luke Coffey, the 5-string banjo player with the New Breadwinners bluegrass band, who played on my songs with great musicality and subtlety. We also managed to play 'Clinch Mountain backstep' and 'Little Maggie', in honour of the late great Ralph Stanley. Sincere thanks to Angelo for the amazing food, and I will be back!

Tonight, join me for 'Roots Freeway' on RTÉ Radio 1 at 11.00 p.m., and see you soon at Kilkieran Cottage for my next outing with the Niall Toner Band.

Update: The BIB has just received these further details from Niall:

The Niall Toner Band are playing at Kilkieran Cottage Restaurant [on the Kilkenny-Tipperary border, a few miles north of Carrick-on-Suir] on Friday 22 July, but tickets must be booked in advance. Folks can do just that by calling Ade or Frank Walsh at 087-1556121 and/or checking the restaurant website. This is a most unique venue, in a converted barn out behind the main house. There's comfortable seating for about 120, and a great stage with superb sound. Highly recommended for music fans, and there's also the opportunity to sample Ade's wonderful menu!