Kevin ready to release debut album

| By Michelle Crean

A Killarney musician is ready to release his debut album next week. Kevin Donnelly, one half of the Irish/ French duo 'The Village Vandals' wrote, produced, recorded and performs on the eleven track album 'Vandalism' set to be released on May 3.

"I myself being a Killarney native, naturally the album reflects many aspects of Killarney life," Kevin told the Killarney Advertiser.

"The Village Vandals - 'Vandalism' title is a commentary on the feeling of not fitting in to the world you live in and the music embodies that sentiment. We hope to achieve bringing something brand new to plate an unrecognisable taste to the pallet, to some a fresh new flavour, to others a bad taste left in their mouth but then again isn't that the very essence of a 'Vandal' and it is the very message we are trying to push. Hate it or love it, it's new and unphased by normality or the standard. and Kaitlin Cronin will be dancing the sixhand reel in the Rince Foirne," secretary with the Rathmore LGFA, Carina O'Mahony said.

"Killarney has been a major catalyst in making me who I am today and there are many themes throughout the album that convey exactly what it's like growing up in the town of Killarney be it good or be it bad. I feel like there are so many sides to life in Killarney that have not yet been portrayed or displayed and this album paints a picture for the people who might not know what life for a young person is like growing up in Killarney or for those who do and can relate to the coming of age stories within the songs." The album, he said, will also be pressed into physical form such as CDs and Vinyl. "All possible because of the help of our very kind fans we were able to raise the money in a pre-order style fundraiser with our Kickstarter we did earlier this year."

"We would like to thank Eilish Coakley for making the skirts for the dancers and we are grateful to Aine Murphy School of Dancing for teaching the girls the dances and to Siobhan McAuliffe for giving of her time to practice with the girls." There will be medals for both winners and runners up; also the Siobhain Cotter Memorial Shield which was introduced in 2008 by the Coiste Scór Chairraí will be on display and presented to the overall club at the end of the competition.