'Saturday Nite Live' axing criticised

The programme has been airing in Counties Cavan, Monaghan, Longord, Roscommon and South Leitrim since 1994. The move is part of a major programme reshuffle instigated by the stations’ new owners, Radio Kerry.
“I’m really gutted on Brendan Farrell and Denis O’Brien’s behalf,” Aslan guitarist Billy McGuinness told Hotpress.com. “It was great knowing that whenever we had a gig in the area, they’d give it a plug for us. I also feel sorry for the local bands who are fucked now because they won’t get the airplay we all need to get gigs. It’s very, very hard for Aslan to get on 2FM and Today FM, so we’re dependent on local stations to give our records a spin. I’m afraid it’s just the way radio’s going in this country – unless you’re U2, Van Morrison or The Corrs you get ignored.”
Other regular guests down through the years included Mary Black, The Saw Doctors, Damien Rice, The Walls, Declan O’Rourke and local boy done good Perry Blake.
“We’ve been really touched by all the goodwill messages we’ve received from bands and listeners,” Brendan Farrell told Hot Press. “We went out with An Emotional Fish’s ‘Celebrate’, which says it all really. There’s talk of me maybe doing another show, but I’m afraid it won’t be a rock one.”

Pictured above are (l-r) Alan Downey, Denis O'Brien, Brendan Farrell and Aslan's Billy McGuinness and Christy Dignam.