Dia Daoibh! I am here sitting at my desk reminiscing of my time on enchanting Clare Island. I performed a concert on Clare Island for the first time on Friday last (04/09/15). I must admit I had trepidations while driving to Roonagh Pier before embarking on the ferry to Clare Island as it was a compete new venture for Annmarie O'Riordan and band. That said, on arriving at Roonagh... the excitement commenced. We stepped on board the "Clew Bay Queen" and promptly arrived on Clare Island.
One foot on Clare Island and magical freedom consumed me. I felt like I left all the stresses of the world back at Roonagh. We strolled along the narrow winding path to the Community Hall in preparation for our concert. What a wonderful concert and rousing audience, which was made all the more special thanks to the fantastically talented musicianship of Alan Finn and Ger Naughton. It is such a gift to share the stage with two of Ireland's finest musicians.
The following morning, I had the privilege of holding a singing workshop which was most insightful as I learned so much about the singers of the island. I received a gift of a CD from Clare Island native singer song writer Patrick O'Toole- what a treasure of an album it is. Go raibh míle maith agat, a Phádraig!
On my departure from captivating Clare Island, an overwhelming sense of loss struck me. My impeding separation from the land of "the door is always open" saddened me. But alas, I shall be expeditiously returning.
A huge thank you to all involved in making the annual Clare Island Féile Cheoil Concert a huge success- Jane O'Toole, Noel Clarke and Clare Island Comhaltas for organising the event and to Jane and Padraic O'Malley of Cloch na Scith B&B and Mary and John Moran of Seabreeze B&B for their excellent hospitality.
Le gach dea ghuí,
Annmarie!
One foot on Clare Island and magical freedom consumed me. I felt like I left all the stresses of the world back at Roonagh. We strolled along the narrow winding path to the Community Hall in preparation for our concert. What a wonderful concert and rousing audience, which was made all the more special thanks to the fantastically talented musicianship of Alan Finn and Ger Naughton. It is such a gift to share the stage with two of Ireland's finest musicians.
The following morning, I had the privilege of holding a singing workshop which was most insightful as I learned so much about the singers of the island. I received a gift of a CD from Clare Island native singer song writer Patrick O'Toole- what a treasure of an album it is. Go raibh míle maith agat, a Phádraig!
On my departure from captivating Clare Island, an overwhelming sense of loss struck me. My impeding separation from the land of "the door is always open" saddened me. But alas, I shall be expeditiously returning.
A huge thank you to all involved in making the annual Clare Island Féile Cheoil Concert a huge success- Jane O'Toole, Noel Clarke and Clare Island Comhaltas for organising the event and to Jane and Padraic O'Malley of Cloch na Scith B&B and Mary and John Moran of Seabreeze B&B for their excellent hospitality.
Le gach dea ghuí,
Annmarie!
