Tom Horan

Our Christmas Show 2023 - a Legends of Country music concert on Thurs 7th Dec, as part of the mid- monthly “Attic “ gigs at the Glenside in Churchtown D14.
We’re planning a “Nashville” style Christmas show, with songs from the legends of Country Music and seasonal favourites country style .
We’re delighted to be sharing the bill with the Liz Barker Band , onstage at 8.45 with ourselves at 9.30.
Come early for a seat !

Thanks again Peter Grogan for a very enjoyable interview to be aired on Dublin City Radio 103.2 fm this coming Sun 26th Nov at 12 noon on his program “ It’s All in the Song” - it is also streamed on the station website and on TuneIn Radio app.
Always a pleasure and great craic to chat to Peter.
It’s all to promote our Legends of Country Christmas Show in the Glenside Pub, Churchtown D14 on Thurs 7th Dec. 8.45. A concert for a listening audience. Free admission but come early for a seat ! Should be a great night ! 🎄

Just had the best gigs in over 10 years on last Sat and Sun at the Glenside Country Music Festival- a huge success with a full house outdoors (!) , great guests, including Pat MacSweeny, Bobby Roche, Liz Barker, Anne Kane, Paul Hickey and Alan Begley.
We had bbq food dancing and linedancing, especially on the Sunday.
Thanks to the great band I have playing ” The Legends of Country Music” - Joe Ryan on steel guitar, Gavin Walsh on lead guitar, Pat McCullagh on bass with Eoin Walsh on cajon.
Thanks to everyone who came and supported us and the event and all the good wishes before and after. Also the manager and staff at the Glenside who really got into the spirit of things .
I’ll be doing an edited highlights video in due course but in the meantime here are some pics to get the ball rolling.
And did we have a blast - hell yeah !

Jan - Feb 2023

An exciting new venture for 2023 !

“Legends of Country Music “ – sung and played by Tom Horan on Vocals /Guitar & Joe Ryan on (Pedal) Steel Guitar, with Gavin Walsh on lead guitar and special guest Lynda Lucas performing songs from the Ladies of Country.

Thurs 16th Feb Glenside Pub, Churchtown , Dublin 14 at 8.45 pm. Free Admission . The “Attic Sessions” upstairs lounge. A concert for a listening audience, not another noisy pub gig !

I’m delighted the other act before us is none other than Bluegrass and Country Singer songwriter Niall Toner ( RTE Roots Freeway presenter ) and Andrea Booth, award winning singer songwriter on ukelele.

We have a long history with Niall – Joe played in his band and Niall was the first to play my recordings on the radio back in the ‘80’s !

Our special guest Lynda Lucas is the finest female country voice in our music scene in South Dublin.

It should be a great night and look forward to see plenty of friends and supporters – come early to get a seat !

JAN 2023
News

ATTIC SESSIONS - Glenside Pub, Churchtown, Dublin 14. Set up in autumn 2022 and became an instant success .
Upcoming gig - Thurs Feb 16th - "Legends of Country Music" - performed by Tom Horan & Joe Ryan.
A new concept /theme for this new concert type gig aimed at a listening audience - definitely not a noisy pub gig !
A show featuring country songs from Hank Williams up to the Garth Brooks era in the '90's and 2000's.
I'm trying out this format with Joe Ryan on (Pedal ) steel guitar, my wingman since 2007 and country guitar licks from Gavin Walsh.
Special guest Lynda Lucas will also give us songs from the leading ladies of country music.
8.30pm - come early to get a seat !

Dec 2022 - A new Guitar !

At the December Guitar Circle each year there is a benefit night for the Vincent de Paul and a raffle held – the 1st prize is often a high-end guitar and guess who this year’s lucky winner is ?
It really is a beauty – A Tanglewood Sundance electro-acoustic guitar worth over €1000, donated by Jimi’s Music Store in Ballymount, Dublin, with a valuable eye-catching and sturdy fibreglass case . The mahogany top, as distinct from the usual spruce, gives it a darker, more mellow tone – all in all a great addition to the collection – as a friend says “you can never have too many guitars !”

“The Covid Years” 2020-2022
I haven’t posted here since the summer of 2020 , so here’s a quick recap of a time we would like to forget !
From Covid and other causes we lost some music stalwarts during this time. Apart from International artists such as John Prine, Micheal O’Suilleabhain, Dr John etc. , we lost local artists Lauri Grenell and Michael Gannon from the Tarred and Feathered Folkclub, singer-songwriter Martin Warren and others.
I continued to post videos on my Facebook and WhatsApp groups from 2020 into 2021 while various lockdowns curtailed gigs and sessions. Thankfully during this time some of the presenters I know on Dublin City Radio 103.2FM and South Dublin FM 93.9 gave some airplay to songs on my CD – thanks to Peter Grogan, Sean Brophy and Mike Purcell in particular for their support.
The Uncle Tom’s Cabin crew ran a WhatsApp group for music videos a few times during the lockdowns and the Guitar Circle at the Glenside pub in Churchtown ran a monthly Zoom music session till the normal gatherings resumed fully in 2022. The Glenside also ran a very successful and enjoyable fundraising music marathon for Ukraine in April 2022.
Also in the Glenside there was a launch of a new venture called the Attic Sessions, a monthly concert series for listeners, with 3 very successful and well attended concerts in October, November and December 2022. My turn to perform is coming up in Feb 2023. – more news to follow.
While folkclubs , gigs and sessions resumed – the Tarred and Feathered Folkclub in Raheny, the Glenside Guitar Circle, the Lord Edward, Bray Singers etc. unfortunately we lost other venues such as the Red Hat in Naas , Hughes Pub behind the 4 Courts and our regular venue , Bealin’s in Blessington. The music scene made a slow recovery in 2022, and Joe Ryan and I got welcome regular gigs in a nursing home and daycare centre to keep us ticking over !
Luckily, a broken wrist while linedancing in April 2022 recovered within a month with no after effects, except a delayed holiday !
Hoping to get back to some more recording in 2023 . The recording system I used to do my CD, based on a 10 track digital recorder, broke down so I used the lockdown “downtime” to upgrade to a better updated computer system for new recordings.
We managed to keep reasonably fit and healthy during the Covid time by rediscovering the joys of walking – local walks in public parks and by the Dodder, and hillwalking in Wicklow and the Nire Valley in Waterford. We also revised many of our old linedances at home and did Zumba “dancercise” nearly every week . I also managed a short round of golf once a week when allowed !
Also, before getting back to International travel in 2022 with trips to Italy and London, we tried to support Irish hotels with “staycations” in various locations from Connemara to Kinsale, Waterford and Wexford.
Finally and not before time , I exchanged my 22 year old Toyota car (!) for a plug-in hybrid - a Kia Ceed Sportswagon with a great boot for music gear !

