October 6th '06
Reviewed by Christy
For many years I have been an (very) occasional visitor to the Góilín Singers Club. I recall four different venues since my first visit. It is unique, in that it is run by singers who share a deep love for singing and for songs - they are the primary purpose. The listening is intense and the fare is very varied. All manner of singing and songs are tolerated but the emphasis is very much on what might be loosely described as Folksongs, be they Traditional, Sean Nós, Ballads old and new in English and Irish. There is a small network of similar gatherings around the country, each remaining autonomous but they seem to support each other to foster and further a mutual love of songs.
The format of the Góilín is a weekly singaround with as many as is possible getting an opportunity to sing. Occasionally a guest will be invited to sing a set of songs. There is no stage, nor is there amplification. Yet no matter how quietly the song be sung it will be heard for the room has great acoustics. The publican would appear to have great regard for the ethos of the club. Well able to serve the drink (and Tea - God save us) without disrupting the listeners. Despite the restrained atmosphere I describe, the fun element of songs is well to the fore and never forgotten. Instruments are not particularly welcome but, occasionally, a blind eye might be turned to an errant guest who needs their soother.
The proceedings are marked by the ringing of a sweet bell and order for the singer is the order of the day. There is no cover charge but a collection is made to cover expenses - the recommended contribution being 3 euro. (I have started writing a song called "The Box Dodgers" or "Auld Dodge The Box").
On the night in question the following songs were heard:
Its a Fine Flower The Lily......Colin Batho
Mourne Maggie....................Barry Gleeson
Drumsna Bachelors...............Roisín Gaffney (also sang Bridget;s pill)
Bonnie Lass O'Morning...........Mary Canniffe
Isolde's Chapel.....................Jerry O'Reilly (a song for Frank Harte written by Pat Burke)
Tiochfaidh an tSamraidh.........Maire Ní Cronáin
My Old Man..........................Andrew Clarke
Galtee Mt.Boy/Kit Conway.......Manus O'Riordan
The Auld Thrashing Machine.....Johnny Collins
No More Fishing......................Tom Crean
The Life of a Man....................Luke Cheevers
Amhrán Muinish.......................Míchéal MacRaghnall
The Sands of San Miguel..........Tony Canniffe
Doctor Crematorium.................Anne Buckley
Back Home in Derry..................Diarmuid Breathnach (with a new original air)
Margaret Burke Sheridan...........Pat Burke
The Note that Lingers...............Robert Kelly (written by Colum Sands)
Reconciliation..........................Colin Batho (written by Ron Kavana)
I was the guest on the night and I sang
The well below the Valley
Middle of the Island
O My lovely Young One
The 2 Conneeleys
Quinte Brigada
Smoke and Strong whiskey
St Brendans Voyage
Magic Nights
Stitch in time
Burning Times
Three hours later we went down the stairs sated in song after a memorable gathering.
We'll be back soon.