Charlie Charms Celtic Cousins

A special report from Ireland correspondent Alun Tudor Jones

"Celtic Charlie" makes it clear to "The Chieftains", that as much as he respects their talent as his backing group, they must get it right.

JFC

Forget "JPR", Bridgend's latest most worshipped son is JFC, stage name, "Celtic Charlie", who thrilled crowds at the famous Abbey National Theatre, Dublin, last weekend

Humming

The weekend had started simply enough for JFC, travelling to Dublin with friends for well-earned relaxation and a getaway from his frenetic commercial interests in Bridgend.

On the first night, the tourists sat together at the Abbey Theatre to enjoy a folk concert by the famed group, "The Chieftains", who were due to appear after the interval. However, the opening act proved to be disappointing and a dozen or so Irish folk music aficionados heard JFC humming tunes to himself in such an articulate manner that they insisted he take the stage.

Tumultuous

Such was his immediate popularity with the audience that they demanded that The Chieftains take the stage early to accompany our local hero, who ended, two hours later, to a tumultuous standing ovation.

STOP PRESS

News is breaking from Dublin that a near riot has broken out at the Abbey National Theatre, as crowds demanded more. Officials were forced to announce over powerful PA systems that ""Celtic Charlie" has left the building".