Rí-Rá Different lives THE IRISH POST ENTERTAINMENT SECTION | AUGUST 20, 2011 | www.irishpost.co.uk |
Fiona Audley speaks to Amy De Bhrun about her one-woman show Life, which sees the actress display her skills across a range of genres
Sir Bob cracks a smile! Plus other showbiz news Page 5
What’s the attraction with The Magnets? Pages 6-7
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UBLIN actress Amy De Bhrun is on top of many games in the world of arts. The quality young performer recently brought her self-written short, Life: A One Woman Show, to the Roundhouse in London for the Camden Fringe Festival. She co-produced the piece under Solas Productions — formed by a company of actors (including De Bruhn) who follow the Michael Chekov technique of acting. And she’s seemingly capable of turning her hand to anything — comedy, singing, drama and writing — if her play is anything to go by. Life proved a perfectly fresh tale when De Bhrun — complete in her ringmaster-esque attire — quickly shook off a few initial nerves to commandeer the stage in Camden last week while the debris from the previous night’s riots were still being picked off the streets outside. She told us: “It was quite strange to be playing in Camden with everything that was going on that week but it was great to see the people still coming out to the Fringe and the show.” The 45-minute production tackled the loneliness of London, the struggle to achieve and the fact that women don’t really need a man to validate them. Finally, some clarity on these points. More importantly it was done in such a style, with enough comedic interludes, to make the message manageable and not lecture-like. Phew. And so the 27-year-old Rathfarnam native is definitely one to watch. De Bhrun is currently preparing to bring the uplifting production — a medley of characters, settings and sounds all from the uber-capable actress’ hand — to New York, Hollywood and back to Britain in the future. Keep up to date with her movements and details on her next play, based on the social media world — which she will debut at Dublin’s Mayfield Restaurant in September — at www.solasproductions.webs.com or www.amydebhrun.com
Graham Clifford launches debut album Page 9
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THE WEEK AHEAD
The Hut People The Hut People are constantly gaining more of reputation as one of the hottest acts to come out of the Yorkshire folk scene in a long while. With amiable charisma and sheer talent topped with huge professionalism and showmanship, they perform a truly unique high-octane blend of original tunes mixed with British, Nordic and European folk music, perfectly formed and embellished with a foot stomping accordion and mindboggling array of exotic percussion. See them this week at Small World Festival, Badger Farm, Asterby, Louth, Lincolnshire. See www.woldscollective.co.uk for tickets and more details.
rí–rá August 20, 2011
IRISH MUSIC
North-east knees Joe Giltrap
Lincolnshire Saturday, August 20
An insight into trad music e-mail: joegiltrap@Irishpost.co.uk Web: www.joegiltrap.com
V Festival The Script will bring their moody alternative rock to Chelmsford and Staffordshire this weekend. Their first two albums stormed British and Irish charts, becoming multi-platinum selling No. 1s. Frontman Danny O’Donoghue has said that the Irish spirit inspired the second record, Science and Faith, saying: “With Irish people, no matter how bad things get, you always pick yourself up and carry on.” They will be bringing that spirit to the stage that they share with the likes of Rihanna and Primal Scream. In its 16th year, V Festival is best known for its history of being significantly more peaceful than its many equivalents. For tickets visit www.seetickets.com.
Chelmsford & Staffordshire August 20 & 21
The Guard Brendan Gleeson plays an unorthodox Irish policeman in John Michael McDonagh’s The Guard. The darkly comic film follows Gleeson’s character Boyle, as he teams up with a disciplined FBI agent, who arrives in the Galway Gaeltacht to tackle an international drug smuggling gang. Together they wade through the bribery, blackmail and murders in the case. But expectations are high for this on-screen partnership, in which each man has as much to learn, as he has to teach. But still their moments of understanding are fleeting. The expectations stem from the established writing talent of McDonagh, who also makes his directorial debut with The Guard. He now waits anxiously to see how the audience will react to lines like: “I’m Irish; racism is part of my culture.”
Cinemas nationwide from Friday, August 19
Sharon Corr The multi-talented Sharon Corr goes on tour from Monday. Fans of The Corrs will be glad to hear that their ongoing hiatus will be partially broken, but do not expect to hear the hits. Those were songs of innocence and now her latest solo project, Dream of You, showcases the songs of experience. She will be starting in Aberdeen on Friday and working her way down to London via Edinburgh, Liverpool and Birmingham. The songs may be different, but the entrancing melodies remain the same. For tickets, visit www.ticketweb.co.uk or call 0844 477 2000..
Nationwide from Friday, August 19
Four Men & A Dog Four Men & A Dog are best known for their eclectic and vivacious blend of traditional Irish music with a wide spectrum of other genres, including rap, Southern rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country swing, and even salsa. Their high-energy approach to playing and entertaining combines furious traditional dance tunes with irreverent new music and inimitable covers. Catch them this week at Beautiful Days, Festival Site, Escot Park, Nr Ottery St Mary, Devon. See www.beautifuldays.org.uk for details. .
Devon Friday, August 19
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HE FIRST ever Sunderland Folk Festival takes place over three days from Saturday, August 27 to Monday, August 29. St. Peter’s Riverside will come alive with a cracking line-up of traditional folk acts. The event is the result of collaboration between Phoenix Folk — a non-profit organisation that provides instrumental lessons by experienced tutors in traditional and folk style — Sunderland City Council, and the well-known Davy Lamp Folk Club. Phoenix will be running 10 special instrumental workshops on Saturday, August 27 in the Reg Vardy Centre at Sunderland University, St. Peter’s Campus. Proceedings will be brought to a close with a concert featuring some of the star tutors including Northumbrian piper Alistair Anderson, accordionist Karen Tweed and guitarist Kevin Dempsey. This will take place at the North Shore Building just a couple of minutes from the Reg Vardy Centre. Acts appearing in the different venues throughout Saturday include The Peatbog Faeries, a much-travelled six-piece outfit based on the Isle of Skye, who have twice won Live Act of the Year at the Scottish Traditional
Music Awards. Their musical lineup features pipes, fiddle, percussion, drums and guitar, and their musical prowess has taken them to festivals all over the world. The band release a new album, Dust, this month. The Phoenix festival features eclectic mix of artists — but none will be more popular than the north-east’s Doonan Family Band, a high octane good time folk band. Also featured will be the great songwriting of Chris While and Julie Matthews , the gentle humour and clever observations of Colum Sands. Sunday’s acts include the wonderful Cara Dillon and the mighty Kieran Halpin with Jimmy Smith, among a long list of great artists. An outdoor céilí with the Tony Corcoran Band also promises to be a very lively occasion! Monday features bluegrass outfit Southern Tenant Folk Union and the very talented Jez Lowe amongst many others. As well as the workshops and concerts there will be a wide range of free entertainment in the city centre, along the riverside and at the Marina. Hopefully, this will become an annual event. ■ www.phoenixfolk.co.uk
CD REVIEW Oonagh Derby Harmony Street ARMAGH-BORN singer/songwriter Oonagh Derby has written 12 tracks on this debut album. Although Oonagh’s family roots are in traditional music the album opens with her very own interpretation of The Sugar Babes’ About You. It works incredibly well, as indeed does the whole project. The album is a mixture of different influences but somehow Oonagh manages to knit them all together to produce a very impressive and enjoyable sound. Particularly impressive are her own harmonies. The arrangements by guitarist Gerard Thompson are melodious, well-crafted and beautiful — it seems Oonagh has gathered a wonderful collection of musicians to complement the choice of material. Sometimes it is easy to pick a favourite track but this album is different because so many of the songs are of equal strength. Since radio play is such a
lottery these days I wonder where Oonagh will get the exposure she deserves because some of these songs deserve recognition — I can see some of them being covered by other artistes. Track 4 September is simply gorgeous. The brilliant Gerry O’Connor, who also plays a number of instruments as well as producing the album, shows his considerable production skills by getting the feel of the songs just right. Other guest musicians include Barry Kerr on uilleann pipes/ whistles, Colin Hendry on dobro, Cormac O’Kane on keyboards and Liam Bradley on drums. This is a cracking debut album that has manifestly been given a lot of thought. It should certainly help establish Oonagh Derby’s reputation as a singer and songwriter of real quality. ■ www.oonaghderby.com ■ For more information contact Copperplate on 020 7585 0357 or email: copperplate @talktalk.net
Cara Dillon will be playing at the Sunderland Folk Festival on Sunday, August 27.
