I want to play with Dennis O’Connor and Con Moynihan – the local musicians playing Sliabh Luchra music. I call into McCarthy’s at 3:00 and it is so packed with musicians and listeners that it is impossible. I walk across the street to The Crown and find a lovely quiet session with Connor Daly on fiddle. “oh I remember you; you’re Georgia’s father”. I am getting used to that. Also playing are Maura O’Connor concertina, Darragh Horan guitar, David Healy box, & Michael (Mee-hawl in Irish) Broderick banjo. Some great tunes with some joy in the playing. Michael’ sister Eileen Broderick voice, its sitting behind us. She knows Spencer Murray from Edmonton as they were at U Limerick together last year doing the Trad program.
Next I wander up to the half Barrel where there is a great crowd and the Sliabh Luchra session I was looking for with Dennis O’Connor banjo, Tom O’Connell banjo and Niall O’Connor grey Paulo Soprano box. The session continues till 8-ish. The only musicians left are Sheila Coakley whistle and Joan Hanrahan box and myself. But there are dancers so we are pressed into service playing slides and polkas. Clear the tables and 4 couples are up dancing fast and furious.
Dirk Hofman bodhran from Holland calls in then Greta Curtin comes to collect the 2 of us and take us to Brosna. Dirk and I meet yearly at the POK and take turns driving to Brosna so the other can drink. But at the Saturday session Greta offers to be the driver “as long as you don’t fight over who will drive next year!”
A great night in Brosna with Greta & me playing loads of tunes and singing from myself and all and sundry. Greta’s parents Liam & are present. And the Baron. And Tom And Michael Moriarity. At 2:00 am Greta packs up the concertina and it’s back to CI. Next year Dirk. Next year Greta.