Hi John,
       I do remember the Boat Club & cantankerous Fred, but sadly, not the "assumed names" set...what a great gag! The club stays in my memory as one of the friendliest, most enthusiastic places we ever played at. I really CAN see the beers stacked up on the tables. Always seemed to sleep well after those gigs....can't imagine why..?!
       The Irish album was called "It's the Irish in Me", & you're right, a budget job. Saga wanted to cash in on the success of "The Dubliners" & Seven Drunken Nights. Against our better judgement, persuaded by cash in hand & a huge amount of beer in the studio, we recorded the whole thing in an afternoon. We hated it at the time, but when I listen to it now, it really isn't so dire! Have a look on ebay & see how much money it changes hands for these days!!
       Our "Broadside Songs" book/CD was released in July, this year & sometime next year we are releasing an album of broadsides, recorded back in 1968, never released, master-tapes recently re-discovered, songs never before heard..."The Halliard" at their best & a tantalising glimpse of the emerging talent of one Nic Jones.
       Thanks very much for getting in touch John,
       All the Very Best,
                        Nigel Paterson (mandolin,"The Halliard")