Limerick stalwart Mark O’Connor returns on May 3 with Espero, his third studio album, which includes possibly the most polar opposite of guests – The Rubberbandits and J. Mascis, who contributes a searing two-and-a-half-minute solo to LP closer, ‘Roll Back The Years’.

“We recorded a decent chunk of the album in Verdant, the Athens, Vermont studio run by a guy called Pete Weiss who’s a friend of J’s,” O’Connor tells Hot Press. “He phoned J up saying, ‘I’ve got this guy in here who’s a huge fan of yours, would you come down?’ and he did! Every time I listen to it I cry – it really was a dream come true!”

To whet his baby’s head, O’Connor double gigs on April 30 on Arthur’s Quay as part of the Limerick Riverfest (kick-off 4pm) and in the Raggle Taggle Space with Boys Of Summer and assorted DJ types. The official launch takes place on May 1 Upstairs at Dolan’s.