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Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917

12 Feb 07 - 05:09 PM (#1965277)
Subject: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Andy Jackson

I may be the first but I'm sure I won't be the last to wish this true gentleman of folk a very happy 90th birthday for Feb 17th.
An ambassador for music laughter and sheer love of humanity.


This Packie Byrne web site
I found is a tad old but full of interesting facts.

Andy


12 Feb 07 - 05:42 PM (#1965313)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: RTim

Andy - you beat me to it!!
I can remember Packie very well for a number of reasons, other than for his great singing and whistle playing.
I remember one night at the Folk Club in Banbury he was performing with Bonnie Shaljean and there was a very noisy punter at the back of the room, I simply tapped him on the shoulder to ask him to be quiter - and he gave me a "Glasgow Kiss" - I was laid out and very bloody and have had sinus problems since!
Secondly, at Sidmouth in the Beach Store he was compare for the Bothy Band - and at the end of a great evening after thanking everyone Packie said "If you are driving home, be careful - Because I'm walking."

A Great Man and I wish him a very happy day.

Tim Radford


12 Feb 07 - 05:53 PM (#1965322)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: John MacKenzie

I haven't seen the man for about 25 years, but used to see him a lot in the London folk clubs in the 60s and 70s. He is a totally delightful gentleman, and I wish him all the best for this landmark Birthday.
Giok


12 Feb 07 - 06:03 PM (#1965332)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Bonnie Shaljean

I've just had an idea - I'll be seeing him soon, and can print out this page as a sort of cyber Birthday greeting from everyone - but nothing after Thursday night (UK time: 8 hours ahead of California, 5 hours ahead of Boston) will get included because we're hitting the road for old Donegal, as the song sez.

Wow, Tim, I never knew about that!! You certainly managed to get knocked out quietly - sorry about the sinus problems tho :-(

Thanks for starting the thread Andy, you beat me to it too. (That's what I get for working when I should be Mudcatting.)


12 Feb 07 - 06:18 PM (#1965351)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Anne Lister

I, too, will be seeing him soon but in the interests of putting some memories into the archive, nothing will quite beat the evening I spent with Packie and Sean Cannon some time around 1975 in which we serenaded a Turkish restaurant while consuming our kebabs and then went back to Packie's bedsit where we continued to sing - and, if memory serves me right, consume a fair quantity of alcohol.

I'm older than I look.   I hope.   Of course, I was but a babe in arms then....

Anne


12 Feb 07 - 06:21 PM (#1965355)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Herga Kitty

Bonnie - wish Packie a very happy 90th from me. And tell him to get off the cooker, because he's too old to ride the range! I treasure my autographed copy of "Recollections of a Donegal Man", and my own recollections of Packie.

Kitty
xxx


12 Feb 07 - 06:34 PM (#1965379)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: old girl 1

Happy Birthday Packie enjoy


12 Feb 07 - 06:37 PM (#1965384)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)

Bonnie give him my best wishes too. (He was partly responsible for me giving up drink for a year. Ali Russell and Tom Napper were staying with me for a night in Kilburn in the 70s. We wanted to have a session, and Packie - who was living a few doors away from me at the time, along with Bonnie, Anne Lennox-Martin and Sam Stephens - was the only one home nearby. We all went off to (IIRC) The Cock on Kilburn High Road and had a session fuelled by donated guiness. I suffered for it the next day and vowed never again; a vow I kept for nearly a year!)

Mick


12 Feb 07 - 06:37 PM (#1965385)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: McGrath of Harlow

Packie Magnus Byrne - a lovely man, and one of the funniest storytellers I've ever heard. Though he always says "I don't tell stories, I tell lies". Lovely lies.

There's an email address for sending him happy birthday down that link Miskin Man gave us in the opening post.


12 Feb 07 - 07:01 PM (#1965411)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Kevin Sheils

Happy Birthday Packie, you gave many happy times to me, more than could possibly be returned. Years ago and in more recent times.

Kevin


12 Feb 07 - 07:16 PM (#1965429)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Bonnie Shaljean

Great stuff, kids - thanks!

