Andy O'Brien of The Irish Tradition and I also sang + some fine local singers.

Today, Frank is winging his way back to Ireland. He is also - TODAY - celebrating his 40th birthday. To mark that occasion, the following song was created. Some Mudcatters may not know there there is a long-standing tradition in Irish folk song of painting occasions in a different light for comic effect. Look at "Lanigan's Ball" if you don't believe me. Frank was great last night.

1999 was the date of the year
A software salesman from Ireland came here
To take all our dollars and carry them awa'
"And to give them some culture," says ould Frank Gra'.

'Twas at Hilton Towers that place of renown
The computer trade show in New York went down
With Wall Street tycoons and financial swells
Perusing the programs all whistles and bells.

Well Frank walked the floor with confidence strong
And told all the bankers he could right all their wrongs
With programs discrete and secure and so fine.
And he promised delivery in good Irish time.

By the time the show ended, Frank's order book filled
And the pastures of Wall Street our hero had tilled.
But then says he, "There's just one thing more,
I'll have to visit Macy's departmental store."

With 2 children in Nenagh and a wife to preside
If he came home empty handed they all would deride
His elegant effort in New York's fair town
And greet his return with a scoff and a frown.

The shopping completed he next set his sights
On New York's traditional musical heights
To the Blarney Star tavern he then turned his eyes
To return back to Nenagh with a folksinging prize.

There was Andy from Killarney and Bob from the Isle
And Deirdre from Connecticut and Bonnie likewise
The American champion he too was there
And all sang that night with an elegant flair.

The last to the stage was our hero so mild
And he started with a ballad so rare and so wild
'Twas "The Finding of Moses" by Thomas Moran.
The previous singers then got up and ran.

Two more from Frank and the crowd they did roar "Bedad!" then they cried, "We hope you don't know more.
When's the next plane to Ireland?" they quickly enquired
And to a waiting taxi ould Frank he was squired.

Now McGra' he looked up and he sagged his ould tail
Informing the audience, "Sure, I know what you mean.
'Tis the same thing in Ireland and Britain also
Where my brand of folksinging is not much the go."

Once more back to Nenagh our hero did stride
With parcels from Macy's hanging down from his side.
He's cured of folksinging in Columbia the fair.
He's back in Tipperary and glad to be there.

Happy Birthday, Frank. May you have a hundred more!

All the best,
Dan

Frank have a happy birthday and may god be with you always.

bless skarpi Iceland.

THE SONGS WERE MANGLED

While Dan's praise is fictional
Dan's song is factual
And the pain was actual
Of the listeners all

So while clearly audible
And effort laudable
Frank's tone was noteable
As a donkey's call

So here's the lesson
Just don't be messin'
When your profession
You try to change

Just stick to sellin'
And stop your yellin'
For McGrath's callin'
Is not on stage

Oh the notes he bungled
And the words he fumbled
And the tunes all tumbled
Out of key

And the audience wrangled
To a voice that strangled
As the songs were mangled
By Frank McG.

God Bless and sincere thanks for the kind words, the song and wonderful night. (Thanks for the birthday wishes Skarpi)
Frank

slainte

alison

You now have to sing both Dan's song and your own compositin above when we meet at Deirdre's tape launch on 2nd July.

Tell our catter friends about Deidre and her new website.

Well done and its not true. Life begins at 52.

George

Where's the launch?

regards

This is a fabulous recording and is a must for everyone interested in traditional song. There is something for everyone here. Beautiful tradition in both Irish and English and a number of original songs which are guaranteed to move anybody. Her rendition of her own song, Dunblane, is simply incredible as proved by the response of the audience when she performed it in the Goílín singing club in May.

The tracks on the album are as follows;
1. Leaving of Limerick
2. Siúil a Rúin
3. Sliabh Geal gCua
4. Ned of the Hill
5. From the Grave
6. Willie Taylor
7. The Great Atlantic
8. Bruach na Carraige Báine
9. May Morning Dew
10. Dunblane
11. The Parting Glass

From the Grave, The Great Atlantic and as previously mentioned, Dunblane, are Deirdre's own compositions. Here, Deirdre proves to be as gifted a writer and composer as she is a uniquely splendid singer. With both talents coming to bear on these three tracks they are without doubt the most memorable and moving songs on this wonderful recording.

Deirdre has a web site now;
http://members.xoom.com/d_scanlan/ http://members.xoom.com/d_scanlan/
Nenagh Singers Circle

Should be a great night Martin. Will you be down?

George

If I can make it - I will! Best wishes to Deirdre and the NSC, either way.

Regards