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Blarney Pilgrims Irish Music Podcast — Music
Blarney Pilgrims Irish Music Podcast

The Blarney Pilgrims Podcast is a weekly journey to the heart of Irish music. We interview players of Irish music about how they first came to the music and the place it occupies in their lives now. We use the word ‘heart’ intentionally, because heart is what this music, and the people who play it, are all about. It’s a funny, warm and often unexpected journey – and the tunes are crackin’ too. NOTE: Hey there – it’s Darren and Dom here. So…we want to let you know that last week was the last episode (Ep 94) of the Blarney Pilgrims Podcast for now. We’ve come to a point where we’ve both decided to take a long pause and focus on a few other things. Knowing how much the podcast means to you all, it’s a decision we’ve been really reluctant to take. What we DO know is how massively grateful we are for every text, every thumbs up, every raised eyebrow of support we’ve had over the past two years. You are all legends, and we’re forever in your debt. Thanks especially to everyone who’s become a Patron Saint and supported us through the toughest of economic times, and thanks most especially to the musicians. To those who have been so generous to share their tunes and stories with us, and to those who’ve welcomed us into pub sessions and festival gatherings and house sessions and campsite sessions. Wherever in the world we’ve chatted with players of the music, we’ve been made to feel like lifelong pals. It’s a testament to the open heartedness of the communities who keep the music going wherever they are, and we can’t thank you all enough. We hope this archive will remain of use to people even as we’re taking a pause. So – please do stay in touch, don’t be a stranger, and if you see us out and about, do say hello. And we’ll see you when we see you. Dom and Darren.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 34: Jody Moran Interview (Whistle, Banjo, Lilting and Piano Accordion) Jan 28, 2020

Show notes

Finding a set of Uileann Pipes in Yackandandah, VIC; getting your eyes gouged and goolies grabbed in the south of France; winning at the Fleadh when you're eleven; lilting, teaching your children to play at a young age. And getting to know and love Australia.

A beautiful, thoughtful conversation with the incomparable Jody Moran. Recorded at the Koroit School of Celtic Music and Dance.

Jody plays these tunes:

Sliabh Galgua (Air)

Two reels: The Little Beggarman and The Pigeon on the Gate

Tabhair Dom Do Lámh (Give Me Your Hand)

Eleanor Plunkett

The Road to Lisdoonvarna and The Gatehouse Maid

And finally...

The Hip-Op Jig

Jody - thanks again for taking the time out from your weekend to share your tunes and stories with us.

And if you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge $2 over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

Of course, you don't have to become a patron to listen, but we guarantee you'll enjoy each episode more because you'll be safe in the knowledge that you're a deadset legend.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.facebook.com/BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast
@BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast

Episode 33: Tola Custy Interview (Fiddle) Jan 22, 2020

Show notes

So - when it comes to this episode, we're nearly lost for words. It's engrossing. A deep dive into a sea teeming with life.

Clare born fiddle player Tola Custy talks about how Irish music nearly died and how his father and others of his generation saved it. About out of tune whistling, the woman who bossed the Tulla Céilí Band and Radical Comhaltas. Growing up in a house divided - Kevin Burke fans on one side, Frankie Gavin fans on the other. He talks about Asturian fiddle playing and Irish fiddle playing; the James Goodman manuscript collection; the Time (Ireland) Act of 1916. He talks about stage fright and feeding off the energy of other musicians, the different beauty of Micho Russell's playing. He talks about the waltz time in his head, and much else besides.

And he plays the folllowing pieces:

The Lighthouse and The Mermaid (his own tune) into a Swedish jig followed by a Breton jig

So Small The Boat, So Big The Sea (Tola Custy)

Time Zone Laneway (Tola Custy) into The Maple Leaf (a reel composed by Darach De Brun for his wedding in 1976)

The Yellow Wattle, which Tola learned from the playing of Micho Russell, into Metro-Gnome (his own composition)

and finally

Love At The Ending.

Following the last solo piece, Tola plays a set of tunes with Ado Barker, and they're then joined by Corinn Strating on flute. Recorded at The Last Jar in Melbourne as part of the first of three bush fire relief fundraisers. All proceeds from this episode of The Blarney Pilgrims will go to the same cause.

You can contribute by going to The Last Jar's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Last-Jar-393321014068167/

You'll also find details there about the next fundraiser coming up on Saturday 1st February.
Thanks to everyone at the pub, and to Joe Ferguson for his help with the sound.

And Tola, thanks for a stoater of a chat.

