Abair Amhrán . Fleadh Nua . Songs and Singers
25 June 2011, 12:06 AM GMT
ABAIR AMHRÁN . FLEADH NUA . SONGS AND SINGERS
It has been said that of all the traditional arts singing is sometimes neglected. Fleadh Nua 2011 certainly dispelled any fears in this regard when one considers that 83 singers performed to capacity audiences at the three sessions which were held in the Old Ground Hotel.
On Friday night Robbie McMahon was the recipient of the Fleadh Nua Gradam Ceoil for his lifelong commitment to the preservation and promotion of Traditional singing . Robbie has enthralled audiences all over Ireland, the UK and the US for more than 70 years with his inimitable style of singing and lilting and with his infectious good humour. Winner of several All Ireland titles for singing in English and Irish, lilting and newly composed ballads, he holds court on the first Friday of each month in Duggan’s in Spancilhill at a soirée known “Robbie’s First Friday.” Robbie’s life received the Hollywood treatment in the shape of the acclaimed film documentary “Last Night as I Lay Dreaming.” No stranger to accolades, the esteemed office of President of the Ennis Singers’ Club sits lightly on his shoulders and Robbie was recently accorded a civic reception by Clare County Council. A notable participant on several Comhaltas tours, he received the Gradam Seirbhíse two years ago. Robbie’s talent is not confined to his fine voice as evidenced by the many great songs such as “The Old Man in the Hob” and “The Red Cross Social” which he has composed, but “The Fleadh down in Ennis” must surely rank as his masterpiece .
On Saturday night Declan Coyne ,of the South Roscommon Singers circle was honoured. Declan has organised and continues to organise various music sessions throughout the county. He has produced two books on Roscommon Music and Musicians. He is a founder member and MC of the South Roscommon Singers Circle which meets on the first Saturday of each month in Jimmy Murray’s in Knockcroghery. (As well as being a fine singer and promoter of traditional singing , the late Jimmy Murray had the distinction of captaining Roscommon footballers to All Ireland glory in ’43 and in ’44.) Declan is coordinator/director of the Knockcroghery International Singers Festival and Annie McNulty Award . He has been involved in the production of a number of books and CDs , the most recent being “Alone By The Wild Wood ( a collection of Roscommon songs) .
All Ireland football medallist, All Ireland Champion singer , raconteur , writer and composer Garry McMahon , who passed to his eternal reward on March 5th. 2008 was remembered on Sunday night . Though he practised law for 46 years in Newcastle West he always retained an affinity with his Kerry heritage and this is reflected in his many great songs , which reflect his life interests. Garry sang of emigration , the heartbreak of exile and his love of place, his love of sport , his concerns for the environment. One of his songs “The Land of the Gael has been recorded by several artistes . He wrote two masses in Irish , which have been broadcast by Radio Eireann .The West Limerick singers joined us for this tribute to their erstwhile attendee and esteemed friend.
May I express my gratitude to the Fleadh Nua committee for affording me the opportunity to coordinate and present these singing sessions .
Posted By Seosamh O'Conchubhair
