Geordie Hanna Singing weekend

Subject: Geordie Hanna Singing weekend
From: GUEST,Seamus Brogan
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 05:11 PM

Just to let you all know in Mudcat land that the Geordie Hanna Singing weekend takes place in Derrytresk, Co. Tyrone on the last weekend of November. A great weekend is in store for all who enjoy traditional singing.

Subject: RE: Geordie Hanna Singing weekend
From: David Ingerson
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 08:08 PM

Thanks, Seamus, for sharing that information. Someday...someday I'll be in Ireland in November and I'll be sure to be in Derrytresk for the singing.

It brings to mind the time I met Geordie. In 1983 I was biking through Ireland and stopped in Dungannon to see if I could find the birth record of my great-great grandfather. I also went to the tourist board to locate a B&B--the nearest one was out in Moy. Not many tourists in the North at that time.

Later that evening my landlady told me I had a phone call. No one in the whole world knows I'm here, I thought. How could someone be calling me? Well, it was the only person in the world who actually did know I was there--the director (and probably the only employee) of the Tyrone tourist board. He wanted to take me out to see if we could find some music!

After disappointing visits to several pubs he hit his forehead and said, "Why didn't I think of it before. Let's go to Geordie's place."

Although it was fairly late in the evening, Geordie welcomed us into his home. He insisted that we have tea and biscuits and that I join the others, including Sarah Ann, in a last round of songs. He encouraged me heartily, even though I'm sure that at that point in my life my sean nos left a lot to be desired.

Fortune blessed me that night with the company--and songs--of a singular man. I will always hold that evening dear.

David

Subject: RE: Geordie Hanna Singing weekend
From: GUEST,Seamus Brogan
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 04:32 PM

He was a great man sure enough and married to a great woman. His sons and daughters are doing a fine job carrying on the traditional singing. May they live long and happy.

Subject: RE: Geordie Hanna Singing weekend
From: GUEST,Jawbone
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 11:58 AM

Grandsons too Seamus, a friend of mine - Brian Hagan - is helping to carry on the fine tradition of his granda. I wonder will he be about this weekend....

Subject: RE: Geordie Hanna Singing weekend
From: GUEST,Seamus Brogan
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 01:51 PM

Yes, I know Brian, a fine singer no doubt. There are also younger grandsons taking up the tradition. It's great to see.

Subject: RE: Geordie Hanna Singing weekend
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 06:28 AM

Seamus, you don't happen to know if Brian was at the weekend or not?

Subject: RE: Geordie Hanna Singing weekend
From: GUEST,Seamus Brogan
Date: 18 Oct 04 - 04:35 PM

The weekend did not happen yet. It's on the last weekend of November.

Subject: RE: Geordie Hanna Singing weekend
From: GUEST,Jawbone
Date: 19 Oct 04 - 04:25 AM

whoops, my mistake :o)