Country stars line up for appreciation night in honour of Cookstown man Leslie Hall

Leslie with Hugo Duncan and Curtis Magee at BBC Radio Ulster

Leslie, who managed Cookstown’s Royal British Legion for over ten years, began his retirement just weeks before the much-needed heart surgery that in the end claimed his life.

A well known and respected man, many of the musicians he booked down through his years at Cookstown RBL have banded together to pay their respects to their good friend with a May 9 tribute night at the club.

Stars due in town include BBC Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan, who will be joined by Leslie’s ‘good friend’ Curtis Magee, Billy McFarland, Boxcar Brian and Johnny Fingers McHugh to name a few.

Leslie Hall doing a vox pop for the Mid Ulster Mail in 2014

Curtis told the Mail the appreciation night for Leslie was something he really wanted to do as a mark of respect to his old friend.

Also chair of Killymoon Rangers, Leslie was an avid Manchester United supporter.

Tickets for the event cost £10, which will go to a charity of the Hall family’s choosing.

Dancing starts at 8.30, and a great evening, hosted by none other than Gary Wilson, is to be expected.