In fact, my calculations are out by a day, so let me amend the deadline: Nothing after FRIDAY night (not Thursday) will get included. Brain cells starting to deteriorate (wonder what I'LL be like at 90?!!!)


12 Feb 07 - 07:43 PM (#1965468)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Dave Hunt

Maggie and I will be there too to help Packie have a great birthday.
I first met him in 1965 at the first Keele festival, when he was singing and playing some wondeful stuff.
I always remember him saying to me once when I enquired after his health
"Well I lived through the winter and the Devil himself won't kill me in the summer" He's the Irish equivalent of a Good Old Boy!
Dave


12 Feb 07 - 09:58 PM (#1965572)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Liam's Brother

Best wishes Packie and congratulations. We hope you'll be coming to the Inishowen seminar March 23 - 26 and that we'll see you there.
Happy Birithday from Dan & Bonnie Milner in New York


13 Feb 07 - 12:19 AM (#1965620)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Anglo

Packie certainly won't remember me, but as an undergrad I was in the Manchester University folk song society in the early-middle sixties and remember him from that time. In the States now, I am happy to join this thread and wish him a happy and joyous 90th, and many more of them!


13 Feb 07 - 02:41 AM (#1965661)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Jim Martin

Packie wouldn't know me either, but I have some very fond memories of you at 'The Cellar Upstairs Folk Club' & Sidmouth.

Many Happy Returns Packie, & to everyone who appreciates yourself (whenever your birthdays are)!


13 Feb 07 - 03:44 AM (#1965683)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Dave Masterson

Happy Birthday Packie from Dave & Eileen!
Like Giok I haven't seen the lovely man for a long time - Sidmouth in the mid 80's I think it was, when he gave Eileen a big smile for a photo on the prom.


13 Feb 07 - 03:44 AM (#1965684)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Tom Munnelly

Many congratulations Packie - The creaking door lasts the longest!

Would be grateful, Bonnie, if you can pass this on. I too hope Packie can make it down the road to Inishowen in March.

Very best wishes,

Tom Munnelly


13 Feb 07 - 04:10 AM (#1965699)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Dave Hanson

Happy birthday Packie.

eric [ Dave Hanson ]


13 Feb 07 - 04:20 AM (#1965706)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: MBSLynne

A very happy birthday Packie!! I hope to be able to say the same in another 10 years!

Packie would know me by sight but probably not the name. Last time I saw him was his last Sidmouth. One of the loveliest people you could meet with a wonderful sense of humour. Someone of whom I remain very fond despite not having seen him for years.

Love Lynne


13 Feb 07 - 04:23 AM (#1965709)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: julian morbihan

Happy Birthday, Packie

Just reading this thread has reminded me of the days spent sat outside the Marlborough in Sidmouth drinking coffee with you and Bonnie way back in Bill Rutter's days when we ran the Box Office and Information for the festival.

Good old days - nostalgia ain't what it used to be....

Have a great celebration, Packie.

And lovely to hear from you too, Bonnie.

Love from Julian & Enid


13 Feb 07 - 04:41 AM (#1965720)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Folkiedave

I have told this story on Mudcat before - but in case he remembers the occasion:

Hull in the 1960's and Packie stayed with us (four lads sharing a house)after doing the Bluebell. He came back to the house and we had a more than average stock of alcohol and soon PAckie and the rest of us were well stuck into it.

For half-an-hour Packie regaled us with stories of his smuggling days cattle especially which as I remember were taken backwards and forwards to pick up subsidies at different ages on each side of the Land Boundary (Northern Ireland/Eire)

At the end as he was finishing his last drink - he asked what we did for a living. We told him with great delight how we were all customs officers!!I suspect it was one of the few occasions he has spluttered.

Happy birthday Packie and many more.


13 Feb 07 - 04:58 AM (#1965739)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Scooby Doo

Happy Birthday Packie.
Hope your still singing and playing.
We often meet on the seafront at Sidmouth for many years.
I then was married to Miskin Man.
Lots of love.
Yasmin.


13 Feb 07 - 05:18 AM (#1965758)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Ralphie

Sorry not to be there.

One of my memories of Mr Byrne, whilst on route to Donegal, is the rest of us having an Indian meal in Chester, and Packie persuading the waiter to serve him bacon and eggs! Priceless. (He even told them how to cook the dish!)

