TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards

Subject: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 08:41 AM

I've just been watching the web broadcast of the Irish language channel annual traditional music awards programme broadcast from Wexford Opera House on 19 April 2009. You can see it online at the TG4 website by scrolling through the music archives (= Ceol-Cartlann). It is well worth looking up, though I'm not sure how long the online broadcast will remain available, nor whether it can be easily accessed worldwide.

Sarah O'Neill was presented by Roisin de Faoite with the richly deserved 'Singer of the Year' award, and at the age of 90 sang a fine version of The Maid With the Bonny Brown Hair. As an extra treat Len Graham was on hand to song another song from the Hanna/O'Neill family traditions - Old Arboe.
Con Fada O'Drisceoil won the Composer of the Year award, and the programme features him singing the brilliant Milltown Cockroach.
It was good to see Reg Hall's role in documenting the story of Irish music in London being honoured with the Musician's award, and it was lovely to listen to Young Musician of the Year Conor McEvoy and his family.
I also really enjoyed hearing the moothie-players John and Pip Murphy of 'Trip to Cullenstown' fame.
There are also earlier TG4 Gradam Ceoil programmes still available to view online for 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Matthew Edwards

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: MartinRyan
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 10:00 AM

Great stuff!

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: MartinRyan
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 11:29 AM

BTW - I agree that the local Wexford representation - the Murphy clan on harmonica/concertina - were brilliant.

Regards

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 11:56 AM

I'm sorry that I left out the flute-player Roger Sherlock, who won a Lifetime award, and the accordionist Charlie Harris who won Musician of the Year.
The Murphy clan were great to watch weren't they? There's a good piece about John Murphy in an article from The Wexford People: Trad Man With Music in his Veins, with a few family photos too.

Matthew Edwards

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 09:04 PM

It has been mentioned elsewhere that it's a pity Reg Hall doesn't seem to have had equal recognition in the UK!

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: TradFan984
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 09:13 AM

Would anyone have the words to "Old Arboe." I am trying to learn it but can't find the lyrics (I've searched this site and the internet with no joy).

Thanks

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: MartinRyan
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 09:34 AM

TradFan984

You'd be better off starting a new thread with the title in the threadname... A quick search doesn't show the song here, surprisingly enough. I'll have a look around.

Regards

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: GUEST,Jerry O'Reilly
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 05:20 PM

15 - Old Ardboe (Roud 2984)

Ye gods assist my poor wearied notion,
Ye inspired muses lend me your hand
To help my endeavours both night and morning,
To sing the praises of this lovely land.
Well situated in the north of Ireland,
Being all in the county of sweet Tyrone,
All along the banks of famed Loch Nea
Is the ancient fabric called Old Ardboe.

Oh stand awhile and view this arbour
Where purling streams roll to and fro,
Where fishes sporting both night and morning
Yield of their bounty to Old Ardboe.
No serpent lurks in its hallowed waters,
No odours poisoned infest their breeze,
But peace and plenty for sons and daughters
Abound around you, Old Ardboe.

I have travelled France and I've travelled Flanders,
And all the lands along the Rhine,
But in all my raking and undertaking
Ardboe, your equal I ne'er could find.
My course I've taken to the Indian Ocean,
To the shores of Caanan and Galilee,
But in all my raking and undertaking
Ardboe, your equal I ne'er could see.

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: TradFan984
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 05:45 PM

Thanks very much for your help that's exactly what I was looking for

TradFan984

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: MartinRyan
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 06:10 PM

Thanks Jerry! Hoping to be in the Goilin tomorrow.

Regards

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: GUEST,Jerry O'Reilly
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 05:54 AM

Sorry Martin, I'll be marked absent, I'm off to Skibbereen to sing at the Skibbereen Singers Club. See you soon!

Subject: RE: TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2009 Irish Music Awards
From: GUEST,Learaí na Láibe
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 08:45 AM

quote: "Sarah O'Neill was presented by Roisin de Faoite with the richly deserved 'Singer of the Year' award, and at the age of 90 sang a fine version of The Maid With the Bonny Brown Hair."

A great singer who influenced and encouraged many other younger singers. Well deserving of the highest awards. Perhaps lifetime achievement award or some such.

But "singer of the year" award? That suggests the singer achieved some prominence during the year, released a significent album, undertook a successful tour or did something outstanding during the previous ten months.

Again, I reiterate that I'm not critisising in any way the long lifetiome of inspiration and entertainment provided by Sarah O'Neill. I just finf the title of the award a little strange.

Maybe it's the fine weather that's getting to me - my pond is nearly dried up.

Slán.