April 10th

The “Cocoon Sessions” !

During this isolation period, in a week in which we lost John Prine I'm posting this song of his which has been good to me and a big part of my singing and playing for 35 years. I recorded it twice, in 1986 with the famous steel player Basil Hendrix in Athlone when it was played on RTE by Neil Toner, and again on my 2010 Benefit CD when Joe Ryan replicated the arrangement which I had worked out with Basil 26 years before - you can hear the results on www.soundcloud.com/tom-j-horan , with Joe Ryan on steel, harmonies by my sister , Rosena, and bass by Arthur O'Donnell .

Videoed in my studio "cocoon" this week . Happy Easter to all.

Jan 28th

“Spillin’ the Behan’s” - the recent theme night at the Howth Singers Circle ⭕️ in the Abbey Tavern Thurs 9th Jan . Honoured to be asked by my old music buddy, Tony McGaley, to open the night with Dominic Behan’s song “The Sea Around Us” ( 1st Irish No. 1 folk song - the Ludlows 1966) which we both did in our folk group starting out way back then ! I think only the 2nd time I've done this song since then ! Foto of our '60's folkgroup with Tony 2nd from L and me on R (serious musician ! ) Great audience of 60-70 many of who sang Dominic and Brendan Behan songs or read poetry, anecdotes etc. Very entertaining night had by all !

11th Jan 2020

Ist Bealin's gig of 2020 in Blessington this Sat 11th Jan , with Joe Ryan on steel guitar and mandolin - Americana, country, folk, Irish and popular songs !

Some of the quotes I used on Facebook - 'Some of the most amazing gigs happen in the smallest of clubs. The size of the venue has nothing to do with the size of the talent performing there. www.musiciansunite.com

There are passionate and talented musicians located everywhere in the world!! Support the musicians and music scenes in your area!!'

“Country music... live it breathe it love it”

Oct 6th 2019

Finale at Uncle Tom’s Cabin last Thurs 3rd Oct - the pub has been sold so the future is uncertain. Another great music night with some amazing acts - it’s been the best venue for guest spots and a listening audience south of the Liffey, expertly run by Gerry Fitzpatrick and the resident band “The Cabin Crew” fronted by the unique and outstanding performer Kevin “ Spats” Davenport- thanks to them all for all the enjoyable guest spots I did since 2013, and for backing my songs again last Thurs. Onward and upward with new challenges in store !

March 11 2018
Posting from musical Melbourne- AC/DC Lane graffiti ! Also the Town Hall where the Beatles and ABBA appeared on the balcony to a rapturous reception- unfortunately they didn’t know I was coming !

July 19th 2017

Gigging again this Sat 22nd July in the Speaker Conolly Bar, Firhouse Rd., D.24. Country music, rock 'n blues and popular songs with Joe Ryan on steel guitar and Mick O'Doherty with some country "twang". Free Mand all welcome !

July 4th 2017

Gig in Bealin's last Sat got good reviews from the owner and audience ! - thanks also to Peter Grogan from Dublin City 103.2 FM who came to encourage us and he's lined up my pardner Joe Ryan to join him on his Sat noon programme in coming months to talk about the Steel Guitar Festival in the Green Isle in Oct - he's been good to me also over the past year , with a radio interview, and numerous plays on his programme. Why not move the dial at noon on Saturdays to 103.2 FM for " It's All in the Song", a great music mix and artists you can meet at sessions and gigs in Dublin and nationwide !

March 16th

For "Paddy's Week" gigs this year I played at Peter Grogan's monthly session in the Lord Edward , Christchurch Place , last Tues - another great nite there ! Tonight Thurs 16th it's the monthly Guitar Circle in the Glenside , Churchtown, with an Irish theme !

Feb 19th 2017 Great nite on Fri in St John's GAA Club, Ballinteer where we did a gig with the honkytonk band ( private event ) - you can't beat a good 'ol country hoedown with a crowd who want to dance to a honkytonk band - Joe Ryan & Mick O'Doherty enjoyed doin the gig and it was great to do some linedancing again and meet old friends - also showed that you can linedance to a live band for a change - ukelele orchestra were fantastic - all in all one of the better gigs ! All fired up for another gig in Blessington next w/e .