Festival fling in Crawley THE long-established Crawley Irish Festival takes place on Bank Holiday weekend, on Sunday, August 28. This one day festival, located at Southgate Playing Fields, is now in it’s 16th year and is rated as one of the best value for money family festivals in the south east. There will be seven hours of music on two stages from noon until 7pm. The younger members of the community are especially well catered for with a free children’s entertainment marquee featuring games, song and story, magic shows and art workshops with particular emphasis on Irish traditions and folklore. Stage One will feature, amongst others, Cavan’s Kathy Durkin, one of Ireland’s leading recording stars. Kathy had a The London Lasses with Pete Quinn.
massive hit some years ago with Rita McNeill’s poignant song Working Man – the record was in the Irish charts for a year. Other acts on this stage include Mustang, Pat Nugent, Dun the Veil and Emerald Element. The second stage, the traditional platform, will feature The London Lasses and Pete Quinn, Irish Mist, Celtic Crunch, Ciarog and The Flying Toads. The London Lasses are seasoned festival campaigners having played just about everywhere to outstanding acclaim. The six-piece — five females and Pete Quinn (blessed art thou amongst women, Pete) celebrate 11 years of fine performances and will no doubt have the crowd buzzing. Irish Mist (yours truly and Malcolm Rogers) should need no
August 20, 2011
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Irish music trad sessions and classes in your area SEND DETAILS TO: listings@irishpost.co.uk
ASHTON IN MAKERFIELD ■ Ashton CCE have their Irish music classes every Thursday from 78.30pm for juniors and from 8.3010pm for adults at the Brian Boru Club, Bryn Street, Ashton in Makerfield nr Wigan. Traditional Irish music sessions held on the first Sunday of the month in Brian Boru Club from 2pm. Everyone welcome. For information contact Julie on 0777 3858228.
BOLTON ■ Bolton Comhaltas session on the first Friday of the month at the Irish Association Club on Lever Street from 8.30pm. Musicians and singers are welcome. More details from Bernadette Murray on 01942 522326 or John McManus on 01204 305800.
BRISTOL ■ Irish trad session every Tuesday from 9.30pm at The Scotchman And His Pack, 20 St. Michael’s Hill, Bristol, Avon. Tel: 0117 929 1327.
CAMBRIDGE ■ The Cambridge branch of CCE meets every Wednesday evening during term time at the Rathmore Club, Cherry Hinton Road, for lessons in banjo, bodhrán, button accordion, fiddle, guitar and tin whistle. They also host open sessions on the last Wednesday of each half-term. For more information call 01638 552953.
COVENTRY introduction if we’ve been doing our jobs properly, while I look forward to hearing Celtic Crunch — Helen Mullen on button accordion and her brother Noel on guitar, mandolin and bodhrán. Local duo Ciarog and four-piece multi-instrumentalists The Flying Toads complete the line-up on this stage. The Crawley Irish festival is organised by the Celtic & Irish Cultural Society — a non-profit voluntary organisation that invests all monies raised into community activities throughout the year. Entrance will cost just £5 for adults with concessions discounted to £3 for students and OAPs, children under 16 £1. To keep these prices at such a low rate the organisers are always looking for volunteers to help out. ■ More information at www.celtic-irish.co.uk or call John Nolan 01293 513189.
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IRISH MUSIC
■ Traditional Irish music session, every Tuesday from 9pm until late. The Hearsall Inn, 45 Craven Street. Warm welcome assured. Contact Jarlath Mulhern on 07876 013590.
CROYDON ■ Irish trad session every Saturday at the Gypsy Tavern, 10-12 Station Road, Croydon CR0 2RB. From 8 until late. Experienced players welcome.
LEAMINGTON SPA ■ The Leamington Spa branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann have traditional Irish music classes on Fridays from 3.30-6pm (term time only) at St. Josephs School Whitnash. We also have a session on the last Thursday of every month at St. Patricks Club, Adelaide Road, Leamington Spa CV31 3PW. For more info call Michelle on 01926 336946.
LEICESTER ■ Leicester CCE music classes for the under-18s are held every Monday from 7pm at the Sacred Heart Club. Mere Road, Leicester, with tuition by Carmel and John Burke. Open music sessions are now held on the first Friday of every month and the senior musicians meet every Monday at 8pm under the tuition of Theresa Coleman. Set dancing classes are held every Thursday and Sunday from 8pm. More information from Brian Smith, tel: 0116 2877481 or email: briansmith.53@virginmedia.com
LONDON ■ Trad Irish music session and singalong on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 6pm at the Sir Colin Campbell, 266 Kilburn High Road NW6 2BY, tel: 020 7624 7553. ■ Trad night at The Magnet, 23 Archway Road, London N19. Every Friday, 9.30pm until late. Musicians
and singers are most welcome by Noreen, a renowned local of many years. ■ Irish trad session with Peter McAlinden, Paddy Egan and friends every Friday evening at Keenan’s Bar, 87 Colney Hatch Lane, Muswell Hill, London N10 1LR. Tel: 020 8883 7174. ■ Sir Colin Campbell pub, 266 Kilburn High Road NW6 2BY opposite Tricycle Theatre. Trad Irish music sit down session and singalong. Every Sunday evening from around 6pm after the GAA. Tel: 020 7624 7553. ■ Trad session at The Porterhouse, 2122 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, every Sunday from 4-8pm. ■ John Bowe and Peter Coughlan host an Irish trad session every Sunday from 6pm at The Kilkenny Tavern, 131 Merton High Street, Wimbledon SW19 1DE. ■ Roisin Dubh hosts an Irish trad session every Sunday at The Haverstock Arms, 154 Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AY. Tel: 020 7586 9476. From 6.30-9pm, free. ■ Irish traditional music classes on Tuesday evenings (during term time) at The Pope John Centre (Heston Catholic Social Club), Eton Avenue, Hounslow TW5 0HB. Beginners 67pm. Intermediate 7-8pm. All age groups welcome. ■ Irish traditional session on the last Tuesday of the month at Filthy McNastys pub, 68, Amwell Street, London, EC1R 1UU, near Angel Tube. Tel: 020 7837 6067. From 9-11pm, admission free. Sonya Rose on rhythm guitar, backing and songs, and Helen McGrath Doherty on fiddle. All musicians are very welcome to come and join in with us. ■ Irish traditional accompaniment teacher in London. Learn how to accompany Irish traditional music to the highest of standards on guitar, piano and bodhran. Please call Sinead Egan, BMus, on 07780 521367 or email: shin2toe@hotmail.co.uk
LUTON ■ Colgarra, traditional music and song at The Pines Hotel, Marsh Road, LU3 2 NH. Every Sunday from 5pm.
