Diarmuid O'Leary and The Bards

On Sunday Night October 22nd I had the privilege of being Compere at a variety show organised by The Mansfield and Dukeries Irish Association, the show was held in the magnificent Lindhurst Suite at Mansfield Civic Centre.
The show got underway at 7.30pm, first on stage was a local group called “Calm Down”, the group entertained us with a variety of traditional and modern Irish and English music and song, their performance was dedicated to the late Steve Milner who was a member of the group for many years and passed away recently. Next on stage was Birmingham’s very own Michael Collins who very kindly travelled all the way from Birmingham to add to the entertainment of the evening, Michael’s first monologue was the story about his dream of ‘Winning the Lottery’, next up was the hilarious story about going on “The Summer Holiday”, after a rapturous round of applause Michael was called back on stage to tell us all about “Going to Confession”. After a short interval it was then time for the star attraction of the evening.

The Bards

On introducing Diarmuid O’Leary and The Bards they got a fantastic welcome as they made their way through the auditorium to go on stage, within minutes they had the audience captivated by their unique blend of music, song and humour, Diarmuid sang several of his well known songs and some which I had not heard before, and of course he had several requests for “The Oldest Swinger in Town”, Christy Sheridan who plays Mandolin and Banjo added to the performance with some excellent renditions of fine Irish tunes including “Mise Eire”, one tune on Christy’s “Silver Notes” C D is very special to me, the tune is track four and is called “Si Beag:Si Mor” the tune was written by the famous Bard Turlough O’ Carolan and relates to two hills close to where I was born and reared in Leitrim. The third member of the bards Michael Smith (Known as Smithy) also put on a wonderful performance with his unique comedy and fine singing, at the end of their show the audience did not want them to leave the stage and they kindly did four more numbers.

The Bards Worldwide

Following the show I had the opportunity to have a good chat with Diarmuid, Christy and Michael, I was anxious to learn about their travels, I have countless requests for their songs and Christy’s Instrumental C D on my radio show, on asking how long they have been together Diarmuid replied with a big smile “Donkey’s Years”, their catchphrase is the rare Irish greeting “How’s She Cuttin”, over the years the group have travelled worldwide, they appear regularly in England, Scotland and Wales, all over Europe and the United States and Canada and in recent years they have been to perform in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpar, Indonesia, Baghdad and Dubai and also make regular trips to Iceland. Even in places where English is not the first language they still have packed houses to enjoy their unique music, song and comedy.
They told me their recordings receive regular airplay all over the world, they have also appeared on TV Shows on Irish Television, and also on the BBC and ITV networks.
If you ever have the chance to go and see Diarmuid, Christy and Smithy you will be guaranteed a good nights entertainment.

Mansfield and Dukeries
Irish Association

Earlier this year I had an E-mail from Fr Jim Burke the Parish Priest of Forest Town, in his message he told me about their plans to form an Irish Association in the Mansfield area, I was delighted to hear of a new Irish Association being formed as so many Irish Clubs and Associations are disbanding and closing down due to lack of support.
I was delighted when Fr Jim invited me to come and join them on Sunday night at their first major fund raising event for the construction of their new community centre on the site close to St Patrick’s Church in Forest Town. The project will cost somewhere in the region of Half Million Pounds, the centre will be a focal point for the community.
Before the show I met with Fr Jim and the committee, they are a very ambitious and well-focused group I could clearly see by their enthusiasm and motivation, and the attendance at the show that they are certainly going to achieve their ambition in building their new centre.

New Home for the Association

Along with their now regular planned fund raising shows the association meets on the first Wednesday of each month, I was at their first social in “The Black Bull” in Woodhouse Road, Mansfield on September 6th, there was a good attendance and several fine musicians, Chairman of the Association “Tony Cummins told me they were delighted to be accommodated at this fine pub for their monthly social nights, he went on to say this is a fine well run traditional pub which suits our requirements perfectly. I would like to thank Dave and Jackie personally for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. They are deserving of our support, apart from our monthly committee and social nights, the Irish Community in Mansfield now have a permanent base, where we are guaranteed a warm welcome, listen to good Irish music in friendly and pleasant surroundings – and the Guinness is good Tony Concluded”.
There is an added attraction to the monthly social evening, on sale was a fine selection of fine Irish produce, all the favorites, White and Black Pudding, Red Lemonade and Kimberley, Mikado and Coconut Cream biscuits and of course Little Chip Jam.

Thanks to the Sponsors

There was a raffle held at the show at the Lindhurst Suite. The Committee would like to thank the sponsors, Ireland West Airport Knock for 2 Return Flights. The Castlecourt Hotel, Westport for 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast and Evening Meals.
Miss Maggie Roche. Business Development Manager at Stena Line for Free Travel for a car and five passengers on Stena Line. The Crown Hotel, Cricklewood for Four Star Accommodation for One Night, also special thanks to Bourke’s Stores, Stratford Road Birmingham who kindly sponsored the production of the nights programme.
Finally thanks to “Calm Down, Michael Collins and The Bards for an excellent nights entertainment.
Mansfield and Dukeries Irish Association website: - www.stpatrickandstgeorge.org
The Bards website: - www.thebards.ie
Until the next time its Goodbye and God Bless from the Hills of Sligo.