A Prince amongst men. And what a joy to have spent many journeys with Packie keeping me awake through the night with his fund of stories. Long may you continue to tell your stories. (All true of course!) Heres to the next 90 years.

Have a lovely day Packie. You are much loved by all.

Ralph Jordan.


13 Feb 07 - 05:27 AM (#1965764)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Cllr

I remember entering the "singer of sidmouth" and Packie being one of the Judges. Listening to his comments on the singers and the songs was as enjoyable and informative as listening to the singing itself in many cases more so.
Thanks again Cllr


13 Feb 07 - 05:32 AM (#1965766)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: The Sandman

happy birthday ,Packie and thanks for your music.Dick Miles


13 Feb 07 - 05:50 AM (#1965784)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST

Happy Birthday Packie, and greetings, Bonnie,

I have many fond memories of you both from clubs in the Bristol area in the early eighties.
Coincidentally , looking through some photos at the weekend, we came across one of Packie performing with Jo Freya and Ralph Jordan at the Butlins Bognor Regis Folk Festival (1986 or 1987 I think).

Best wishes

Mo Bradshaw ( or you may remember me as Mo Marshall from the Lamb Inn Folk Club, Iron Acton.)


13 Feb 07 - 05:56 AM (#1965789)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: redsnapper

I remember Packie with Bonnie too from folk club days and also a delightful night's company spent playing music with the grand man in Oliver's pub in Ardara about 20+ years ago!

Happy birthday Packie!

RS


13 Feb 07 - 06:18 AM (#1965799)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Ralphie

Just another weird thought.
You share the same birthday as my mother, and, the same year!!
You could have been my Dad.....(Nooooo!)
Ralphie


13 Feb 07 - 06:19 AM (#1965800)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Bonnie Shaljean

Ah, that explains a LOT, Ralphie ;-)


13 Feb 07 - 07:40 AM (#1965850)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Helen Akitt

I always carry great memories of Packie, who did a number of bookings for us at Capital folk Club - the playing two whistles simultaneously trick sticks in my mind.
All the best for your 90th
Helen


13 Feb 07 - 07:47 AM (#1965857)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,The black belt caterpillar wrestler

And I remember Packie with three wistles connected by rubber tubing. Two of them were set up with tape as drones and he played the other one.
Best wishes Packie, from one of the many who listened, but never got to know you other than the occasional word in passing.

Robin Madge


13 Feb 07 - 08:10 AM (#1965884)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Fiolar

Bonnie - wish Pakie a great day from me. Still remember the time both of you visited Ipswich.


13 Feb 07 - 08:31 AM (#1965904)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: MBSLynne

Like Cllr, I remember Packie as a judge of Sidmouth Singer of the Year competition when I entered. His comment to me: "You aren't really a folk singer are you? Stick to what you do best, which is entertaining people and making them laugh" I always took that as a compliment, though some of my friends saw it in a different light....:-)

Love Lynne


13 Feb 07 - 08:40 AM (#1965918)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Ralphie

Just an afterthought.
Whatever happened to the "Sidmouth Tie"??
Will it ever arise again?
R


13 Feb 07 - 08:59 AM (#1965936)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Howard Jones

I'd like to join in wishing Packie the very best. I haven't seen him for years, but he and Bonnie were frequent vistors to Chelmsford Folk Club when I was living down there, and I have fond memories of both his playing and amazing sense of humour.

Happy birthday Packie!

Howard Jones


13 Feb 07 - 11:45 AM (#1966134)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Zany Mouse

Some years ago I worked for a Westminster firm of solicitors. When I had my interview I was asked what my hobbies were. I listed them, including folk music, of course, and one of the partners immediately asked if I knew Packie. He had been their achivist some years before and his legend lived on long after he left the firm.

So: happy birthday, Packie from Rhiannon (and Ziggy R too!)