MAIDENHEAD
Levenshulme M19 3PW. Tel: 0161 224 1271. ■ Grace Kelly, Debbie Garvey and friends hold a traditional Irish music session every Friday from 8.30pm in the Victoria pub, 196 Burnage Lane, Burnage M19 1FL.
MIDDLESEX ■ Trad session every Thursday at O’Riordan’s, 3 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DX Tel: 020 8560 5543. ■ Trad session every Saturday night at Delaneys Bar, 404 Kenton Road, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9DW. Musicians welcome.
MILTON KEYNES ■ Traditional Irish music session on the first Friday of the month from 8pm. Lessons in traditional Irish instruments held fortnightly on Saturday mornings 10am-12pm, all levels welcome. For more info contact Milton Keynes Irish Centre on 01908 375978, www.irishcentremk.com
NEWCASTLE ■ Trad session every Thursday at the Tyneside Irish Centre, 43-49 Gallowgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4SG. Tel: 0191 261 0384. Free.
THE GREGORIAN Irish pub
96 Jamaica Road, Bermondsey SE16 4SQ
Bermondsey’s New
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Try our Great Gregorian SUNDAY ROAST FRI 19TH AUGUST
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NEWPORT ■ Amairgin the Gael CCE provide Irish trad music classes on Tuesdays during school terms at Glan Usk Primary School, Newport from 7-pm. Lessons in tin whistle, button accordian, fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bodhran, flute, uilleann pipes and set-dancing available. All levels welcome. We also hold a session on the first Friday of the month in the Irish National Club Newport, from 9pm. For more information contact Willie Cowan on 01291 425880 or log-on to the website www.amairgin.net
NOTTINGHAM ■ Four Provinces Bar, Nottingham Irish Centre has live music every fortnight on Saturdays. For more information contact 07970 513523. ■ Nottingham CCE hold lessons from 7-9pm every Monday at the Nottingham Irish Centre, followed by a session. On the first Monday of every month a beginners’ group session replaces lessons, so all learners have a chance to play together. For more information call 0115 952 1305 or 0115 952 5627.
PRESTON ■ Comhaltas sessions are held at the Moorbrook, North Road, every second sunday of the month from 47pm, and also on the last Thursday of the month from 8.30pm.
RUGBY
■ Noctors Bar traditional Irish session every Thursday. Musicians, singers and dancers welcome. Live music Saturday and Sunday. Tel: 01628 634740.
■ Quigleys Bar in Rugby Town have a seisiun every Monday. All welcome to join in or listen. On Saturdays the bar has a stage performance of Irish folk songs and trad music, now in its 20th year!
MANCHESTER
WALES
■ Grace Kelly and friends hold a traditional Irish music session every Wednesday from 9pm in the Union Music Lounge, 845 Stockport Road,
■ Informal traditional music session in the Nelson public house, Beach Road, Bangor every Friday, 8.30pm.
For free inclusion, send details of sessions and classes to: Email: listings@irishpost.co.uk Post: Events, The Irish Post, First Floor, West Wing, 26-28 Hammersmith Grove, London W6 7HA Tel: 020 8735 9402 Fax: 020 8741 3382
ing at S en p O nd
a m Fri 1a
Ganley’s
Irish Bar Fri. 19th August -
ASH LEE Sat. 20th August -
JOHNSONS Sun. 21st August -
ALICE & CO R E S TAU R A N T OPEN UNTIL 9.30pm TUES-SAT
AWARD WINNING CHEF
(ex-Claridge’s) Sunday Carvery 12-7pm
9 LARGE PLASMA SCREENS 43-47 London Road, Morden, Surrey
Tel: 020 8685 0481
www.ganleysirishbar.co.uk
7 5 , 0 0 0 re a d e r s a w e e k have got the message ...
SO WHY ISN’T YOUR VENUE SPEAKING TO THEM? Call KATIE
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GIGS
Going Going Live Live
An ode to days gone by at McDaids McDaids 3 Harry Street Dublin
SEND YOUR LISTINGS TO: listings@irishpost.co.uk
THIS WEEK... LONDON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 ■ CURRAGH live at Hennessys, Ruislip, (Opposite Ruislip Manor Tube Station) ■ STICKY BANDITS live at O’Neill’s, 762 High Road Leytonstone, E11 3AW ■ TOUCAN CHU perform at O’Neill’s, 28-29 The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1DN, ■ TRIPS live at Inn On The Green, 295 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 4XS
Street, Town Centre, Fareham PO16 0JW ■ ROCKAOKE at O’Neill’s, 109 Station Road, Ilford, IG1 4DW ■ SHOPS live at the Claddagh Ring, Church Road, West Hendon NW4 4EA ■ SIOBHAN live at Hennessys, 379 Northolt Road, South Harrow HA2 8JE ■ TAYLORS live at Hennessys, 543 Kingsbury Rd, Kingsbury NW9 9EG
Send you r listings to listings@ iris post.co.uk h
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 ■ ASTONS at Inn On The Green, 295 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 4XS ■ AUDIO GIANTS live at the Fox, 413 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 4JD ■ BANJAXED perform at McGoverns, 147 Cricklewood Broadway, NW2 3HY ■ BLACKAWAYS live at the Quays, 471 Holloway Road, N7 6LE BRASS ■ MONKEY live at Hennessys, 138 Broadway West Ealing W13 0TL INDIE ■ PATROL live at O’Neill’s, 28-29 The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1DN ■ JEROME CHANCE perform at Hennessys, 5 The Broadway, Greenford, UB6 9PH ■ LITTLE ROCK at Hennessys, Ruislip, (Opposite Ruislip Manor Tube Station) ■ QUICK FIX at Brass Monkey, 23 West
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 ■ BIBLECODE SUNDAYS at Claddagh Ring, Church Road, West Hendon NW4 4EA ■ CRISIS live at O’Neill’s, 28-29 The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1DN, ■ JEROME CHANCE at Bootlaces, 596 Leebridge Road, Leyton, E10 7DN ■ SARAH live at Hennessys, 138 Broadway, West Ealing W13 0TL
SUNDERLAND FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 ■ DUSTY TOOLS live at TJ Doyles, Hanover Place, Deptford, Sunderland. Tel: 0191 5101554. www.tjdoyles.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 ■ THE MONOLOGUES perform at TJ Doyles, Hanover Place, Deptford, Sunderland. Tel: 0191 5101554 or see www.tjdoyles.com
STOUT is still on tour. Boy is he. OK, he has only moved around the corner since last week’s visit to Dawson Street, but then he moves slower on holidays. Dublin turned into one. It started as a short break, yet days turned into nights thick with black water and capped with creamy heads. Yes, it is really difficult to escape from McDaids. This pub always felt like one more until a date with the last bus home left little choice and no more. The bus runs much later now, but not much has changed in McDaids. This used to be the centre of the literary world; a kind of Guinness fountain frequented by playwrights like Brendan Behan and poets like Patrick Kavanagh. Stout never felt guilty about spending boozy Sundays in the presence of their passing. He knew Monday would arrive with a hell of a bang, but Behan never checked out early because of the din of Monday’s drum, surely! He is still there on the wall, of course, pint in hand, one eye half open, the other closed. The portrait paints an unhealthy picture. Too many Sundays and no bus for Behan to catch, probably!
