A Meeting of Musicians
Barney McKenna, John Sheehan, Gerry Tully, Declan Flynn, Billy Condon, and Eamonn Campbell.
In the days before the internet or mobile phones it took extra interest in life to bring a camera, in this case, it was Doreen McKenna, Barney’s relation who went to the trouble of taking a few photos on a great night. I don’t remember the year.
Declan Flynn and myself were playing regular gigs around County Meath. We were asked to play a few tunes at this event, I think it was a fundraiser for a senior citizens’ of the town, held in Scoil Mhuire, Trim. We were excited that a few of the lads from The Dubliners had promised to come along too.
In the photo is Barney McKenna, John Sheehan, Gerry Tully, Declan Flynn, Billy Condon and Eamonn Campbell. We shared a drink and a chat together before we started. Eamonn Campbell was an interesting character enquiring about the music I liked and my guitars and gigs. Even back then I was known for breaking strings, Eamonn suggested I use graphite under the strings. “It’ll give the string a bit of movement” he said “Just run a pencil along the grooves of the strings.” I used his idea for ages and I like to think it did some good.
Barney was a magnet for people, the people around him delighted in him speaking about Trim, Howth and Burl Ives while playing tunes to limber up.
Declan and myself went on first playing the tunes and songs we were most confident with, we felt we were being watched. Declan could play most instruments to a very high standard and could play any style. I sang a few ballads to begin and carried on for about forty minutes. Declan played fiddle first playing The Four Poster Bed, There Chicken Reel, finishing off with Tunes on the low whistle. Dec’s version of The Lament For Steaker Wallace was special.
The lads got up with us and they took the lead on tunes. I sang Cavan Girl and Back Home In Derry. Both songs went great, I was a foot taller leaving the place. Declan and me headed back to Mick Leonard’s pub where the regular Monday night session was in full swing. We played late into the night.