Jan 21st 2017 Another enjoyable gig with Joe Ryan in Bealin's of Blessington last w/e - good to see a pub packed for music in January ! Luckily the threat of snow forecast earlier in the week never materilalised and we got there and back no problem ! Another full house last Thurs at the Guitar Circle in the Glenside pub in Churchtown which is going from strength to strength, especially since it was moved into the intimate surroundings of the front lounge - a great variety of styles, even some Latin jazz ,and Reverbnation country artist Lynda Lucas in fine voice ! Great backing from Joe Ryan on steel , Gerry Fitzpatrick on dobro, Pat McSweeney on lead guitar / blues harp, Erin Achenbach on bass and Noel Ford ( especially on Latin jazz ) which benefitted the artists, including yours truly , who performed to a most appreciative crowd !

Jan 1st 2017

Great nite in Uncle Tom's Cabin , Dundrum, last Thurs 29th Dec - Christmas and New Year rolled into one ! Gave a first outing to my new 12 string guitar on "Hotel California" , Joe Ryan played a classic instrumental "Lost in the Feeling" ( Conway Twitty) and the "Cabin Crew" house band ( Richard Hawkins on banjo, Christian Volkmann on blues harp, Gerry Fitzpatrick on lead guitar / dobro, Con Butler on bass ) joined us for "Jambalaya" remembering our old friend and Hank Williams fan Larry Scott who we lost in 2016. Joe's son Neal Ryan did a great set of songs, including a father / son duet and Emma Butler's wonderful vocals got the night off to a great start . Kevin "Spats" and Aisling Davenport in usual flying form, especially for the finale, and songs form Cliff Kenny and Lynda Lucas also. Loads of friends and supporters present and sorry didn't get time to talk to them all - great to see brothers Martin & Joe after over 35 years , and 103.2 FM Dublin City Radio presenter Sean Brophy and other friends and musicians too numerous to mention. Happy New Year to all !

Dec 26th 2016

Looking forward to another "Cabin" guest spot this Thurs 29th Dec. - Joe Ryan to accompany me on steel guitar again and doing a showcase instrumental also as only he can ! We're doing gigs together for 10 years in 2017 ! Hoping to get the "Cabin Crew" band in on the Hank Williams standard "Jambalaya" to remember our friend, Hank Williams fan Larry Scott, who sadly passed away in 2016. Hoping to see many of our friends there - Happy New Year everyone !

Nov 21st 2016

Thanks to Bray Singers session for a great nite on Sat last - Really enjoyed Colm Sands - lucky to get my ArtAid Cd song in with so many talented and unique singers present - my first time at this session and will be back ! A great night !

Nov 6th 2016

Full house in the Speaker Conolly Bar last night for the great rugby win over the All Blacks , and many of them stayed for our gig afterwards - high spirits generated all round ! A lively night !

Nov 1st 2016

Next Sat 5th Nov " Gig in the Corner" in the Speaker Conolly Bar, Firhouse - Country & Americana music show with Tom Horan, vocals, on electro-acoustic guitar , Joe Ryan on Sreel guitar / mandolin and Mick O'Doherty on lead guitar. Free adm, all welcome !

Oct 12th 2016

A great night yesterday at the Lord Edward Session ( 2nd Tues of each month )for the launch of the benefit CD in the fight against HIV / Aids in Africa, especially Swaziland. A great variety of music on this CD and I'm honoured to be included ( " The Speed of the Sound of Lonliness" ( J. Prine classic song ) from my own 2010 CD) in the company of many musical friends from the various sessions around, also including the "Tarred and Feathered Folkclub" in Raheny and the "Red Hat" in Naas etc. The CD is available thro' the website ( link below ), also Peter Grogan's Program every Sat 12 noon on Dublin City Radio 103.2 FM, over the counter at the Lord Edward Pub, Christchurch Place ( ask for manager Tommy whose son Aiden is involved in the Swaziland project ), also contact any of the musicians featured on the CD ( especially organiser Jack Plunkett ) including yours truly . All 20 songs lined up for airplay on Peter's program in coming weeks ! All proceeds go directly to this most worthy cause, no expenses or admin costs. WWW.ARTAID.WORLD is an organisation that uses the arts to raise awareness and funds to combat AIDS / HIV in Africa.

Oct 9th 2016

Next Sat 15th Oct final gig of 4 this year in Bealin's of Blessington - always a nice crowd there who like a mix of Country, Folk, Irish and generally popular music. With the inimitable Joe Ryan on steel guitar and mandolin doing opur usual mix of Country, Folk, Irish and generally popular songs. The last one in July was a lively gig - this one should be also !

July 31st 2016

Very enjoyable nite at the Cabin Sessions in Uncle Tom's last Thurs - great audience as always, and thanks to Joe Ryan on steel and John Worth on bass . Did 3 songs - " Smoke Along the Track" ( Dwight Yoakam ) , "Wichita Lineman " ( Glen Campbell / Jimmy Webb ) and Gerry Fitzpatrick stepped in with a solo on the Ricky Skaggs classic "Highway 40 Blues" ! Enjoyed the other guests, Paddy Kiernan with some amazing banjo playing, Mick McNally on accordeon and singer / songwriter David Burke - The Cabin Sessions just goes from strength to strength.

July 17th 2016

"Walkin' the Dog" Thanks to Peter Grogan for playing my version of this classic Rufus Thomas song off my CD on his weekly Sat show yesterday at 12 noon - I'm accompanied here by Brendan Behan ( the "Quare Fella" ) on lead guitar and some well trained DSPCA dogs which I recorded with a portable recorder and added to the mix !

June 8th 2016

Tom Horan & Brendan Priestley - The May gig in the Speaker Conolly bar, Firhouse, with ace guitar player and singer Brendan Priestley went so well that we are doing it all again next Sat 11th June , to give another chance to those who missed it the first time ! Country, Rock , Blue and popular music show. Free admission and all welcome !