Sunday night/Monday morning on 558AM ■ Johnny Jameson hosts Ireland’s Eye every Tuesday from 9.30-10.30pm on Resonance 104.4FM MANCHESTER ■ The Full Irish Radio Show with Martin Logan and Joe Casserley on 96.9FM, Wednesdays 7-9pm and Sundays 3-5pm ■ The Irish Connection Show with John Lowry on Wythenshawe 97.2FM, Saturday from 10am to noon ■ Irish Citizen Manchester with Lennie Connell and team on BBC Radio Manchester 95.1FM, Mondays 8-9pm MIDLANDS ■ Bob Brolly Show, weekdays from 1pm on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire 94.8FM | 103.7FM ■ Bob Brolly’s Irish Show, Sundays from 4-7pm on BBC Radio WM 95.6FM and DAB Radio OXFORD/BERKSHIRE ■ BBC Radio Oxford/BBC Radio Berkshire hosts Henry Wymbs’ Irish Eye, Sundays from 2pm on 95.4FM | 104.1FM ONLINE ■ Mid West Radio, the home of Irish music, chat, news, culture and gossip 24 hours a day, www.midwestradio.ie
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The Pour: The Appearance The Taste
The Irish Charts
Irish radio in your region BEDFORDSHIRE ■ Jim Carway presents Luton Irish Live on Diverse 102.8FM and online every Tuesday evening 6-8pm. Contact Jim on 07977 063233. BRADFORD ■ Joe Sheeran presents Echoes of Ireland on Bradford Community Broadcasting 106.6FM every Sunday at noon. The programme is repeated on Mondays at 9am and Wednesdays at noon and can be accessed online at www.bcbradio.co.uk COVENTRY ■ Hands Across The Waters on Hillz FM, Mondays from 1-2pm and Thursdays from noon to 1.30pm on 98.6FM and online at www.myspace.com/hillzfm GLASGOW ■ Celtic Music Radio on 1530AM (Medium Wave) and online at www.celticmusicradio.net HERTFORDSHIRE ■ The Emerald Hour with Kathy Weston and Lydia El Khouri every Thursday from 7-8pm on Radio Verulam 92.6FM and online at www.radioverulam.com (click listen live) LONDON/SOUTH-EAST ■ Gerry Byrne hosts Irish Spectrum on Spectrum Radio every Saturday between 1-2pm and between midnight and 1am on
Still, the tipping point of Friday afternoon was closing fast. You know, that finite moment of the week when mournful calm can turn to busy clamour in the space of a few gulps. Then, punters wave €20 notes while shifting weight impatiently from foot to foot. There’s no music of course. There never was in McDaids. Sure you didn’t need it when you had Kavanagh and Flann O’Brien waxing in one corner and Behan wavering in another. Stout felt ready to embrace the quiet of the day. He gathered up an Irish Independent from the counter. It was already limp and worn from too many pageturning-fingers. Stout raised one in the direction of the barman and down went the tap. Wow, he thought, it must be one of the few cities in the world where a stranger can tell your order by subtle gesture alone. Here, they default to Guinness unless told otherwise. So Stout admired the pour, enjoyed the peace while adding wear to the paper. Later, there would be clamour. For now though. McDaids was all about pockets of conversation and pints. Something of an ode to Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan you might say.
VERDICT: Something to write home about!
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rí–rá August 20, 2011
STOUT AND ABOUT
ARTIST JEDWARD
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ADELE AMY WINEHOUSE ADELE BEYONCÉ IMELDA MAY
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Bruno Mars — double Top Ten joy.
August 20, 2011
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SHOWBIZ
Surf’s up! GOOD VIBRATIONS, a film about the life and times of Belfast’s legendary punk ‘godfather’ Terri Hooley, begins production this month (maybe even today!), with its executive producer, Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, and producer David Holmes bossing everybody about. The film, which covers Hooley’s career as manager of The Coleen Rooney Undertones, is set — usly doubts that SHOWBIZ serio it on a cheap flight in her life to star Steve ed has ever slumm not since she met Wayne. ss Coogan and Killing ine or at least, Bono’s Robert AG-turned-bus millionairess W the airlines, having e th r, ve we Ho Sheehan. Armagh to inly no stranger st of man Richard woman is certa nishing 50,000 miles (at a co ar. to as an just one ye in flown s Dormer will play ay lid ho 10 er £216,000) in ov opez, from the Caribbean to Terri himself. Tr e From Ibiza to St i, Coleen’s been burning up th The movie’s title ba Prague and Du ere’s no tomorrow — which at is only tangentially air miles like th te, there won’t be. connected with surfin’ this ra California; the Beach leen. Less bag t very green, Co suggest, no It’s Boys song was also the uld wo biz ow Sh for life, . name of Terri’s recording than WAG for life label and record shop, which he opened in Belfast at the height of the Troubles. This was a time when good vibrations were very thin on the ground in Belfast, and opening a record shop a remarkably impractical thing to do. A bit like opening a plasma TV screen shop in Tottenham today, Showbiz suggests, topically. We just hope the film covers one example of very bad vibrations — when Terri chinned John Lennon for his ‘ill-informed’ views about the struggle in the North. As Terri himself said, “It was a proper haymaker and Lennon landed on his arse”. Maybe they could get Chris de Burgh to play John Lennon, and everybody would be happy.
with Keira Callaghan
Jed see red
WAG for life
SURELY no-one would be surprised by the sight of Jedward looking battered and bruised — there are some who might even say that they had it coming to them — but Showbiz can reveal that it’s all in a good cause. The twins have joined MTV presenter Laura Whitmore, actress Saoirse Ronan, X Factor judge Louis Walsh and Westlife’s Mark Feehily in a hard-hitting campaign to target bullying, allowing themselves to be photographed as victims for publicity posters. “We were bullied at school, but we were lucky in one way as we had each other,” said John (or Edward). “We know first-hand how horrible bullying can be and so we jumped at the opportunity of being part of this campaign.” It’s a serious problem; last year Ireland’s Childline service received around 2,300 calls and messages every SHOWBIZ had day from daughter, Rosa learned that Chris de Burgh’s nna Davison, ha young people, the owner of a s re ce ntly becom cu with almost a The former Misste Pomeranian puppy named e quarter of famous father World assures Showbiz that Ted. is these old bundle of fu as smitten with the three-m her on r as she is, and contacts has been popp thing in for relating to Showbiz sees th regular visits. abuse, e proof that Rosa advent of Ted as yet more including nna’s lover Wesley Qu romance with live-in bullying. irk e is ga th er momentum. Th ing The twins e pa paws this week tter of four tiny meanwhile will be — who knows what next year taking part in may Celebrity Big Brother, bring? which has a new home on Channel 5. Kerry Katona is also set to appear on the reality TV show. God help the rest of the contestants...
Lady andTed
Sassy Saoirse TV presenter Amanda Brunker is not best pleased with young Carlow actress Saoirse Ronan. Saoirse has been making sarky comments about the TV presenter’s musical debut at the Oxegen festival last month, when she stood in for an indisposed Jesse J. The actress joked to that she, too, had aspirations to take to the stage next year, saying that if Amanda could perform then anything was possible. “I don’t want to be mean, but come on. It means I could headline next year. My friend and I are learning the ukulele and are going to hula-hoop,” jested the star, not unamusingly, in Hot Press magazine. Indeed, Amanda’s performance was roundly panned, with the Sunday Independent reckoning her a “pointless nonentity” with a “self-absorbed sense of entitlement”. The other national papers were less kind.
