Our good friend Jeff Quinn, whom many of you know from our song “The Man From Omaha”, lost his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Sunday night. Jeff’s positive spirit was so strong that it’s hard to believe he’s gone. He loved to laugh and was always smiling. In the short time we knew him, every second of his life was a celebration, and we were honored and amazed that he wanted us to be a part of it. His friendship also gave us a whole new extended family and second home in Omaha, Nebraska, something that we know will endure in his absence. God bless you, Jeff. We are heartbroken tonight, but thrilled that you’re flying free.

Here’s a picture from 2009 with our dear friend Jay Dooling, longtime co-host of “Irish Aires” on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston who passed away Saturday night. Jay was a huge figure in Houston’s Irish community and one of the biggest supporters Blaggards ever had. On Irish Aires he was the first DJ, along with co-host Pete Little, to play selections from “Standards” on the radio. Jay tirelessly promoted our shows on the air every week for years, and was in the audience every chance he got. Some of you may remember that before Blaggards there was a band called On the Dole… Jay loved that band, too, and was there for their very first show, as well as the first shows Blaggards ever played back in 2004. His support and enthusiasm for what we do always meant the world to us. We will miss you, Jay.

(Photo by Charles Doc Dougherty)

Yep, we’re really doing it! We’ve received many requests for this over the past few years, so here it is: an itinerary for a tour of Ireland in Summer 2015 (PDF). Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick, along with stops in Killarney, Kilkenny, the Cliffs of Moher, and much more.

People have already begun signing up, so get on board! Call Hammond Tours today at 866-486-8772.