Category Archives: Shows

The Love Hungry Farmer

John Bosco McLaine is a man who has never lain down with a woman, but has had romantic blood pulsing through his veins all his life. Always an optimist, and virgin in equal measure, he embarks on a search for an ideal companion regardless of age, failure rate or dammed advice!… and in a community where advice is ample and women few, he follows his heart in an ultimate bid to procure himself a wife.

Often referred to as the natural successor to John B Keane as Ireland’s masterful present day storyteller, Seamus O’Rourke brings to life in this production the wistful, blundering, romantic John Bosco McLean, matching stride for stride Keane’s fantastic wit and way with words in an uproarious evening of laughter, love, hope and desire…

John B. Keane is one of Ireland’s best-loved and best-selling authors was born in 1928 in Listowel , Co. Kerry. He spent his literary career running a pub in Listowel which provided him with much of the inspiration for his characters and ideas. John B. Keane ranks among the great Irish writers. His plays include Sive, The Field and Big Maggie. His Letters series of books were a spectacular success, with The Love Hungry Farmer being particularly outstanding.

For the Love of Shane MacGowan

Friday 9 January 2027 | 8pm | £26.50

Scottish singer and hit songwriter John McLaughlin is venturing into a new realm with his latest project, “For the Love of Shane MacGowan”.

The show does what it says on the tin and is John’s personal tribute to the legendary Pogues frontman, his late friend Shane MacGowan. McLaughlin with his folk band, who all share his love for the music of the iconic hellraiser, will perform the classic songs penned by Shane, intertwined with John’s tales and funny stories of their times spent together writing and recording as well of course going down the pub!!

McLaughlin and MacGowan have worked together on a few different projects over the years and stayed in touch until Shane’s sad passing.

McLaughlin said “I have been a Pogues fan since way back in the early 80’s and have seen them play many, many times over. I was in awe at their punky celtic sound that breathed new life into the Irish traditional music that I was brought up on, but it was the charisma, the voice, the songs and antics of frontman Shane that got me totally hooked.

So, when the opportunity arose to work with Shane back in 2001 it was like a dream come true for me. We instantly hit it off on a personal and professional level and became friends and started writing some songs together. Shane was super intelligent and so incredibly well read. I learned a lot from him. I am unbelievably proud to have this chance to pay tribute to Shane for the joy, the memories and songs he’s left us. The show will be a celebration of his work and above all else just a right good old-fashioned night of fun and song, and together we can all raise a glass to Shane”