Bob laughs! BACK in the golden age of Hollywood, a lot of people were shocked when actress Greta Garbo made her first comedy, Ninotchka. Indeed, it was so out of character for the gloomy Swede to crack a smile that the poster’s tagline read ‘Garbo laughs!’ A lot of people were rather unnerved — and to be frank, Showbiz feels the same about the new, smiley Bob Geldof. Bob, you see, has said he finally understands what life’s all about, and that all you need is love; to be precise, love for French actress girlfriend Jeanne Marine, with whom he has been in a long-term relationship. “I’d never got it ’til recently, how
Nothing compared 2 her
critical it is to be in love and to be loved,” said Bob. “Writing the song To Live In Love for the new album was a blinding revelation to me, 40 years too late, of course. It surprises me as I race to 60, that things are OK. Who would’ve expected that?” Not Showbiz anyway, who far preferred the grumpy old sod when he didn’t like Mondays, and was so angry at Third World poverty that he swore at us all from the telly. You know you’re getting old when your favourite curmudgeons start to mellow. Still, there’s absolutely no sign of Van Morrison cheering up, so that’s OK.
Have you met Miss Jones?
ODDLY, most of her detractors seem to be Welsh — who says the Irish have the monopoly on begrudgery? — but Showbiz could not be more ed by den sad n bee e hav to one y delighted at the rise and rise of the very-nice-indeed Alex Jones. SHOWBIZ can’t be the onl at The Bray Seaside Festival last or The Carmarthen girl originally had a tough time when she first took the sight of Sinead O’Conn week. over from Co. Down presenter Christine Bleakley as ing bar chma sto g erin in an unflatt co-host of The One Show, but Alex has Overweight and dressed Corr look who once made Andrea ereal, impressed the BBC bosses so much during her black outfit, the woman eth the to e resemblance first year that she’s been hired for another one; in like Mary Byrne bore littl e mesmerised the world oh, and she’s also signed up to be a contestant waif-like beauty who onc Compares 2U video. on the next series of Strictly Come Dancing. the iconic 1990 Nothing a little dysfunctional, Let’s hope Alex can actually dance, and that she Poor Sinead. She may be ays given her alw does a bit better than Kate Garraway, whose but at least she’s Which is Daybreak popularity wasn’t quite enough to conceal children sensible names. for say the fact that she had two left feet, poor lamb. more than you can Sir Bob!
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6
INTERVIEW
rí–rá August 20, 2011
FEATURE
Q uestions A nswers
&
Anna McPartlin Anna’s latest novel, The Truth Will Out, is out now published by Penguin, £6.99.
August 20, 2011
rí–rá
FEATURE REVIEWS
MAGNETIC ATTRACTION Niall O’Sullivan chats to Magnets man Jim Fortune about how the group’s unique a cappella and beat-boxing brilliance has led to international acclaim
Who are your heroes? The compassionate, intelligent, cultured, witty and capable Senator David Norris. Nell McCafferty, Irish journalist, civil rights campaigner and feminist, for the rights she sought and gained for Irish women and my mother for teaching me how to find the smallest glint of light even in the darkest of places. What song would you like played at your funeral? Leonard Cohen’s Tower Of Song. All eight verses please. What record sends a shiver down your spine? The Communards For A Friend, singing along to that song is the closest I’ve ever come to praying. What is your favourite place in Ireland? A place called Kenmare, it’s a small beautiful town nestled between the mountains and the sea in south Kerry. I grew up between Dublin and Kenmare and while Dublin is in my soul, my heart will always be in Kenmare. What is your most treasured possession? My wedding band. What makes you angry? Arrogance. What book influenced you most? Roddy Doyle’s The Barrytown Trilogy. I read it in hospital after having an accident and it was lifechanging because it was after reading it that I decided to walk away from stand-up comedy and focus on storytelling. It’s a special meal — what’s on the menu? Herb and garlic pancakes to start followed by roast lobster in citrus butter and for desert Irish farmhouse cheeses. All can be had in the divine Packie’s restaurant in Kenmare, Co. Kerry. If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be? Every bad decision, impossible situation, loss and trial has made me who I am and brought me to a place of contentment and so despite the pain and suffering I couldn’t possibly change a thing. What gives your life meaning? My friends, family, animals and the fascinating people that continually cross my path. Can you tell me a joke? How do you get a fat woman into bed? Piece of cake.
Can you recommend an interesting website? Of course it’s annamcpartlin.com but if you’re not interested in women’s fiction then standtotours.com offers the chance to go back in time to discover the lost soldiers in World War One. I went on a trip to Belgium and France and it was incredibly moving and humbling. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? If it matters never give up. When did you last cry? Five minutes ago when I played For A Friend after answering the question on what record sends a shiver down my spine. What do you see when you look in the mirror? I see a happy, smiling, fake blonde in not bad shape and never far from the brink of tears. What is your favourite film and why? The Big Lebowski because if I could have ever been a character on screen it would have been The Dude. What is your passion? Telling stories. What do you have hanging on your walls at home that you like looking at most? Pictures of my family and a
beautiful abstract landscape painting by the artist Ken Browne. I spend a lot of my time looking at the faces of the people I love and have loved especially a black and white photo of my mother at a party in the ’60s. She was so beautiful and cool and full of promise. What was your most formative experience? Caring for my mother who had multiple sclerosis and my ageing granny from the age of six until 11. What do you believe in? Possibility. What trait do others criticise you for? Talking too much. What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen or heard? Impossible to say, I find most things hilarious. What is your favourite word one-liner or retort? Call me old fashioned but any sentence with the word ‘f**k’ in it makes me smile or succinctly conveys my state of mind. What would your motto be? Every cloud has a silver lining. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A storyteller. What are the best and worst things about where you live? The people, the beauty and the history are the best things and the rain the misery and negativity is the worst. Which Irish work would you recommend most highly? Anything by Roddy Doyle.
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BOOKS
T
HE MAGNETS perform a cappella. And no, that isn’t some kind of fancy Italian
food. “A cappella is music without instruments,” Jim Fortune, the group’s Irish contingent, says. To many music lovers that might sound like a pretty boring pitch. But for over a decade, The Magnets have surprised audiences of all ages and tastes with their genuinely original work. So what exactly is their problem with instruments? “We don’t have anything against instruments,” Jim says. “But we have found that there is something very powerful and immediately attractive about six blokes using only their vocal cords to create music.” The other five group members include Nick, Michael, Stephen, Fraser and Andy, whose talent for beatboxing has shone through in his drum-less drum solos. Apparently, instruments are simply not necessary to create a complete band sound. At least somebody agrees with Jim because the band that began as a bit of fun in
university has played for the likes of Philip Green, supported Blondie and just got back from a tour of Australia. “I think people hire us because we have no backline,” Jim laughs. “No instruments mean we are easy to get on and off the stage! Although I hope
“
We don’t have anything against instruments. But we have found that there is something very powerful and immediately attractive about six blokes using only their vocal cords to create music. it’s because of the smile we put on people’s faces.” So what makes The Magnets
special? “We like to mess with people’s expectations and play the songs they love like they have never heard them before,” Jim says, likening The Magnets to Westlife. He then smiles and adds: “We are just a little more adventurous with our covers.” That’s an understatement. The Magnets’ back catalogue stretches from Bon Jovi to Blur, from Kraftwerk to Beyoncé and from Joy Division to Adele. Yet somehow none of their work carries the dull aftertaste that follows so many cover songs. That is because The Magnets are brimming with creativity. To cover is one thing, to reinvent is another. For proof that they do the latter, check out their version of Lady GaGa’s Poker Face. “That is not easy to do,” Jim says. “A lot of work goes into those compositions.” But getting that variation into the music is a little easier when you are in a band whose members are as ‘eclectic’ as The Magnets. “You can immediately
tell who has suggested the songs. I would never have suggested Bon Jovi — Joy Division was closer to my taste,” Jim admits. The Magnets also refuse to follow the established blueprint for live music. When the crowd is won over and the end of a gig is approaching, they perform an A-Z medley.
