Management, staff and patrons at Ó Riada’s Bar and Restaurant had a ‘fantastic night’ at the recent Johnny McEvoy concert and on his first stage appearance since lock-down began last March.
In the course of the evening he recalled playing in the Astor years ago with his bands which, at one time included Gloria – who later came to prominence with the Kris Kristofferson penned, ‘One Day at a Time.’
Fantastic Entertainer – Great Story-teller
“He was great and a fantastic entertainer. He sang all his hits, he is a great storyteller and explains the backgrounds to the songs before he sings them,” said Ó Riada’s manager and concert promoter, Mary Jones.
“The dinner and show combination is getting very popular with our customers since we started with this phase of our entertainment programme with Sharon Shannon’s shows in mid June.
Very Positive Feedback
“The feedback we’re getting from them is very positive and they’re telling us that they love the night out and the music.
“They especially love seeing the artists that wouldn’t regularly play in the smaller venues and they love the intimacy of the shows.
“And we love looking after them and making sure they get their money’s worth when they go to the bother of booking and visiting us,” said Mary.
Preparing For Seán Keane
With September taking its final few faltering steps towards October, Ó Riada’s is getting into its stride and preparing to welcome Seán Keane on Friday, October 16th and Saturday 17th.
The singer from the famous Caherlistrane family in North Galway will play three shows in the Ballymacelligott venue. One on Friday night at 8pm and on the Saturday at 5pm and again at 8pm.
For your €60 per head ticket you get all the entertainment with the added bonus of what has been described by the punters as ‘a fabulous three course meal.’
Pat Coyne and Fergus Feely
Seán Keane will be accompanied to the Ballymacelligott concerts by fellow musicians, Pat Coyne and Fergus Feely.
You’ll be getting the benefit of a voice that channels a family tradition of singing and which goes well back over the decades and into the centuries.
Seán Keane’s aunts, Rita and Sarah both died just over a year apart around a decade ago and they were close to their 90s.
A Very Deep Well of Tradition
They brought songs and the singing tradition from their parents and grandparents and, most likely, from much deeper than that.
It’s a tradition which waited for the 1950s to be radio documented by Ciarán MacMathúna and his equals and later recorded by the likes of Claddagh Records.
Their influence on Seán and on his equally famous sister, Dolores is well known and they put their unique stamp on the styles of generations of singers now and to come.
That’s the unfathomable depth of the well from which your entertainment will be drawn up at the Seán Keane’s concerts at O’Riada’s in the middle of next month.
Limited Regulation Seating Capacity
These concerts have limited seating capacity due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
The venue has passed all the inspections which have now become a regularity in areas where all numbers restricted events are held.
Bookings can be arranged by ringing Mary Jones on 087 206 4119
