Saturday, September 24, 2005

According to Terje Øye's Dubliners' site, Paddy Reilly has left the Dubliners. There is no further information as to why or who will take his spot. In my opinion (for what it's worth) Patsy Watchorn is a perfect choice; or perhaps Danny Doyle. Unless, of course, Ronnie's thinking of coming back.

Tuesday, August 9, 2005

My thanks to Bill Smith (of the Corrie Folk Trio) for keeping my up to date.

Here are links  to Paddie Bell's obituary and Ian McCalman's tribute (to Paddie) both from the Scotsman.

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Wednesday, August 3, 2005


Paddie Bell passes away
It seems I'm only posting obituaries lately…I just received this sad new from Bill Smith (leader of the Corrie Folk Trio)…“Sadly, I just had word that Paddie Bell died this evening at six o'clock, a couple of hours ago, following a three month spell in hospital.”

Gavin Browne has posted a nice tribute to Paddie at the Corries website.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Jack Keir passes away.

More sad news, from Jim McLean. “Jacky was well known in the Paisley/Glasgow folk scene in the late fifties and early sixties. He was one of the original Eskimoes and is featured on the cover of Ding Dong Dollar. He died on Tuesday 19^th July from Motor Neuron disease. He was the most kind and gentle guy I knew.”

Tuesday, July 5, 2005

The Dubliners will be featured in a forthcoming book Beautiful Day: 40 Years of Irish Rock more details at www.beautifuldayrock.com.

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Jim Flanagan and Sean McGuiness sent me the sad news of the death of traditional Dublin singer, Frank Harte. I had pleasure of seeing Frank one time in Dublin at the Focus Theatre.

From RTE news: 27 June 2005 22:29
The renowned Dublin singer and record maker Frank Harte has died at the age of 72. Born in Chapelizod, he was well known for his rendition of songs and produced a book on 'Dublin Street Songs'. Mr. Harte, a retired architect, was also a great collector of songs, from Dublin and Northern Ireland. He also has a string of recordings to his name, most notably 'Through Dublin City', 'Daybreak', 'A Candle End' and his most recent production about the famine entitled 'Great Hunger'. Mr. Harte had a particular fondness for the late 18th Century French leader Napoleon Bonaparte, and wrote a number of songs about him.

Photo of Frank Harte from the National Concert Hall website

Thursday, May 19, 2005

I recently heard from Seamus Robinson, author of “TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO”, “THE PROVIE BIRDIE” and "BRAVE FRANK STAGG". In my opinion, “TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO’ has to be considered one of the (4 or 5) best Irish Folk songs written since the 1970’s My sincere thanks to Seamus for granting permission to post his lyrics, as well as his additional information on each song.

“ The WOLFHOUND were the first to put the song on vinyl; first as a single and then as feature song on an album. I can still remember DANNY (R.I.P.) and the rest of the group packed into the small front room of my home in Beechmount in June '74,and them hearing the song for the first time, played on a small cassette recorder. I still have the recorder but often wonder what became of that first primitive demo.

Since then "TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO" has been performed by many artistes, notably the late Kathleen Mc Cready/Largey/Thompson on her "PRICE OF JUSTICE" album. Christy Moore did a version; also the Dublin City Ramblers; and Derek Warfield did a moving duet  with Andy Cooney. This song will make sure that Michael Gaughan is not forgotten.”

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TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO
Lyrics and Music - Seamus Robinson (aka S. Mac Roibin)

Chorus:
Take me home to Mayo across the Irish sea
Home to dear old Mayo where once I roamed so free
Take me home to Mayo there let my body lie
Home at last in Mayo beneath an Irish sky

My name is Michael Gaughan, from Ballina I came
I saw my people suffering and swore to break their chains
I raised the flag in England prepared to fight or die
Far away from Mayo beneath an Irish sky

Chorus

My body cold and hungry in Parkhurst Jail I lie
For loving of my country, on hunger strike I die
I have but one last longing I pray you'll not deny
Bury me in Mayo beneath an Irish sky

Chorus

Visit Seamus Robinson's new website.

Saturday, April 23, 2005

Cyril Tawney, mainstay of the English folk scene for many years, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday 21^st April after a long and courageous battle with illness.

Cyril Tawney's website