See The Magnets live in Edinburgh at Assembly George Square — Spiegeltent (Venue 3) until August 29. Box office: 0131 623 3030 or And they www.assemblyfestival.com/ managed www.edfringe.com to See entertain www.themagnets.com throughout. for more tour “We also pride dates ourselves on being a
“It gets mental,” Jim says. “We go through film songs from the A-Team to Zulu and the audience shout out the answers. At the moment the highlight of my day is turning up in a blonde wig as Kelly McGillis from Top Gun.” Do not be fooled though. These six men are not a comedy act. After confessing to a fear that there is a terrible review waiting around the corner, Jim adds: “The ideal review would say that The Magnets managed to have a real sense of musical sophistication, which came through in their unusual song choices.
band that has lasted 15 years, during which time nobody has fallen out.” Just as was the case back then, it is the sheer joy beaming from their expanding audience that keeps The Magnets going. “If we were going to break up, it would have happened by now,” Jim says. Once The Magnets return from the Edinburgh Festival, they start a tour of Britain and Germany before heading back to Australia to escape the European winter. “Listen to The Magnets because you may be pleasantly surprised by what people can do with just the human voice,” Jim says. And while there may well be some who still think a cappella is an Italian antipasti, they should definitely give this polyphonic thrill a chance.
In the mood for reading this summer Survivors: Our Story The Nolans Macmillan, £17.99 ISBN 9780283071317 EVERYONE knows The Nolans — four sisters who kicked off their long-standing stint in the limelight through their music and have remained there for all manner of reasons since. The stage, screen and musical favourites remain as tight as ever despite facing many battles along the way. The most recent, Bernie’s battle with breast cancer, is among the saddest of their stories but one which saw the strength of the Irish family once again pull together to face the world as one. Now they have chosen to bare their souls to the world on paper for the first time in Survivors: Our Story. The inspirational tome offers insights into Bernie’s pain, Linda’s own battle with breast cancer and Maureen’s sadness as she watched her mother succumb to Alzheimer’s. This true insight into experiences many can relate to also offers a message of hope and optimism for all. Fiona Audley Elegy For April Benjamin Black Picador, £7.99 ISBN: 9780330509145 LITERARY stalwart John Banville returns to the pen as Benjamin Black in the third edition of his Quirke series. Freshly driedout after a stint in the ‘bin’, quasialcoholic Quirke returns to Dublin to find a mystery has begun and his somewhat estranged daughter is determined they, together, will solve it. Black’s attention
to detail and unwavering ability to paint a scene quickly bring this tale of ’50s Ireland and its pivotal characters startlingly to life. More impressively, the possible mystery of the missing April — and her band of friends who could have all the answers — grabs hold rather silently early on and demands a quick and focused read until those answers are revealed and the characters accounted for. Black brings the expected twists and turns none could have imagined and when the awful truths come aknocking, his eloquence and emotion make them almost bearable. This skilfully crafted piece will leave you wanting more from the everintriguing Quirke. Fiona Audley Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? Claudia Carroll Avon, £7.99 ISBN 978-1847562104 DUBLIN author Carroll is back with another feelgood book, perfect for those days spent holidaying by the beach. The former Fair City actress has become somewhat of a chick-it queen, with her previous book Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother reaching number two on the bestsellers list last year. This latest offering looks at the highs and lows of love and marriage where we discover if absence really does make the heart grow fonder. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? is the story of Annie and Dan — the perfect couple. Only now the not-so-newlyweds are feeling more like flatmates than soulmates. Actress Annie lands a part in a big Broadway production and so as she heads off to New York, the pair decides to hit the pause button on their marriage... one year off from each other, no strings attached! They agree to meet at the Rockerfeller Centre in 12 months to decide their fate. The question is will they both turn up? If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll find it hard to put this book down. Siobhán Breatnach
Reader competition!
The Irish Post has five copies of The Nolans’ Survivors: Our Story to give away to the first readers who email competitions@irishpost.co.uk with Survivors in the subject line.
8
rí–rá August 20, 2011
OUT AND ABOUT
Summer garden party brings out best in Brent Left, Geraldine Connolly from Cork and Billy Neely from Mayo.
WORDS AND PICTURES BY MALCOLM McNALLY THE ANNUAL summer garden party at Innisfree Housing Association’s Clochar Court in Harlesden, North London took place recently. Guest of honour was the Mayor of Brent Cllr Aslam Choudry and entertainment was provided by Mick Bailey and Mick O’Connor from the Wraggle Taggle Céilídh Band and the London Irish Pensioners Choir. A great afternoon was had by residents and guests alike.
Below left, Guest of honour Cllr Aslam Choudry, the Mayor of Brent, is pictured with Bridie Walsh from Roscommon and Philomena De Souza from Cork.
Below right, enjoying the afternoon were, left to right, John Murphy from Kerry, Margaret Gallagher from Mayo and Tom Traynor from Meath.
Left, Dara Millane from the Aran Islands, Julie Horgan from Mayo and Seamus Harvey from Tyrone were among those enjoying the garden party.
In In your your area area ...fundraisers ...céilís ...quizzes ...dinner dances ...language classes ...televised sports ...bingo ... SEND EVENTS IN YOUR AREA TO: listings@irishpost.co.uk
BIRMINGHAM ■ A Very Different County by Irish Post journalist Robert Mulhern is now available to buy in Minstrel Music, The Birmingham Irish Centre, High Street, Deritend Birmingham B12 0LN and The Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Road Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 8UF. Priced £10.99. ■ A social group for Irish mental health service users, carers, supporters and workers meets monthly at The Spotted Dog pub, Alcester Street, Digbeth, Birmingham on the last Friday of each month from 6.30pm. For details email Jackie at greensparks2010@ googlemail.com
BOURNEMOUTH ■ Bournemouth Irish set dancing Thursdays from 8-10.30pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Hall, Douglas Road. Call Theresa on 01202 252480 or Margaret on 01202 888539.
BRENT ■ Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) holds a drop-in session Wednesdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm for advice on housing, DLA and Outreach. Home visits by appointment. Contact 020 8459 6655.
BRISTOL ■ The Hibernia Centre offers tuition in Irish music, dance and song to all ages
and abilities. Saturdays from 9.45am to 12.45pm, St. Andrew’s Hall, Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9EN. £5 per session. Workshops from 10-11.30am, coffee break and then session at noon. www.hiberniacentrebristol.org E-mail information@hiberniacentre or call Jill on 01275 847909 or Alan on 07802 317326.
CHESHIRE ■ Weekly events at the Irish Club, 83 Orford Lane, Warrington, Cheshire WA2 7AL. Monday and Thursdays: Bingo. Tuesdays: Irish dancing. Wednesdays and Sundays: Irish music session. Saturday: Live Irish music. Contact 01925 243363.