May 16th 2016

Great reaction to the radio interview with Peter Grogan midday last Sat - 25 min interview with chat and he played 5 songs from my CD, giving it another plug in the process - sold a few copies over the w/e raising more money for the 3 causes. Lively gig later on with Brendan Priestley in the Speaker Conolly, Firhouse and guests The Hennesseys were great ! Who needs Eurovision !

May 12th 2016

Also this coming Sat 14th May - interview and 5 songs from my CD on Peter Grogan's excellent and popular show on Dublin City Radio 103.2FM , 12noon -1pm . Peter does a great job going to gigs and sessions, seeking out and promoting new and established artists Support Local and Community Radio !

May 11th 2016

Speaker Conolly Bar, Firhouse Rd., D.24 Sat 14th May - Never mind the Eurovision Song Contest Final - this is the place to be ! - I'm joined by ace guitarist Brendan Priestley for a mix of Country, Rock and popular songs, and also by Mary, Sarah & Mick Hennessy - if you like the Dixie Chicks you're gonna love these guys- oh, alright then, I might do "Rock 'n Roll Kids" if I get asked !

April 25th 2016

I'm doing a spot this coming Thurs 28th April in the Glenside Pub in Churchtown , Dublin 14 as part of a monthly series of 4 musicians called "Local Heroes" - we each do our own solo spot and then play together at the end - the others this month are Brendan Priestly, Pat McSweeney, and Alan Begley. Should be interesting and fun ! 9pm, free adm.

March 29th 2016

Good lively gig with 3-piece honky tonk band in Seafield Golf Club , near Gorey, last night - the crowd all dressed in cowboy/girl gear and danced almost non - stop for nearly 2 hours ! With Joe Ryan on steel guitar and Brendan Priestly on lead guitar . Available this summer for "wakes and weddings", barndances, 4th July etc. ! Another private function next w/e closer to home in Glasvevin ! March 19th 2016

St. Paddy's Day gig at Brady's in Fortunestown with our Irish trio - enjoyed playing with the great box player Mary Jo McGowan and my mate John Worth - very impressive Irish dancing beforehand by Halpin's Dance School - well done Caroline !

Jan 20th 2016

Busy Jan / Feb ! Happy New Year to all ! This Jan and Feb set to be busier than usual - Glenside Guitar Circle on 21st Jan followed next week by a guest spot at the Cabin Sessions, Dundrum on Thurs 28th. The following Mon 1st Feb I have another 3 song guest spot at the Tarred & Feathered Folkclub in Raheny, another gig with Joe & Mick in the Speaker Weds 10th , Red Hat in Naas Fri 12th and on Sat 13th the first of 4 gigs with Joe this year in Bealins of Blessington. Not a bad start to 2016 ! Lookin' forward to seeing friends at the gigs and to other venues - must also get back to the Blue Light soon !

Dec 12th 2015

Good gig in the Speaker Conolly, Firhouse on Weds - in spite of the bad weather the bar was full and we had a great nite - Mick Lawlor and Raglan Rodeo did guest spots - thanks to all who braved the terrible weather, the gang from the "Cabin" in Dundrum, the Knocklyon Network, dancing friends, regulars and more. Tues the only quiet nite this week - out at Tarred and Feathered Folkclub on Mon., Speaker Weds, Glenside Guitar Circle Thurs and Red Hat Acoustic Club in Naas Fri - off tonite to a Christmas Carols party, a family day at my sister's tomorrow etc. etc.

Dec 3rd 2015

Return to the Speaker Conolly Bar, Firhouse, Dublin 24, next Weds 9th Dec accompanied by Joe Ryan on steel guitar / mandolin and Mick O'Doherty on lead guitar - featuring Americana / country and popular songs, including some Christmas favourites ! Special guest Mick Lawlor .Free adm and all welcome. My recording of "Double Bogey Blues" from my 2010 CD being played next Mon 7th by Noel Casey on his show "After Midnight" on Dublin City Radio 103.2 fm . I'll post up the link to the show afterwards so people can also access it on Dropbox a few days later.

Sept 5th 2015

The recent gig in the Speaker Conolly went really well and thanks to all who came - last Thurs did a guest spot at Alice Jago's musicians night at the Vintage Inn , Irishtown - lovely intimate pub - here's a pic of some happy musicians after the gig, taken by owner Kathy Gleeson who also sang a storm !

Aug 16th 2015

Returning to the Speaker Conolly Bar , Firhouse Rd, this coming Weds 19th Aug 9.30pm with an expanded lineup - Joe Ryan on steel guitar / mandolin and for the first time extra country "twang" with Mick Doherty on lead guitar . Also special guest Pat McSweeney on guitar and blues harp. It's been a while since I played there so lookin' forward to the gig !

March 12th 2015

A good launch of the Velvet Sessions in Dundrum House last night - I enjoyed my opening set with Joe Ryan on steel which got a great reception , Paul and Shane Hennessy also well received , my friends Rose, Larry , Paul and John in "No Direction" ( ! ) did very well and Taylors Lane finished the night in style with classy originals. Look forward to the next on 2nd Weds of the month.

Feb 23rd 2015

I'm back doing a 3 song guest spot at "The Cabin Sessions - Acoustic Music at its Finest" in Uncle Tom's Cabin , Dundrum this coming Thurs 26th - 9.30 pm. This time my musical buddy Joe Ryan is accompanying me on steel guitar so I'll be doing some good 'ol country songs ! Members of the "Cabin Crew" are giving me some backing also - always a great audience and a good night - come early for a seat !

