Thanks, Seamus, for sharing that information. Someday...someday I'll be in Ireland in November and I'll be sure to be in Derrytresk for the singing.

It brings to mind the time I met Geordie. In 1983 I was biking through Ireland and stopped in Dungannon to see if I could find the birth record of my great-great grandfather. I also went to the tourist board to locate a B&B--the nearest one was out in Moy. Not many tourists in the North at that time.

Later that evening my landlady told me I had a phone call. No one in the whole world knows I'm here, I thought. How could someone be calling me? Well, it was the only person in the world who actually did know I was there--the director (and probably the only employee) of the Tyrone tourist board. He wanted to take me out to see if we could find some music!

After disappointing visits to several pubs he hit his forehead and said, "Why didn't I think of it before. Let's go to Geordie's place."

Although it was fairly late in the evening, Geordie welcomed us into his home. He insisted that we have tea and biscuits and that I join the others, including Sarah Ann, in a last round of songs. He encouraged me heartily, even though I'm sure that at that point in my life my sean nos left a lot to be desired.

Fortune blessed me that night with the company--and songs--of a singular man. I will always hold that evening dear.

David