CLARE ■ The Clare roots society is hosting a major genealogy and family history conference at the Templegate Hotel in Ennis, Co. Clare on October 1. The event will be held in Templegate Hotel in Ennis and is themed ‘The Future of our Past’. The event will be addresses by leading figures from the world of genealogy and family history. For more information contact Gerry Kennedy on +353877553304 or jamesgkennedy@gmail.com
CRAWLEY ■ The 16th Annual Crawley Irish Festival takes place on August 28 between
12-7pm. Traditional, ballad, country and modern music is set to be played out over two live music stages in addition to the Irish dance stage and céilí marquee. There’s also a special children's entertainment marquee involving games, song and story with particular emphasis on Irish traditions and folklore. In addition, sport and cultural identity are featured prominently with GAA sports, a funfair, workshops, food and craft stalls and displays, with the added attraction of a licensed beer tent with Gaelic sports shown on the big TV screen. ■ The Crawley Celtic and Irish Cultural Centre are looking for extra committee members and volunteers to help organise and run the event. Contact John for more information on john.nolan@celtic-irish.co.uk
EASTLEIGH ■ Eastleigh & District Irish Society, music and dance most weekends. Card school (25s) on Friday nights open to all. Call the club on 02380 613835 (after 3pm) or Tony on 01489 690615 / 07980 880602. E-mail eastleighirishclub@yahoo.co.uk.
GLOUCESTER ■ The Gardiner School of Irish Dancing holds adult classes on Mondays 7-9pm at St. Peter’s Social Club, Gloucester. Contact Sarah on 07792 031042.
LEAMINGTON SPA ■ St. Patrick’s Irish Club, Adelaide Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 3PW, hosts Irish dancing classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm. On the last Thursday of the month there is a Comhaltas session. For more information call 01926 420265.
LEICESTER ■ Gala Day at the Emerald Centre, 450 Gipsy Lane, Leicester, LE50TB, on Saturday August 20. Starts at 12pm. Music from 6pm. Entry fee: Adults 1 pound, children 50p. For more information telephone 0116 2769186.
LIMERICK ■ Revival Literary Journal is calling for submissions from local, national and international poets and writers for the next issue which will be published in Limerick, this month. Submissions, poetry and short fiction or extracts (500 words) now being sought for the next issue. For more information contact The Editor, Revival, Moravia, Glenmore Ave., Roxboro Rd., Limerick. Email: revival1@eircom.net Submission guidelines: www.revivalpress.com.
LIVERPOOL ■ The ninth Liverpool Irish Festival is shaping up to be the most exciting yet, with a programme of music, film, drama, heritage, literature and lectures to suit everybody when the fun kicks into action from October 14-30. Highlights include a weekend of free activities down on the Albert Dock, the second Irish Sea Sessions at the Philharmonic Hall, a week of early evening Irish film at FACT, Beckett at The Unity and the redoubtable Damien Dempsey and his band with their mates Amsterdam at the O2 Academy. For further information, gig listings and tickets visit www.liverpoolirishfestival.com
LONDON ■ The monthly Jump Jive & Shout dance has moved to a new address in Camden. For more information contact Jeniffer Jackson on 020 8964 8399.
■ The Cara Irish Elders Day Centre hold a monthly tea dance at the Haringey Irish Centre, Pretoria Rd, Tottenham, London N17 8DX. Raffle, & live music. Entrance £3. Lunch available at 12 noon – combined lunch & tea-dance £5. Booking essential. For more information call 020 8801 1739. ■ Watch all this summer’s Inter-county GAA live in The Hop Pole Pub, 64 Putney Bridge Road, W18 1HR Wandsworth, London. ■ London Irish Network’s New Members club is always held on the second Saturday of the month at O'Neills in Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AA. This is a very popular pub with friendly staff. New Members Night is open to everyone especially those with an interest in all things Irish. All are welcome. Contact Caireann McElligott on 07504 122274. ■ New Irish dancing classes take place in Harrow every Thursday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. The classes take place at St. Joseph’s Scout Hall, Claremount Road, Harrow Weald, HA3 7AU. Girls and boys over four years-old and of all levels are welcome. Meanwhile, Keep fit with the céilí classes continue in the same venue on Wednesdays from 8-9.30pm. For more details see www.keepfitwithceili.co.uk or contact Denise Rochford on 07984 675481. ■ A new Irish dancing school at the Tab Centre, Austin Street in Shoreditch is offering classes for children from age four. Kids classes start at 6-7pm and adult classes take place on 7-8pm. Teacher Emma Collins is a fully qualified Irish Dance Teacher registered with An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha and is CRB checked. She previously taught in Newmarket, Cambridge, and even further afield in Tokyo. Contact Emma for further details in the evening
and at weekends on 077 2569 8706 or by email on emmacollins2003@yahoo.co.uk. ■ The Meath Association of London hold their monthly meetings on the second Monday of the month at the Gwalia Club Manor Park Road Harlesden NW10 starting at 8.30pm all members are welcome to attend. Tel: Club secretary Mary Lynch on 020 8961 0235 or PRO Michael Kearney on 020 8961 0874. ■ Find out more about the Monaghan Association in London, affiliated to the Council of Irish Counties with fundraising events linked to Shabara Charity Foundation. Contact mairead. liston@hotmail.co.uk or 07802 454978. ■ The Heston set and céilí class run Tuesdays from 8.15pm to 10.15pm in the Pope John Centre, the Green, Heston Road, TW5 0HB. Beginners welcome. ■ Principal teacher Denise Rochford, of the Rochford School of Irish Dancing, offers tuition in the traditional Irish art to children aged four and above with no experience necessary. Classes take place for an hour on Saturdays from 11am at St. Matthews RC Church in Hallowell Road, Northwood. Call 07984 675481 or email drochy@hotmail.co.uk. ■ Sunday nights ‘Real Céilí’ at the London Irish Centre in Camden, Camden Town. Tuition starts 8pm, partners not needed. Cost £4. ■ The Offaly Association London meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. New members welcome. Contact 020 8202 2225. Enquiries to Denis on 020 8200 3039 and Peter on 07876213091 ■ Irish Language group Cuideachta meets monthly at The Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith for an evening of conversation and music. All levels of
August 20, 2011
rí–rá
9
OUT AND ABOUT
CD launch a big success Musical entertainment was provided by Mick O’Connor and Mick Bailey of the Wraggle Taggle Céileidh Band.
Graham Clifford with Irish Post music man Joe Giltrap and Editor Malcolm Rogers. Dancing at the Clochar Court summer garden party were Mary McCabe from Carlow and Seamus O'Brien from Donegal.
Below and right, musicians on the night.
Left to right, Mary McCabe and Celilia Byrne from Carlow, Dominic McDonnell from Mayo, Patricia Maxwell from Leitrim and Ann McCabe from Carlow.
fluency welcome. Contact Dónal on 020 8348 5016. ■ Are you an Irish woman, aged 55 plus, with a longing to act? Professional Theatre Director, Rosalind Scanlon, is leading drama workshops in London. Contact Rosalind on 077 42320001 or Irishtheatre@btconnect.com. ■ Irish Community Services (formerly Irish in Greenwich) hosts five lunch clubs across three Boroughs — Greenwich, Bexley and Lewisham. All clubs run from 12.30-2.30pm. Meals cost £3.50. ICS also hosts a fortnightly Tea Cake Club at Our Lady of Grace, Charlton from 1-3pm. Contact Angela on 07727 817559 or Chris 07727 969236 or 020 8854 4466. ■ The Kelly Academy of Irish dancing holds classes every Saturday at McGowans Function Room, 225-227 Edgware Road, London, NW9 6LU and Tuesdays at The Green Man pub (Function Room) 6-7pm, Kingsbury. Classes with Rachelle Kelly for boys and girls aged three upwards. Tel: 07747 125282 or email: RachelleKelly3@hotmail.com. ■ East London Comhaltas hold Irish music classes Mondays from 7-9pm at Ilford Catholic Club, 324 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1QP. £5 per class. Contact Louis McAuliffe on 07831 490903 or email Orlaith at orlaith.mcauliffe@yahoo.co.uk ■ The Irish Film Group meets Wednesdays 7-9.30pm at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith. Admission £5. ■ St. Kiernan’s Gaelic Football club are currently looking for new players. St. Kiernan’s Underage and Senior Gaelic Football club are a friendly family orientated North London club who are situated at Mill Hill Rugby Club
Cecilia Greene from Leitrim, Scheme Manager at Clochar Court, is pictured with her three-year-old nephew Rian Walshe and local Police Community Support Officer Guler Mustafa.