Feb 12th 2015

My Tuesday spot this week on 103.2 Dublin City FM was most enjoyable - I had a great chat with presenter / musician Kieran Kelly ,and we got such a good reaction that he kept me for the full 2 hours ! He played 3 songs off my CD and I did 6 songs live. We got loads of messages during the show - texts, calls, emails etc.from Galway to Laois to Derry, and with live streaming from the station website some friends in Warwick heard it and also my brother in Sydney on his way to work ( using TuneIn Radio app on a Tablet ) - it's the new way to do a gig for those who can't make it to regular gigs ! Thanks to Kieran for his invite and to all those who tuned in and sent such complimentary messages - SUPPORT LOCAL RADIO - & LOCAL MUSICIANS !

Jan 11th 2015

Thanks to all at the Tarred & Feathered Folkclub in Raheny ( Grange -Woodbine Community Centre ) for having me as special guest to do 3 songs last Mon. I got a great welcome on my return in Dec. and hope to get along more often in 2015 - always a big and supportive crowd !

Dec 14th 2014

Thanks to all at the Tarred and Feathered Folkclub for the great welcome back I got last week - it's been a long enough road back and it was great to see everyone again. I'm being honoured with the special guest spot next month, on Mon 5th Jan, so looking forward to that ! Happy Christmas and New Year to all. Had another good one on Fri last at the Red Hat Music Club in Naas with some of the same audience there ! A nice intimate venue so well run by Paul and Anne -Marie

Nov 5th 2014

Had a great music week last week and real good to be back in action - great gig in Highfield Golf Club holiday w/e , 2 guest spots Weds / Thurs in Speaker Conolly, Firhouse and the Cabin Sessions in Dundrum and lively gig in Bealin's Bar in Blessington on Sat 1st Nov . Best music week of the year ! Nice to see everyone again after such a long break !

Oct 24th 2014

I have the busiest music week ahead since January ! - On Sun 26th Oct a private function , the Captain's dinner, Dance and Music nite at Highfield Golf Club in Kildare, On Thurs 30th a guest spot at the Cabin Sessions in Dundrum and on Sat 1st Nov a return to Bealin's Bar in Blessington , Co. Wicklow. After being out of action due to injury it's great to be in action again !

Oct 10th 2014

Enjoyable evening at the 3 Rock Sessions last nite - I got a great welcome back from the crowd and nice to see everyone again after such a long time. I did some old favourites like the San Francisco Bay Blues, Hello in There and Love Me (Iif You Get There Before I Do ) and my friends , Raglan Rodeo did a nice spot - a rousing rockabilly finale from my sometime musical pardner Dave Daly and his band !

Oct 7th 2014

I'm finally making good progress after my injuries last Feb - my right hand is fine again and I'm getting back to playing guest spots and gigs this month - I'm doing a few songs this Thurs 9th Oct at the 3 Rock sessions and I'll be doing the same at the Cabin Sessions in Uncle Tom's Cabin , Dundrum Thurs 30th - I've been getting out to these venues since late Aug and it's nice to see everyone again after nearly 8 months ! Thanks to so many friends, family, and musicians who have been wishing me well over the last while and offering to help out ! I've also resumed giving guitar lessons and have all my students back - normal services resuming ! More news to follow.

May 22nd 2014

Making slow but steady progress with my recovery - the hip healed perfectly but the leg has to be "woken up" again with physio which is ongoing. Unfortunately , for those who hadn't heard, my R hand got a bigger whack in the accident than at first thought and I'll be having surgery on it sometime next week or the one after - I'm told they can fix it . It just means I'll have to take a step back before I can go forward again. The outlook is ok but the timescale is uncertain. One consolation is that I've gone to No. 2 on the Country chart for Dublin on www.reverbnation.com/tomjhoran !

April 11th 2014

I finally got back home on Weds after nearly 8 weeks in hospital ( 3 in Tallaght and nearly 5 in Clontarf for physio and rehab ) - more months of physio and rehab ahead to get back to where I was after such a bad fall but glad to be back to my guitars and pianos and computer - and the wife of course , who was great all this time ! At least I can get back to my music which is therapy in itself.

March 16th 2014

Hi to all - The first year since 2008 that I'm not doin a Paddy's Day gig. Still in hospital recovering from my busted hip and lookin forward to gettin home in a few weeks and continuing my physio and rehab over the summer. Progress slow but steady so far and hope to get back in action in coming months.

Feb 4th 2014

Another big one at the Tarred and Feathered Folkclub 12th anniversary gig last nite - over 30 performers - another session going from strength to strength . Another great listening audience . And thanks to Ralph and Ray giving me such nice backing on the Vince Gill classic "The Hills of Caroline" !

Jan 31st 2014

Another great nite at the "Cabin Sessions" in Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum. I really enjoyed my guest spot and thanks to the "Cabin Crew" houseband who gave me such nice backing on 2 of my 3 songs. I did the "Hesitation Blues " , "Hello in There" ( John Prine ) and "Singin the Blues " - folk / country version ! Always a great and attentive audience and one can do songs here that one can't in noisy venues . A good sociable night also with breaks to chat between each of the 3 guest acts - a great idea !

Dec 9th 2013

I'm doing 2 guest spots at gigs this week - on Thurs it's the "3 Rock Sessions" at Taylors 3 Rock in Rathfarnham and on Fri it's the "Red Hat " Acoustic Club in Naas - a good listening audience at both venues and there should be a good Christmas atmosphere !

Oct 31st 2013

Good gig in Speaker last nite - virtuoso Rachel brilliant and as unpredictable as ever ! We're back on Wed 27th Nov for more Irish and Americana mix ! Nice to see my old mate Gerry Brady there in great form !

