Help: The Grehen Sisters?

Subject: The Grehen Sisters?
From: Big Tim
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 04:14 AM

Can anyone tell me anything about the Grehen Sisters (or is it Grehan - I've seen it given both ways). Names, how many, what happened to them? They were a most distinctive and inimitable Irish folk "act".

Subject: RE: Help: The Grehen Sisters?
From: Fiolar
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 05:22 AM

Try Google.com and enter "The Grehan Sisters" - packed with info.

Subject: RE: Help: The Grehen Sisters?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 06:07 AM

This info is years and years old, but: One of the Grehans owns or did own a pub in Boyle, Co Roscommon. I visited them there once with Packie Byrne, who played with them at one time. (Their first names are Marie, Francie, and Bernie - I THINK). Marie was living in Manchester with a husband and children, and one of the other two sisters ran the pub. As good luck would have it, all three of the girls were home at the same time, and made a great fuss of Packie (which he loved!). I found them warm and friendly and really enjoyed meeting them, though I doubt they'd remember me now. They also served me the best tea I've ever had (not to mention stronger substances). It's a very happy memory. But it's a long time ago so this is old news. Good luck in your search - let us know via this thread what you find.

All the best, Bonnie

Subject: RE: Help: The Grehen Sisters?
From: Fiolar
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 06:10 AM

Hi Bonnie - it brought back some great memories when I saw your name. I remember when you visited Ipswich many years ago with Pakie. It was a great evening's entertainment. Trust you are keeping well.

Subject: RE: Help: The Grehen Sisters?
From: Big Tim
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 08:25 AM

Fiolar, Bonnie: thank you both.

Subject: RE: Help: The Grehen Sisters?
From: bill\sables
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 11:16 AM

I first met the Grehans with Pakie and the late John Doonan in the early sixties in Co Durham. The three sisters, Marie, Francie and young Bernie, who was only 15 at the time, played Guitar, Mandolin banjo, and spoons. I think Bernie was world spoons champion at the time. Marie married a university lecturer and moved to Manchester UK and Francie and Bernie then joined the Matthews Brothers for a while. Their parents did own the Grehans pub in Boyle, Co Roscommon where the girls played.
In 1990 I was doing a tour in Ireland and called at the pub on the square in Boyle and Bernie was now running the pub. Like Bonnie's experience. the other two sisters were there on holiday at the time so it was good to remember old times with the three of them. Francie was married to a Fireman in Dublin, Marie was still in Manchester.

Subject: RE: Help: The Grehen Sisters?
From: Big Tim
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 01:21 PM

Thanks Bill: wish I'd known that when I passed thru Boyle a few years ago! They made a some passionate sound.