THE KERRY
McKEON BLOG .. ISSUE 55
“SO HAUNTED
BY STRANDHILL” .. THE
CD LAUNCH
After recent
weeks of planning and years of suggestions the launch of the CD to commemorate
the memory of Bobby Taylor, Tommy Coyle and Michael Higgins our three young
Eastern Harps players lost to drowning in Strandhill in 1998 is finally here.
It goes ahead in Drury’s Lounge in Monasteraden on Saturday night August 13th.
Eighteen years on from that sad day appears a long time really, however the
impact of the song as it resonates with the families, friends, neighbours and
sporting colleagues of the drowning victims is of more importance than the time
span. That marvellous ballad “Boolavogue” which commemorates the Wexford
rebellion in 1798 was not written until 1898 to mark its centenary while the
infamous Irish famine of 1846/47, probably the most tragic event in our entire
history was commemorated by the now famous song “The Fields of Athenry” now chanted
at sports events all over, superbly written by Pete St John in the early 1970’s
- almost 130 years after the event. We
do not expect “So haunted by Strandhill” to have the same impact as those two
classics, certainly not nationally, nevertheless this emotional piece of music
will have a gripping attachment to every home inside our borders and will be
much sought after right throughout the county as well.
Jimmy
McArdle the Belfast born but American based writer of the song is travelling
home to launch the CD and is eagerly looking forward to it as he renews
acquaintances with old friends in Gurteen. Ocean Fm and Mid West Radio will be
covering the event as will The Sligo Champion while music on the night is being
provided by the popular Maureen O Dowd group. Padraig O Dowd of Drury’s Bar is
planning additional facilities for the launch with Paul Taylor acting as M.C.
while it is important to point out also that there will be no cover charge on
the night. However copies of the CD which will be available on the night will
cost €10 and it is expected that all patrons will purchase one of these as a
tribute to the drowning victims and also as a souvenir to retain in their
homes. For those who are not able to
attend on the night the CD’s will be available at several locations
around our area and throughout the county and we will advise on these locations
later once we get them finalised. At the request of the three bereaved families
the final proceeds from the launch will be donated to the R.N.L.I. rescue
services.
It is
entirely appropriate that at this time we remember also the many other
tragedies that happened about this time and since, as they also had a strong
connection to our Eastern Harps club. We also feel it is correct to note the
two lucky young men Declan Maheady and Laurence Cooke who went within a whisker
of losing their lives that fateful day and probably would have done so but for
the speedy attention of the rescue services. And perhaps we too could mention
Kerry McKeon who was so friendly with the drowning victims. Kerry had made
arrangements to travel with the party of youngsters to the seaside that day but
had to stay behind to work in The Mayfly Inn. He didn’t like it one bit but
sadly for him he too has now departed this earth. Such is life – such is death. They are all
together now, buddies together, forever friends, forever remembered, forever
revered and forever young.
“ In iothlainn
de go gcastar
sinn”
Lean na
Clairsigh
Bye for now
PJ.
McKeon for Kerry McKeon
R.I.P.