Oct 28th 2013

Back giggin' in the Speaker Conolly, Firhouse Rd. , this Weds 30th Oct 9.30 - 1130 pm doing Irish and Americana mix of songs and tunes on guitar, fiddle and 4 and 5 string with talented and versatile multi -instrumentalist Rachel Scoazec - always a good nite ! All welcome if you can make it !

Oct 12th 2013

3 very enjoyable monthly music sessions this week , "Tarred and Feathered Folkclub" in Raheny ( 1st Mon ) , 3 Rock Sessions in Rathfarnham ( 2nd Thurs) and Red Hat Acoustic Club in Naas ( 2nd Fri) 1st anniversary gig ! Full house in all !

Sept 27th 2013

Just back from a great USA trip , 5 days in Washington DC and 9 days driving thro' Virginia , West Virginia and Maryland - siightseeing included politics, historic places ( Colonial and Civil War battle sites ) ,mountain / bluegrass music and fantastic scenery in Shenandoah National park and the Blue Ridge Mts of Virginia - on the "Trail of the Lonesome Pine " ! Pic taken at Seneca Rocks in the Blue Ridge Mts.

July 28th 2013 I'm finally posting my enjoyable chat and music interview with presenter / songwriter John Byrne on Dublin South Radio 93.9 FM in June. We talk about gigs, BCS, school bands and trips, the Blue Light, The Cabin Sessions etc. I did live songs, some with John, and he played 2 tracks from my CD. Just go to www.soundcloud.com/tom-j-horan and checkout "Revolver_Interview mixdown edit mp3

June 28th 2013

I really enjoyed my guest spot at the Cabin Sessions last night. Thanks again for the great backing music from Gerry on dobro , Con on bass / harmony and the unexpected bonus of Cathy McEvoy on fiddle and Christian Volkmann on harmonica. We got a great sound for "Sutter's Mill" the Dan Fogelberg classic song about the Californian goldrush 1849, and the ever popular "Speed of the Sound of Lonliness" ( John Prine ) . Audience great as always and thanks to those who bought my cd for the 3 causes - cancer , motor neurone and hospice.

June 24th 2013

Thanks to those who tuned in to the radio spot recently on Dublin South 93.9 FM and for those who didn't get to hear it I'm told it will be available on the station website soon as a downloadable podcast and I can do CD copies for any friends I meet over the next while. I'm doing a 3 song guest spot at the Cabin Sessions in Dundrum this Thurs 27th June and I attach the poster - I should be on early ( 10.15 ) so should have time to chat to friends afterwards. It has become a very popular gig , the last Thursday of each month, so it would be nice to meet a few more friendly faces. !

June 15th 2013

On Dublin South Community Radio 93.9 FM yesterday I had a very enjoyable wide ranging chat for 45 mins with presenter / musician John Byrne - did live songs solo and together, and he played tracks from my CD. It will be available as a podcast in about a week for those who missed it and I can give cd copies to friends I meet. Don't forget you can listen to DSCR programmes live on the website -www.dublinsouthfm.ie Support local radio and local musicians !

June 11th 2013

I'm featured on Dublin South Radio 93.9 FM this coming Friday 14th June drivetime 5-6.30 pm on John Byrne's "Revolver" programme - an interview, chat. some live songs and tracks from my CD. You can listen on radio, on PC streamed from DSCR website , or smartfone app such as TuneInRadio etc. John Byrne himself is a talented up-and- coming singer / songwriter very active on the Dublin scene. Support local radio and local musicians !

April 1st 2013

Gig with Joe Ryan on steel-mandolin , next Sat April 6th in Bealin's Bar , Blessington. A nice lounge, newly refurbished , and a new venue for us ! 10-12.30 - all welcome .

March 19th 2013

The Paddy's Day 4-7 gig in KCR House went very well - great support from local audience - Rachel Scoazec played a blinder again , as usual on banjo and fiddle. Roll on our next gig this coming Weds20th March 9.30 pm in the Speaker Conolly bar , Firhouse D.24.

March 15th 2013

Happy Paddy's w/e everyone ! This is the time of the year that I like to play Irish music and I'll be gigging twice with Rachel Scoazec firstly in the KCR House pub on Paddy's Day 4-7 pm and on Weds nite in the Speaker Conolly bar , Firhouse.

Feb 28th 2013

After all the winter hibernation and cabin fever ( ! ) I have some gigs coming up again, 2 with Rachel Scoazec (Irish/Folk/Contemporary/Country/Bluegrass ), next Sat 2nd March in Byrne & Woods , Roundwood, and Weds 20th in the Speaker Conolly, Firhouse D.24, and in Mick Bealin's Bar , Blessington with Joe Ryan on steel / mandolin ( country/Irish ) Sat 6th April. More info to come !

August 12th 2012

“Tom Horan & Friends” Summer Gig at the Blue Light pub , Barnacullia, up behind Lamb Doyles . Modern Country, Folk, Blues Irish and Contemporary featuring guests Joe Ryan on steel guitar & mandolin, Dave Daly on lead guitar, Rachel Scoazec on banjo, guitar & fiddle, songwriter Neal Ryan, Rosena Horan and other guests. No c.c. and all welcome 10pm Sat 18th August. This is a nice intimate venue and more convenient for many of my friends than my current gig in Killiney so hope to see as many of my friends as can make it !

