Four Australian entertainers will visit Parteen in October as part of a series of concerts in Ireland. Former Mayo resident Joe McManamon lives in New South Wales and will be making his 18th return visit to family and friends, performing in Flashes Bar in Parteen on October 10. He will have three friends with him for the three-week visit, which will also see them perform in Belmullet, Ballinrobe and Crossmolina.

Joe has presented 444 benefit shows over the past 30 years across Australia and raised AU$1.4 milion dollars in the process. Five of these events have been at Sydney’s Opera.
“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 started the shows. Each of these events was in favour of registered charities.
“This year, three friends asked if they could visit Ireland at the same time and the idea was born to present a few charity shows while we are here. Belmullet Wheelchair Association will benefit from the first one on Friday, October 2. This will be followed by one at on Ballinrobe supporting The Western Alzheimer’s Foundation on Friday,  October 9. We will travel to Parteen to present a show for local junior sports on Saturday, October 10 and conclude the engagements at Crossmolina, for the local parish council on October 16,” Joe said.
Joe went to school at Belmullet, Ballymonean and  St Muredach’s at 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.
The other Australian artists appearing will be vocalist John Brand, who has performed  extensively. Keyboard player TC Brown plays solo and also as a backing musician. Also appearing will be historian Andrew Taylor.