Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 27 Mar 16 - 10:02 PM

Thanks, Christy! I met with Deckie and Johnny 2 years ago in Spanish Point. Both were in fine fettle. I know that Shay is over there at the moment. Niall MacDonagh posted a picture with him on Facebook. Hope you're well yourself, and to run into you somewhere.

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: GUEST,Christy Delaney
Date: 27 Mar 16 - 03:54 PM

For Seamus Kennedy, Yes Declan is still Alive he was never well but thats another story Ha Ha although its been a long time since your enquiry Hope you are well.
We are getting together this week March 28 2016 after the 1916 Occasion, we are meeting in Galway Declan, Johnny, Shey, Susan & Myself for a Chat, if we Play Music or not is another thing although Johnny Has not Played for a Long time now he is in good Spirits or Pints always.
So looking forward to the Meet hope all is well in Boston, My Web is www.kittcdeemusic.com youtube KittC Delaney
So keep the music Live, C.

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: Peg
Date: 09 Jan 04 - 10:33 AM

what beautiful sentiments, Diana! Shay is truly   an original and it is ALWAYS about the music with him, but not so much that, like some who take things too seriously, he can't enjoy a funny story or a pint or two or seven with friends...

speaking of Dainty Davey, Shay is the first person I heard sing it and I have added it to my own repertoire recently...Burns Night is   coming up, and when I used to see Shay at the now-disbanded    Boston Singers' Club, he always sang this at   this time ofyear   (or was asked to)...

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: dianavan
Date: 09 Jan 04 - 12:54 AM

I found you mudcatters when searching the net for Dainty Davey. I been signing as guest, Diana but discovered another guest by the same name. Not to be confused, I joined up as dianavan since you have some fascinating topics from time to time and sometimes you even make me laugh.

Yes, make that video Peg. I would really like to hear Shay sing again and I'm not likely to find him here in B.C. Might have to give my Visa to Rounder Records just for the thrill.

I remember Shay as a singer with insight and integrity - disarmingly honest and dedicated to the tradition. Why is it that great men and women inspire so many but remain relatively unknown? For those of you who might know him - tell him thanks for years of wandering and wondering. A chance meeting changed my life. I will be eternally grateful.

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 05 Jan 04 - 01:12 AM

On the subject of Shay, Johnny Beggan and Declan Hunt, Johnny and Deccie were living in or near Ennistymon.
I had a great session with Johnny in the Archway pub on a Sunday night a few years ago, and he's playing the tenor-banjo now and not the banjo mandolin of which he was a masterful exponent.
I was aslo informed recently that Declan Hunt had died, although I have been unable to confirm this.
Has anyone heard whether or not this is true?

Seamus

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: Peg
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 03:24 PM

yup, Shay rules. I am trying to put together a documentary film project (with a filmmaker friend)of traditional singers in Boston and he would probably be one of the main subjects!

peg

p.s. any Mudcatters who'd like to help sponsor this project please contact me via PM; every little bit helps.

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: Big Mick
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 03:20 PM

He is a great guy and a lot of fun to sing with. I have had the good fortune to sing with him on four occasions, once with Liam's Brother, Shay and meself.

Dan, I would like to know more about "Stony Batter" as well. Did they record? Any titles of old LP's? I would like to find them if possible. I love collecting this old stuff, and some of the songs I get are amazing.

Mick

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: GUEST,diana
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 05:37 AM

Thanks for the info. I have been trying to find a recording of Shay Walker for years and years but I don't want to buy it if Shay isn't getting what he bargained for.

Will someone please tell Shay to get back into the recording studio! He has at least one very devoted fan. His voice is amazing!

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 20 Oct 03 - 07:46 PM

Hi Jed

The Battering Ram did record that verse but it was written by Shay's cousin. The Battering Ram has been re-released on Rounder a little while ago, much to Shay's shock & suprise. He hadn't been notified nor has he received a cent from the sales. I believe Shay has e-mail (I don't have it though), if all else fails PM me, I have a couple of tel# for him. Good Luck, Barry

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Oct 03 - 02:35 PM

You can reach Shay Walker by email at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 20 Oct 03 - 02:08 PM

My recollection is that, before there was The Battering Ram, there was Stony Batter. I'll ask Shay and see if that's right.

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Oct 03 - 01:03 PM

Shay played in the Battering Ram, with Johnny Beggan and Daclan Hunt. Clive Collins joined them for the one eponymous recording I know of made for Rounder in 1972. It does have "Come Out and Fight" on it.

Their 4th verse is:

Well, the day is coming fast and the time is nearly past
When each shoneen will be cast aside before us
And if there be a need, then we kids will say Godspeed
With a bar or two of Stephen Behan's chorus.

*"shoneen" is translated as "an Irishman who licks up to the British"

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 19 Oct 03 - 06:36 PM

Hi Jed!

Would like like me to ask Shay something further? If so, just send me an e-mail.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 19 Oct 03 - 01:39 PM

the group name I remember is The Battering Ram

Subject: Dublin and Boston - Shay Walker?
From: JedMarum
Date: 19 Oct 03 - 10:47 AM

I've been researching a bit of the Come Out Ye Black and Tans background and trying to recall some of the details of my conversation with Shay Walker on the matter.

I sang the song at Paddy Burkes in Boston a few years ago, and right afterwards, Shay asked me, "What made ya play that song?" Well, the truth is I choose my moments for sining that song, and it's normally by request - but I thought it quite appropriate for that part of the US and in that pub - so I told Shaw about my recent research into this period of Irish history, my great-grandfather's stories about the era, etc, etc. I was afraid I'd insulted him by choosing (though his accent told me the choice was probably OK).

Anyway - Shay told me that his band, when touring back in the 60's was the first band to record the song and in fact he believed the band wrote the fourth verse I sang (the fourth verse in the DT here begins with, "Allen, Larkin and O'Brien...").

I cannot for the life of me find Shay's band and can't recall the name he told me. Anyone remember? Does anyone know if, in fact they did add the verse?