June 2nd 2012

Great night at the "Cabin Sessions" gig in Uncle Tom's Cabin, Dundrum last night and nice to meet musicians like the "Asylum Creek Boys", Kevin Davenport , the McGrane family etc. and of course Gerry Fitzpatrick who runs the gig so well . Thanks to some friends who made it along and gave me great support - Remembering Doc Watson who died this week I opened with his "Deep River Blues" , an old favourite of mine. Tomorrow night its the first gig in the Blue Light with Joe Ryan on steel guitar and mandolin.

May 28th 2012

I'm doin' an interesting 3-song guest spot this Thurs at "The Cabin Sessions" in Uncle Tom's Cabin in Dundrum. It's a really nice listeners session which has a good following and very well run. Musicians are queueing up to play there because the audience is so good and attentive for a free pub gig . Why not drop in after you have cast your referendum vote ? - It starts 9.30 and I'll be on around 10.25 so I'll have time to chat to friends afterwards !

May 13, 2012

Some gigs comin' up May / June - Sat 26th May Druid's Chair, Killiney Hill and Sat 2nd June hol w/e The Blue Light , Barnacullia ( up behind Lamb Doyles ) both with Joe Ryan on steel guitar. I'm doing a solo 3-song guest spot Thurs 31st May ( polling day ! ) at the "Cabin Sessions" a concert type, listeners folk / blues / Americana session in Uncle Tom's Cabin , Dundrum - more info on all these to follow. All free adm. and love to see whoever might make any of them !

August 20 2011

Hi everyone - finally got edited highlights of my CD launch party on YouTube linked to MySpace , ReverbNation and Facebook . It's in 3 parts because it was a bit long for upload at 20 mins total - it includes snatches of songs, guests, my guitar students , honkytonk band and some great fotos ! Hope y'all enjoyin' the summer !

July 15 - 2011

My old musician friend Eoin O’Neill in Clare getting my CD played on Clare FM over the next while so if you're around Clare, Limerick or Galway you might hear a track or 2 . Try and catch that great trad musician Eoin O'Neill at one of his Clare gigs in Ennis, Doolin, Ballyvaughan, Lahinch, Miltown Malbay etc. over the summer !

Gigs 2011 – May & June

Hi everyone Got some more upcoming gigs in The Merry Ploughboy pub, Rockbrook / Edmondstown on Sat 21st May, and Fri 3rd and 24th June. Liam, Donal , Eoin and Gareth, the Merry Ploughboys ballad group ,who run a very popular Irish cabaret upstairs are also very supportive of musicians and give them gigs in the downstairs bar at the weekends – I’ve done a couple of these with Joe Ryan on (pedal) steel guitar and have more booked for Sat 21st May, and Fri 3rd and 24th June. The Merry Ploughboy pub is also known for its pub grub and lively bar at the weekends, with a nice good-humoured local crowd who appreciate the music. Love to see y’all there if you can make it ! Tom

March 13th 2011

Hi everyone I'm doing a “Paddy’s Day” Irish nite 7 – 10 p.m. in Brady’s Pub , Terenure X with Rachel Scoazec, a French / Breton / Irish multi-instrumentalist on guitar , banjo and fiddle – all welcome for a night of Irish songs and diddley – aye ! If you enjoyed our 2009 Paddy’s Day gig in Ranelagh you’re gonna enjoy this one !

Benefit CD Update - Nov. 2010

Hi Everyone - CD sales by Nov.have reached over €5,500 and considering this is all in small money, mainly €10 or €20 at a time that’s a lot of people supporting the CD so thanks to everyone buying it and selling it – thanks again Sheila, Dave, Grace, Graham, Alice , Derek, Miriam & Eileen !

I’m getting a good reaction also to the songs on the CD which is encouraging ! Got some good publicity recently with a full page article in the Knocklyon News, the parish newsletter which should help sales in the church shop and the Iona parish centre. Over the summer articles on the CD were also published in the newsletters of the 3 causes, the Irish Cancer Society, The Irish Hospice Foundation and The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, in printed and online versions.

I went down in recent weeks to 2 linedance nights in Newbridge and sold around €200 worth of cd’s – hoping to do the same when I do a few guest spots at linedance gigs in Tullamore and Curracloe in the run- up to Christmas.

Dublin South Community Radio ( DSCR ) 93.9 FM has been great – “Mike @the Mic” ( Mike Purcell ) has played all the tracks in order every Monday around 7.15 pm since early summer and is now on track 18 out of 20 , surely a record !

I’ve almost completed upload of videos of the launch nite on MySpace, YouTube and Facebook – there’s one to come – an edited highlights of all the acts during the night which will take just a little longer to get ready, hopefully by Christmas. I’m making a big push to maximize sales in the run – up to Christmas so all contributions gratefully appreciated ! Thank y’all for such great support. Tom

Benefit CD Update Aug 2010

Hi everyone, I’m still busy promoting the CD – so far we have raised over €4,500 for the 3 worthy causes, The Irish Cancer Society, The Irish Hospice Foundation and The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Within a few weeks of the launch night they each got a cheque for €1000 and recently a further €500 each. Thanks to everyone who has helped to achieve all this. I suppose it’s only a drop in the ocean but considering these are all small non – corporate donations this total represents a lot of people supporting the 3 causes.

