Top class line-up for Frank Gavigan Comhaltas concert
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Mick Foster, PJ Murrihy and Brendan Shine before the event started.Image 2 of 13
The Foster family, Sandra, Louise (daughters) Mick (father) Jackie (son) Cora (daughter-in-law).Image 3 of 13
Mary Riggs and Ann Quinn enjoying the night.Image 4 of 13
Mary Farrell, Kitty Kirby, Michael Filippo. Photos and article by Jay G FordeImage 5 of 13
Sandra Foster and Noel Battle before the concert started.Image 6 of 13
Elaine and Nigel Black from County Antrim with local man Noel Heduan on Friday evening.Image 7 of 13
Aiden and Sandra Flood at the Comhaltas concert last week.Image 8 of 13
Mary Mulvany, Betty Walsh, Carmel Summers, Claire Donoghue, Marion Overs, Mary Lynn and Sandra Flood.Image 9 of 13
Paddy McCarthy and Bernard Heaney.Image 10 of 13
Noel Heduan and Bríd and Frank Keegan.Image 11 of 13
Eimear and Tommy Nally and Mick McCormick at Milltown for the concert on Friday evening.Image 12 of 13
Matty Stones from Edenderry, Martin Donohoe from Cavan, Ademar O’Connor from Edenderry, and Mary Stones from Edenderry.Image 13 of 13
Johnnie Penrose and Vonnie Geraghty helping out on the nightThe annual Frank Gavigan Memorial Concert returned to Milltown on Friday, October 3, when the line-up included Mick Foster and the Rathconrath Ceili Band, Brendan Shine one of Ireland’s most beloved entertainers, PJ Murrihy gifted singer and storyteller, Seamus Shannon, master of the accordion, Daithí Gormley and Elaine Reilly, button accordion and banjo players, and multi-instrumentalist Ademar O’Connor, winner of 23 all-Ireland titles.
The Memorial Concert celebrated its 17th year in the community centre in Milltown, It is there that Mick Foster and members of the local Frank Gavigan Branch of Comhaltas have run the annual traditional music concert since Frank Gavigan passed away in 2006, and some of the best-known names in the Irish music business have performed in Milltown since.
The concert started at 8pm and ran for two and a half hours. Compère on the night was Martin Donohoe from Shannonside Radio. Despite Storm Amy, the event had a great turnout, all soaking up the atmosphere and music. The event was a celebration of Irish culture, music and community spirit, from reels and jigs to tender ballads.
Brendan Shine had told the examiner prior to the event: "It’s the first time for me to perform here, and when you come to my age, having a first is unusual, I can tell you.
"I’m delighted that my good friend Mick Foster asked me to come. It looks like a super event, and I’m really looking forward to it." Brendan said.
When talking about the Storm Amy, Brendan laughed: "I hope that I get out as easy as I got in."
When Mick Foster took to the stage to open the event, he thanked the crowd for attending despite the stormy weather and jokingly said: "You wouldn’t put your mother-in-law out on a night like this, but it’s great to see you all here."
The continued through the weekend. On Saturday, October 4, the Glenside Céilí Band provided the music for a lively céilí, while on Sunday, October 5, Mass was held in Milltown was for deceased members who had dedicated themselves to traditional music in the area.
That same evening, Fox’s Bar in Loughnavalley hosted lively sessions, led by Mick and Moyra Foster alongside the Rathconrath Céilí Band.