Margaret Barry played the Islington folk club a year or two before she died (Sorry I cant be more specific about the date) She also did a concert at C Sharp House on the same tour. She had not appeared in London for some years having been in America. By this time Margaret was far from being the large robust woman you see on her record covers she was in fact sadly very frail. However what a night we had all her old pals turned out both from the Irish and English community.

She was in great form and came accross as a very strong personality even telling Bob Davenport when to sing.

Her reputation was such that even younger members of the Irish community who would not have been around during the time Margaret lived in London turned out. In particular a trio of young brilliant female dancers who called themselves "The Hairy Marys". This was indeed probably the most memorable night I have ever spent in a folk club and I count myself as very luckly to have actually seen and heard her.

Also anyone listening to Peta Webb could hardly fail to notice the influence Margaret Barry had on her singing.

Ken Hall