Jim Tobin dies in Meath

Jim Tobin, who died recently, was a regular performer at dances around Ireland and the Irish ballrooms in England during the 1970s. The Meath native fronted The Firehouse Showband which was managed by Donnie Cassidy from Castlepollard. Jim had been living with motor neuron disease for nearly two years.

In 1970, Jim released his debut single, This Is It, a Jim Reeves number, which immediately won favour on the circuit and reached No 5 in Ireland’s charts. Little wonder that his debut album was entitled Jim Tobin Remembers Jim Reeves, a collection of a dozen of Reeves’ most popular recordings.

Other hits followed including The Happiness of Having You, Don’t Fight the Feelings and The Little Isle of Green. A second LP, Rhythm of Love, was released in 1977. In 1979, he had a number one in the Irish charts with Welcome John Paul II, a song to mark the papal visit to Ireland in that year.

The disco era of the 1980s heralded the demise of the ballroom scene and many bands went off the road. Jim focused on the transport and haulage business where he drove quarry trucks and also undertook various transport works associated with the agricultural scene. This was part of his life for the next three decades and he was widely known and respected throughout the farming community in Meath and neighbouring counties.

His guest appearances were rare in that time although he did the occasional spot including one in Clonmany, Co Donegal, in 2015.

Following the funeral mass in St Colmcille’s Church, Skryne, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Condolences are extended to his family and friends on the passing of Jim who had a special place in the hearts of the country music fraternity.

Bachelors in Trouble 30 years on

The Bachelors in Trouble will launch their latest DVD, Subsidy, Fraud and Robbers, at the Ploughing in Carlow. The west Waterford entertainers are celebrating 30 years on the circuit and have been busy in recent weeks making plans for the three days in Carlow.

“The Ploughing is always one of the highlights of the year for us,” says Tony Coffey. “They are our kind of people and many call in to visit our stand and say hello year after year. It all began for us back in 1989 and we have had great years since then entertaining people with our harmless and good natured banter.”

The latest DVD was filmed in Co Waterford and sees Tom and Jack Coffey and Tommy Power (played by Tony Coffey, Sean Murphy and Willie Walsh) and all the rest of the regular crew up to their usual antics.

“People know what to expect from us and this is more of the simple brand of innocent, rural comedy that has been enjoyed by young and old over the last three decades.

“We always try and have a new DVD for the Ploughing every year and they are always in great demand.

“Our stand is a bit like a rambling house with friends dropping for a chat. That is the way we like it,” states Tony.

Visit the Bachelors in Trouble (Comeragh Productions) at Block 4, Row 40, Stand 740. The new DVD, Subsidy, Fraud and Robbers, can also be ordered direct by calling 051-291 193 or 087-944 8828.