13 Feb 07 - 01:02 PM (#1966235)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: The Borchester Echo

I have hesitated to add to this thread as I haven't seen Packie (or Bonnie) for at least 30 years when I interviewed him. I saw no point in adding to the 'he wouldn't remember me' list because I scarcely think he would. He was, however, one of the factors that brought me back into music in a roundabout way, because I found and read Recollections Of A Donegal Man while exiled in Newcastle working on a doomed series which was never transmitted and got most of us involved fired. The other main factor was meeting Nancy Kerr and Eliza Carthy in the same library where I found the book, but I digress. Recollections contains tall tales of his time as outdoor clerk at the law firm Rhiannon mentions, some of which he had recounted to me in our conversation two decades earlier.

I wish Packie a wonderful day. Bonnie: Make sure he has one!


13 Feb 07 - 01:42 PM (#1966273)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Little Robyn

I first met Packie in 1972, in Cornwall and at Loughborough. When I was shut out of my accommodation in London he let me stay with him and took me around to Bill and Helen Leader's (where I bought about a dozen records).
Then in 1990, we parked our campervan at his house in Ardara and had a wonderful night at Oliver's Bar.
We also treasure our copy of Recollections of a Donegal Man.
Thank you Packie.
Have a great birthday.
Love from Robyn, Mitch and Katrina in New Zealand.


13 Feb 07 - 03:37 PM (#1966424)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: nickp

Happy Birthday Packie. Have a great party

With best wishes from Nick & Claire, once of Sidmouth and still of the Wine Bar Club at Towersey


13 Feb 07 - 04:00 PM (#1966448)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: nutty

Sadly ... I've never met Packie but hopefully there will be many years in which to rectify that omission.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PACKIE.


13 Feb 07 - 05:31 PM (#1966548)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Ned Ludd

Happy Birthday Packie...Thanks for the book, songs ,tunes and stories. Also thanks for teaching me that entertaining is the thing!
Hi to you Bonnie also.Have a good 'do' as we say round here.


13 Feb 07 - 09:02 PM (#1966794)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Andy Jackson

I started to write a piece about how well I knew Packie. No, that's not what it's about. I just want to say that during a chat over breakfast in the Ham Marquee one year at Sidmouth, I was adamant that he should return to his homeland for his final years. He was under a lot of pressure to stay in England, but I knew in his heart he needed to be at home. Well done Packie, you are loved my so many.
I'll come and heckle for you any time.

Andy


14 Feb 07 - 03:34 AM (#1967056)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Mick Tems

Many happy returns of the day, Packie, and one to be treasured in your 90th year. As you are Llantrisant Folk Club's honorary president, feel very free to call in there on any Wednesday and we'll share a song and a ballad with you. You'll be most welcome!

I think we were in the Cross Keys, Llantrisant when you and Bonnie brightened up our days. We've moved a number of times since then (the wonderful Ifor Arms where the beaming Ray Barker made us welcome with his considerable hospitality), the Brunel, The Bear and and the Cross Keys again) and we've been in the top room at the Windsor Hotel, Pontyclun, for seven years. Doesn't time fly?

Wishing you all the best - as Miskin Man says, you are loved by so many.

Mick Tems


14 Feb 07 - 04:42 AM (#1967089)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Leadfingers

Too Many Memories over far to many years - Towersey , the Troubadour
And far too may other Festivals and Clubs over the years . a VERY happy birthday Sir , and more of them !


14 Feb 07 - 04:49 AM (#1967096)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Mike O'Leary-Johns

Well Packie Manus..... Have a great time on your Birthday!
I wish I could be there but circumstances rule it out.But we will see you in March before we go to Inishowen[Hopefully at Inishowen also]
Perhaps you can spare some Scones and "Barry's" tea.
All the very best from Pat and Mike.


14 Feb 07 - 08:52 AM (#1967281)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: VIN

Brilliant, i remember seeing Packie Byrne (i'm sure it was at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester as guests of the Spinners? - not sure - but it was way back in the late 60's or early 70's. I thought his whistle playing was amazing, so much that i decided i wanted to learn it myself. I'm still learning!

Best wishes to a true maestro


14 Feb 07 - 10:42 AM (#1967411)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Matthew Edwards

I've got a fond memory of Packie the last time he was at the National Festival in Sutton Bonington; he started singing one song but stopped part of the way through as he had just remembered something important that he meant to tell us before he had begun, and then as he was telling this he was reminded of a story which he went on to narrate, and then much much later when he had finished the story he picked up the song exactly where he had left it!

