Clann Gathering Report 2002

In the bar of the Courtyard pub I met up with Pat O'Shea from New Zealand. Over a quick bite to eat and a pint of beer we had an interesting chat on many topics ranging from aboriginal land rights, the transportation of nuclear material on the high seas and the 1985 bombing of the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland by French secret service agents. It sounds very serious now but we managed to keep the conversation light with humour and a good old moan about our respective governments. We got on well and sat together in the function room for the evening of song and dance. It all began with a handful of songs by the John Furlong Group, who I seem to remember also played at the previous gathering. Later a troupe of young Irish dancers from the Furlong Dance School quite literally kicked things into life with an energetic and well choreographed display of traditional Irish dancing. The dance floor was a blur of colour and movement as the brightly dressed young things danced feverishly to the music. The audience loved every minute of it and showed their appreciation with a loud round of applause.

The band then proceeded to play a set of traditional Irish tunes and emigrant songs, which was appropriate considering the large number of cousins from overseas. As the evening wore on I began to realise that Pat O' Shea knew the words to nearly all of the songs whereas my ignorance of them was almost totally complete. Pat informed me that she played in a band back home in New Zealand and that her children were also involved in music. With each song she became a little more animated and vocal. Then I took leave of my senses and did something I would never normally contemplate; I went up to the bandleader and told him about Pat. Three minutes later her name was called out and as Pat rose from her chair so my heart sank. I had put her on the spot and felt horribly responsible for what might happen in the next thirty seconds. She had a quick word with the musicians and I considered doing a runner while her back was turned. I decided to stay and thank god I did, for as soon as the first pure, clear note left her I knew everything was going to be okay. With each successive note Pat grew in confidence and the band, recognising her obvious talent contented them selves with a gentle supporting role. Pat sang two songs; "Spinning Wheel" and "You Will Be The Light" and the audience were vocal in their approval. When she returned to her seat I explained that, having heard her voice I no longer felt the slightest tinge of guilt at putting her name forward. I would urge any of you in New Zealand to find out where Pat plays for you will not be disappointed.

Later in the evening Martin Slater from Southampton, England gave us a beautiful demonstration of classical guitar. The evening finished around midnight and I headed back to Clone House. As usual a few diehards stayed behind running the risk of having their coaches turn back into pumpkins.