Champions Way, London, NW7 2EL. The underage club currently operate at the under-8,10,12,14 and 16 age range and our senior club operate at under-18, 21 and senior age range and are looking for new and interested players to come and join. Contact Declan Ryan on 07818 023639 or visit www.stkiernans.com.
MANCHESTER ■ St. Kentigern’s Irish Social Club welcomes everybody to the family school night featuring DJ Tricky Mickey. On Saturday join the fun again to enjoy the thrill of the races with the added bonus of a late bar and a motown disco. Ticket both each event cost £2. The social club is located at Fallowfield, Manchester M14 7DW ■ Talbot Catholic Club, Eldon Place, Patricroft, Eccles M30 8QE. Mondays, belly dancing class; Tuesdays, Irish dancing class; Wednesday, Slimming World class; Fridays, private functions in the Concert Room, Free ’n’ Easy in the Lounge. Last Wednesday of the Month: Manchester Irish Vintage Tractor Association. All enquiries on 0161 789 1021. ■ The Claddagh Association of Adult Irish Dance hold Step and Fíor céilí classes Mondays 7-9pm at the Irish World Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester. Beginners welcome. Call Chris on 01706 521480.
MILTON KEYNES ■ Events at the Milton Keynes Irish Centre, Manor Fields, Watling Street, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2HX. Irish music session on the first Friday of the month, from 8pm. traditional Irish music lessons held fortnightly on Saturday mornings, 10am to noon. The Julie Herlihy School of Irish
Dancing hold classes on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Call 07729 468075 or visit www.herlihyirish dancing.co.uk ■ The Mary Drake school of Irish Dancing hold classes Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings for boys and girls aged three upwards. Call Claire Bunker on 07857 017924 or see www.mary-drakeschool.co.uk. Also see call the centre on 01908 375978 or visit www.irishcentremk.com.
NOTTINGHAM & EAST MIDLANDS ■ If you live in the East Midlands, keep up to date with Irish events by joining the East Midlands Irish Forum on Facebook.
SLOUGH ■ Set dancing classes Thursdays, 8.30pm at the Slough Irish Club, Sheehy Way, Wexham, SL2 5SS. Contact Pat O’Sullivan on 07932 008547.
WARWICKSHIRE ■ Quigleys Saturday Night Session has attracted artists like Sean Cannon, Finbar Furey, James Morrison, John Connolly and is a venue to find British folk artists on their way to the Warwick Folk Festival. Quigleys is in Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2RS.
WIGAN ■ The Brian Boru IDL Club on Bryn Street, Ashton in Makerfield hosts line dancing Mondays from 3pm plus sing-along with Mike Callaghan. Irish dancing classes Tuesdays from 6.30pm with Herring Clarke School of Dancing. Ashton CCE have music classes Thursdays 7pm-10pm. Social afternoon Fridays from 2pm with Mike Callaghan. Irish Country music.
Above, Graham is pictured with Sean Roche, Linda Kissane, Anita Houlihan and Barry O’Sullivan. Right, also at the CD launch were Frances Lynch, Oliver Tirado and Anna Davis. Below, Kathleen Moynihan and Bill McCormack enjoying the evening. Below right, Brendan and Linda Connolly from Connolly's Bar in Chiswick were among the audience at the Irish Cultural Centre.
PICTURES BY MALCOLM McNALLY THE DEBUT album by new singer on the block Graham Clifford was launched recently at the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith, London. Clifford, a Kerry native, sung a selection of tracks from his album called A Longing For Home.
Graham on stage.
10
LOOK BACK
Look Back:
OUT AND ABOUT
The stories hitting The Irish Post headlines this week in years gone by…
Twenty Years Ago… 1991: Cuts could kill us ■ ONE of Britain’s premier Irish studies centres was threatened with closure this week. The three-year-old Institute of Irish Studies at the University of Liverpool was facing financial crisis just weeks before the new academic year was due to start. Liverpool University had helped establish the institute but its own mounting financial problems forced it to look inwards for cutbacks to ease its budget deficit. The recent liquidation of building company Declan Lynch plc, one of the institute’s biggest backers, did not help matters. Dr Patrick Buckland, director of the Institute of Irish Studies, claimed the crisis comes, ironically, at a time when its work was flourishing — with no shortage of takers for their graduate and undergraduate courses and the institute’s academic provisions continuing to expand. “Properly funded, we could be expanding even more, doing an M.Sc in modern Irish society for example,” Mr Buckland said. Mr Buckland had spent the past few months travelling extensively across Britain and Ireland to raise funds — but his task was marred by the recession, with many pledging
moral rather than financial support.
Twenty-five Years Ago… 1986: RTÉ launch in Britain ■ THE IRISH Government was expected to give permission to RTÉ to link with Radio Luxembourg this week to form a new commercial radio service to be broadcast in Britain. With Britain claiming they would not have a national commercial service before 1990, RTÉ hopes the decision could allow them to capitalise on lucrative advertising opportunities by providing 12 hours a day of pop music for the under-30 age group across the country. “It will be like London’s Capital Radio nationwide,” an RTÉ source said. The new service, a company entirely separate from RTÉ, would have the working name of Radio Tara. A Government green light for the money-spinning project would see RTÉ acquire a longwave transmitter located on the east coast of Ireland — possibly in Co. Wexford. The British Independent Broadcasting Authority posed no objection to the possibility of the new service, stating: “Radio Luxembourg has always transmitted legally and, as long as the new operation goes out on a frequency that has been allocated to RTÉ, then there is nothing that we will want to do about it.”
rí–rá August 20, 2011
Ballina Festival was ‘Tradtastic’ PICTURES BY TONY HENNIGAN
The Hothouse Flowers perform.
THE first Irish Post sponsored Ballina Music Festival was hailed a tradtastic affair by traders and visitors to the town on the banks of the River Moy in Co Mayo. It featured the very best of Ireland’s top traditional acts and a young traditional Irish band called Tradtastic, who won the busking competition. Thousands of visitors attended the festival, which featured two open air concerts over the weekend. Hothouse Flowers kick started the festival on the Friday night and Sharon Shannon and her big band featuring the award winning Manchester fiddle player Dezi Donnelly headlined the Saturday night. Over 30 acts were involved in the free festival with the pubs, clubs and hotels full to capacity.
Sharon Shannon live.
The stage and right: Musician Dezi Donnelly.
Grace O’Boyle and Dayna Hopkins with Annettte Carey from the awardwinning Full Irish radio show. Sharon Shannon with Saturday’s busking champions Tradtastic.
T h e M e rr y M o n k • Live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday • Traditional music every Friday night • Open seven days a week
• Breakfast served from 9am
Joe Lavelle – owner of the Merry Monk bar in Ballina. Right: Dezi Donnelly with Mozart’s nightmare – winners of Friday’s busking competition.
• Homecooked carvery food from 12-4pm • A la carte menu from 4-9pm
B a l l i n a , C o . M a yo , t e l : o o 3 5 3 9 6 7 3 9 9 0
Sandra Cribben from Ballina Chamber, Lawrence Hennigan from the Manchester Irish Festival and organisers David Dwane and Mark Winters.