Radio - The CD has been getting airplay on local radio, southside on Dublin South Radio 93.9 FM from Dundrum Town / Shopping Centre, and northside on Dublin City 103.2 FM. Dublin South Community Radio 93.9 FM - 1st place has to go to Mike Purcell – his “Mike on the Mik” on Dublin South Community Radio 93.9 FM has been playing a track every Mon 7-8 pm for the last 8 weeks – he’s playing the tracks in order and usually at around 7.15pm every Mon. This week he played “Hello in There” so I’m predicting “Fire and Rain” next Mon. – thanks Mike ! Dublin City 103.2 FM - Also, I recently did an interview on Dublin City 103.2 FM recently with “Sin E” producer Kieran Kelly – he played 2 tracks and I sang 3 songs live with chat in between. He will be playing tracks on Tuesdays 9 – 11pm in coming weeks. Countrymix 106.8 FM - I’ve been promised some airplay on Countrymix 106.8 FM in coming weeks , hopefully Sundays 10am – 1pm by Paddy Cole and/or Paschal Mooney. LMFM 95.8 ( Drogheda ) - More airplay is promised on Sundays also on LMFM 95.8 ( Drogheda ) by Dermot Finglas’ “Country & Irish” 12.00 – 2.30 pm and on Dundalk 100 FM by Dermot Neary’s “Shades of Green” 3-5 pm which also goes out on Tues, Weds, Thurs 12 – 1pm It might be a few weeks before airplay comes on these last 2 stations. If any of you catch any of these plays I’d like to hear from you as I may miss some of them myself, being away on a weeks holiday next Sun. If you can’t get reception of the local stations above you can listen to them live on the web – just “Google” the station and on it’s website look for “Listen Live” or similar . With so much music out there I don’t know if occasional airplay helps sales that much but its nice to get, since it doesn’t happen too often ! When I’ve got some more sales outlets organised I’ll try my luck with the national stations and some of the regional stations that feature country, folk etc. At the moment I’m staying “local”, selling to friends and acquaintances and their connections etc. but planning to branch out when that avenue is saturated .

Sales Outlets - Over the summer I’ve been meeting friends who couldn’t make it to the launch and they have been buying cd’s to support the causes. For anyone I know who didn’t manage to get one yet I can have them when we meet – I might even get you a pint or a coffee in return ! Since early summer the CD has been on sale in Metro Music, upstairs in Rathfarnham Shopping Centre as well as the Iona parish centre and the church shop in Knocklyon. It is now on sale in some centre city outlets that feature roots music – Claddagh Records in Temple Bar and the Sound Cellar , Nassau St.( Grafton St. end ) The cd can be bought online at www.imnda.ie , the online shop of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

I’m grateful to friends who sold 300 CD’s on the launch nite in May – Bridget & Teresa who wouldn’t take no for an answer ( ! ) , Mick, Mary & Bob, Gerry and Anne. Since then I’ve other great people selling it for me also – thanks Sheila, Dave, Grace, Graham, Alice , Miriam, Mary & Eileen !

Gigs - I did a few folkclub type guest spots over the summer and sold cd’s, also booked a few private functions ( golf clubs etc.), but when I get back from a weeks holiday 5th Sept I’ll be hoping to line up a few pub gigs – I’m promised a few dates in the “Farmhouse Bar” at Taylor’s 3 Rock so I’ll keep everyone posted.

Website - I’ve been so busy I still have video of the launch party to edit and hoping to get it online in coming weeks – for those who didn’t see them I have posted still pics from the video on MySpace and Facebook – checkout the “sparkly” slideshow on my MySpace blog ! More info pics, blog, and progress/updates on www.myspace.com/tomjhoran Once again thanking everyone for your support and interest. Best wishes, Tom

Benefit CD 2010 - Update July 2010

The launch night on 29th May was a “helluva” success. We sold over 300 CD’s and including a raffle ( thanks Hillary & Co.! ) raised over €3,500 for the 3 worthy causes. In the run – up to Christmas I expect the proceeds to reach nearly €6,000. Thanks to everyone who has helped to achieve all this. Considering these are all small non – corporate donations this total represents a lot of people supporting the 3 causes. *

I’m grateful to friends who sold 300 CD’s on the launch nite in May – Bridget & Teresa who wouldn’t take no for an answer ( ! ) , Mick, Mary & Bob, Gerry and Anne. Since then I’ve had more great people selling it for me also – thanks Sheila, Dave, Grace, Graham, Alice , Miriam, Mary C, Martin, Derek, Mary B., & Eileen !

Since early June I’ve enjoyed meeting friends who couldn’t make it to the launch but bought CD’s afterwards.

Songs from the CD have been featured on local radio e.g. southside on Dublin South Community Radio 93.9 FM from Dundrum Town / Shopping Centre - with Mike Purcell who played all the songs in order for a full 20 weeks , surely a record ! On the northside thanks also to “Sin E” producer Kieran Kelly ( & Ken McDonald ! ) on Dublin City 103.2 FM for interviews, airplay and live songs. The CD also got airplay on other stations , including Sunshine Radio (Countrymix) 106.8 FM , and on Clare FM.

The local parish newsletter the “Knocklyon News” has been very supportive also and ran a full page feature on the CD and my music in general for which I am grateful.

As well as the funds raised I’ve also got a good reaction to the songs on the CD and compliments on the production and overall achievement, which is encouraging !

The CD only costs €10 and copies are still available if anyone is looking for recession – busting presents ! You can get it from me -also online by contacting me thro’ my MySpace website and my Facebook page, also the online shops of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and The Irish Hospice Foundation Other sales outlets in Dublin ( taking little or no cut ! ) - Local - Metro Music, upstairs in Rathfarnham Shopping Centre as well as the Iona parish centre and the church shop in Knocklyon. City Centre – Claddagh Records in Cecilia St., Temple Bar and the Sound Cellar , Nassau St.( Grafton St. end , beside the Porterhouse ) – You can view more details and updates ( blog ) with fotos and videos of the launch party in May 2010 on www.myspace.com/tomjhoran also on www.youtube.com and on my Facebook page. In the coming year own my website should be up at www.tomhoran.ie . Thanking everyone for your support and interest. Best wishes, Tom