I have just come back from the Geordie Hanna traditional singing weekend in Derrytresk Co. Tyrone on the shores of Lough Neagh. There was a new CD released of the late Geordie Hanna's singing, called The Fisher's Cot.This CD has some fine songs of Lough Neagh and the areas around it. I was given a tour of the area by John Hanna (Geordies son) including Brockagh, Arboe and Maghery from where Geordie used to take his boat out on the lough. If any of you get a chance you should visit this beautiful area and if you are fortunate enough to know someone like John with his knowledge of the area and its history you will be in for a treat. We were treated to a 3 hour session of Lough Shore songs and stories by local singers and story tellers. There were singers there from all over Ireland,and many fine songs were sung well into the early hours.It was a fabulous weekend of history and ballad singing. I'm looking forward to next year already.
Seamus Brogan