Craic On

I normally see Paddy sometime over the week or weekend but I hadn’t seen him. Then someone told me. He had been flown into Glasgow, with his hotel and flight paid for to play at a 25th Wedding Anniversary. It was organised by Joe Barr who comes regularly to Moville and who penned the song Hello Moville.

As I wasn’t there I’ll let Joe tell you what happened.

“Paddy jetted in to Prestwick International on Saturday morning as a surprise gift to play at Maurice and Maureen’s (my brother and sister-in-law’s) 25th Wedding Anniversary Party due to take place later that day at their new house on Loch Lomondside.

“Unfortunately, on the eve and into the morning of the party, Maureen and some others in her family, contracted what appears to have been a highly contagious and debilitating sickness bug and they decided that rather than risk infecting everyone who was due to attend, they should postpone.

Rescued

“At that point my sister, Patricia, stepped in and, along with the modern wonder that is Skype, saved the day by hosting the party in her house in Paisley.

“Paddy was at his splendid best and gave the thirty odd guests (and Maureen and Maurice via Skype) virtuoso performances of traditional Irish and other more modern songs and tunes and tunes accompanying himself and other singers from the assembled company on guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo and harmonica.

Recommended

“Paddy really was superb and his selection of songs and tunes captured the mood of the day perfectly. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone anywhere in the world organising an event at which they want an accomplished and professional performance of traditional Irish music and other songs.

“His talent really deserves to be more widely recognised.

“He was also excellent company when he joined us for a post party pint in the Bull Inn – one of Paisley’s oldest and finest licensed establishments – and a good time was had by all.

“We look forward to welcoming him back in early course”.

From Paddy

Said Paddy “a big thank you to Joe and Sandra for organising the event, and to Joe’s entire family and friends for making me so welcome. It was also my first time in wonderful Glasgow. I’m looking forward to doing it all again – this time with Maureen and Maurice in person!!”

He added a message to them “P.S HOPING TO SEE YOU ALL IN RAWDON’S BAR, MOVILLE, OVER THE NEW YEAR”.

Paddy visited the Clutha Bar, the one hit by the helicopter, and said “I stood outside it yesterday and said a prayer. It’s amazing it could have been hit when you saw it between all those higher buildings…..”