May there be many more songs and stories from such a wonderful man. Happy Birthday Packie!


14 Feb 07 - 11:04 AM (#1967436)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Flash Company

Come on, 'cats, surely we can get this up to 90 posts before the day!
Andy...So the web site is a tad old but full of interesting facts, if that isn't Packie, what is?
Happy birthday, many more!

FC


14 Feb 07 - 02:04 PM (#1967634)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Andy Jackson

Oh lovely, Flash! Yes that is Packie now you mention it.

Andy


14 Feb 07 - 02:21 PM (#1967649)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,pattyClink

Sir, I only know you from your book, but I learned a lot from you. May your birthday be a bright reflection of the good wishes of so many people.


14 Feb 07 - 06:00 PM (#1967871)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Ralphie

A Plea to Bonnie.
Make sure that many photos are taken!!
I'm sure that friends near and far would love to see the Old Bugger!!
And pass on my regards to Peter Oliver.
Another memory of "Olivers Bar".
My first evening in Ardara... 2 in the morning, and a bit of a bash going on. (as an Englishman on his first visit, I didn't really understand)
I said to Peter "What about the police? Don't they mind?"
The reply....."Well, no...Thats the two of them, sat over there, best get them another Guinness!"
I'm looking forward to hearing more stories in the coming weeks.

Have fun, and Happy Birthday, Old friend

Ralphie

(Oh and say Hi to the other Packie too!)


15 Feb 07 - 06:52 AM (#1968381)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Leadfingers

If EVERYBODY wha had a Packie story posted them , this thread would be HUGE !!! 100 posts wouldnt be in it !!


15 Feb 07 - 12:09 PM (#1968719)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: greg stephens

Happy Birthday, Packie. I have fond memories of recording you talking, playing the whistle, and singing, as we noisily cooked up sausages and had brekfast in my bedsit in Oxford, (in 1964ish I would guess). I still have the tape. You were singing the Charladies Ball with sausages sizzling in the background.
Best wishes from
Greg Stephens
(Whose birthday is also February 17. But I'm not 90 yet!)


15 Feb 07 - 04:56 PM (#1969016)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Herga Kitty

Hi, Bonnie and Packie,

I've just been talking to Mary O'Connor, who sends her best wishes to you both, and who treasures her vinyl Half Door and recollections of a Donegal Man.

Kitty


15 Feb 07 - 07:06 PM (#1969118)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Bob TB

Happy Birthday Packie! You've brought so much pleasure to so many people in your 90 years. Thank you. See you for the century party!

I have so many memories of Packie from Herga, the National, Sidmouth and so on. Packie playing the the double-ended-no-hole whistle for the silent ceilidh at the Dove in Sidmouth. Or hiding behind the speakers at Bershire Midsummer Festival playing whistle into a hidden mic while the artist on stage (Pedda Long??) mimed on clarinet - totally confused the audience. Not forgetting the wonderful hospitality when passing though Ardara.

We all have so many stories to tell of the master of storytelling...

Best wishes, Packie

Bob


15 Feb 07 - 07:16 PM (#1969125)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Katie G

Great idea Bonnie!
Hi Packie, popping by with best wishes for your 90th on Saturday, hope you have a fabulous day. (you may remember me by sight if not by name, from Sidmouth days & Herga Folk Club. We had some laughs, you're a lovely person, great to know!). Lotsa love, Katie


16 Feb 07 - 08:55 AM (#1969696)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Bonnie Shaljean

Last call for this birthday-greetings thread (in case anyone missed my SECOND message correcting the deadline). In about 12 hours from now I will print this out, as we are heading off to Donegal in the morning.

Thanks everyone SO MUCH for your fantastic input! Packie will be thrilled.

BTW The Grehan Sisters are going to be at his birthday bash (he doesn't know this, it's a surprise so shhhhhh). Thanks to Mudcat I managed to locate them. All three are living back in Ireland now, and sound well & happy. But that's another thread...

Remember, 12 hours...
starting...
NOW


16 Feb 07 - 09:29 AM (#1969728)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Alba

Warmest of Wishes coming your way Packie on your 90th year.
Happy Birth Day to you and we are Blessed by having YOU doing what YOU DO so well!
Thank you.
Love and Light,
Judi


16 Feb 07 - 10:52 AM (#1969797)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: BillE

Happy Birthday Packie,
Many fond memories of your songs, tunes and stories at the Jolly Porter, Exeter, and later in York. We really enjoyed meeting you again in Ardara two years ago - thanks to Peter Oliver for his help in finding your house - and for a good session the following night. Wish we could be with you!
With fond love,
Bill & Fredda


16 Feb 07 - 02:11 PM (#1969989)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Jerry O'Reilly

Happy Birthday and best wishes from An Goilin. We'll sing a song or two tonight for you.


16 Feb 07 - 02:20 PM (#1969999)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Pete MacGregor

Happy birthday Packie
Many, many evenings and many memories from The Hat & Feather in Bath and Bradford on Avon Club.
Best wishes to yourself and Bonnie
Pete & Rosie


16 Feb 07 - 03:43 PM (#1970069)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)

(And yes Bob it was Paedar Long).

Mick


16 Feb 07 - 04:22 PM (#1970092)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Tattie Bogle

I also remember the Beach Store in Sidmouth days, where Packie delighted all with his whistle playing and stories.
That was when we found out that the festival had a lot more to it than the international dance teams (fine though they were!)
Happy birthday, Packie.


16 Feb 07 - 04:55 PM (#1970106)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: GUEST,Jim Martin

As Kevin Sheils has contributed here and Sidmouth has been mentioned a few times, can I also say thanks to him (Kevin) for some memorable gatherings there.


16 Feb 07 - 10:05 PM (#1970317)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Fergie

Hi Packie
Thanks for all the entertainment, fun, music and singing over the years. Hope to see you in Inishowen in March. We sang Happy Birthday for you at the Góilín Club in Dublin tonight.
Slán
Fergus Russell


19 Mar 07 - 05:17 PM (#2001417)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: nickp

Did anyone who went care to fill us in on the celebrations?
Nick


19 Mar 07 - 06:23 PM (#2001470)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne
From: Herga Kitty

Yes, Nick, Sam Stephens has written a 3 page account, which I'll PM you.

Kitty


20 Mar 07 - 02:33 AM (#2001765)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: MBSLynne

It would be nice to have something on the thread so all the posters can read it too

Love Lynne


20 Mar 07 - 02:38 AM (#2001766)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: GUEST,DaveS at Work

Sam Stephen's piece plus photographs will be published in "Tatters" April 2007 in the next few days. Check out www.tigerfolk.com during the week.


29 Mar 07 - 03:31 AM (#2010341)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: Dave Sutherland

Packie Byrne's 90th - An Unreliable Account by Sam Stephens is now available on


29 Mar 07 - 03:34 AM (#2010346)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: Dave Sutherland

sorry http://www.tigerfolk.com


29 Mar 07 - 07:53 AM (#2010484)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: Bonnie Shaljean

Actually, for the record, his birthday is the 18th, not the 17th - but he's the last person to let the truth get in the way of a good story OR celebration!


29 Mar 07 - 07:43 PM (#2011190)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: GUEST,Brendy

... had the very good fortune to be with Packie Manus on the occasion of his 90th.... in Ardara, W. Donegal.
RTÉ and English Channel 4 were in Peter Oliver's filming a documentary about him.

A good oul' day..., and night

B.


30 Mar 07 - 06:03 PM (#2012147)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: Little Robyn

Sounds wonderful. I wish we could have been there.
Robyn


31 Mar 07 - 07:40 AM (#2012508)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: GUEST,Jim Martin

Brendy- is that Channel 4 or BBC 4?


31 Mar 07 - 01:05 PM (#2012698)
Subject: RE: Happy Birthday Packie Byrne-born 17 Feb 1917
From: Bonnie Shaljean

Neither, at the moment. They're hoping to sell it to television, and are recording a DVD. I don't think they're even finished filming yet, because I believe there's some more interviewing after Easter.

In any case, I will be sure to let everyone know in a new thread - if someone doesn't beat me to it!