--

And if you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge $2 over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

Of course, you don't have to become a patron to listen, but we guarantee you'll enjoy each episode more because you'll be safe in the knowledge that you're a deadset legend.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.facebook.com/BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast
@BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast

Episode 32: Geoff McArthur Interview (Mandolin, Guitar, Singing) Jan 15, 2020

Show notes

Lunasa disturb the sleeping Geoff McArthur, Martin Hayes bewitches him, and hey presto - Geoff falls in love with Irish music. We also talk songwriting, teaching and mentoring young musicians at the Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance in Koroit. And he sings a song and makes us cry. Can't ask for more than that.

In this episode Geoff plays:
If There Weren't Any Women In The World (barn dance)
The Peacock's Feather (hornpipe)
Sparkle and Shine (song)
The Wise Maid (reel)
Free Trade Hill (song)
The Cornerhouse (reel)

The Go Fund Me for the Lisnacrieve album Geoff mentioned is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/paddy-fitzgerald-cd?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR3_IF4aXtdmafQl1gVnev-ejkuidBHxwjbOCbdsfhPtQZIJEVopX-a6rzo

If you'd like to follow Lisnacrieve you'll find them here: https://www.facebook.com/lisnacrieve/

Finally, if you'd like to follow Geoff's other bands and projects you'll find them here:
www.facebook.com/TequilaMockingbirds/
www.facebook.com/The-Hardies-Hillbillies-638165059958085/

Enjoy!
Darren & Dom

...

As we mentioned, The Last Jar fundraiser for the CFA will happen on Saturday the 18th at 5pm. Details here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2532117996913986/

And if you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge $2 over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

Of course, you don't have to become a patron to listen, but we guarantee you'll enjoy each episode more because you'll be safe in the knowledge that you're a deadset legend.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.facebook.com/BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast
@BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast

Episode 31: Jack Brennan Interview (Uilleann Pipes) Jan 08, 2020

Show notes

Recorded at the Lake School of Celtic Music Song and Dance in Koroit, Victoria, Jack Brennan of Adelaide talks to us about finding the pipes, The French Resistance, catching serial killers, Leo Rowsome, Coppers and Brass and loving your instrument.

In this episode Jack plays:

Garrett Barry's Jig
The Blackbird
Mrs McLeod's Reel
Sí Beag, Sí Mór
Cape Clear

Throughout the chat, Jack also mentions Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU) and if you'd like to find out more about them you can find them here: https://pipers.ie/

If you'd like to know more about Jacks beautiful handmade pipes then check out his website https://www.jackspipes.com/

If you'd like to follow Jack on Facebook you'll find him here: https://www.facebook.com/jack.brennan.7528

Thanks again to Jack for your time and tunes.

And thanks to Lake School of Celtic Music Song and Dance for allowing us to record at your wonderful event. We can't wait for next year.

Enjoy!
Darren & Dom

...

If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge $2 over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

Of course, you don't have to become a patron to listen, but we guarantee you'll enjoy each episode more because you'll be safe in the knowledge that you're a deadset legend.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.facebook.com/BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast
@BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast

Episode 30: Smash Hits 2019 - Volume 2 - The Blarney Pilgrims Traditional Irish Music Podcast Dec 31, 2019

Show notes

Part two of our "best of" episode featuring nothing but tunes and songs of 2019.

As the year closes out, we'd like to thank all our guests for their time and tunes. Without you, none of this would be possible.

The tunes and songs in this episode are:

02.08 - As The Crow Flies - Liz Carroll
05:35 - Donal Og - Kate Burke
10.05 - (Too Big For Ya) Boots - Michelle Doyle and Mickey O'Donnell
15.00 - The Town Of Uranquinty - Tony O'Rourke
17.18 - Untitled Jigs - Davydd McDonald and Kit Joyce
20.38 - The Musical Priest - Angus Barbary
21.43 - Mullingar Races - David Game
23.04 - The Home Ruler / Kitty's Wedding - Tony O'Rourke
26.15 - Untitled Jigs - Ciaran O'Grady and Kate Burke
28.41 - The January Man - Mark Willson
32.07 - The Golden Keyboard - Ado Barker
33.34 - The Donegal Lass / The Black Frog / The Sanctuary - Tony McTigue
38.04 - Untitled Reels - Davydd McDonald and Kit Joyce
40.02 - Untitled - Ciaran O'Grady and Kate Burke
43.50 - John Doherty Tune - Tracey McKeague
44.42 - She Moved Through The Fair / Danish Song / Borders Tunes - Sarah Wade
47.22 - Untitled Reels - Jim Dalton
48.42 - Clan O'Grady March - Ciaran O'Grady
50.31 - That's Right Too/The Leading Role - Liz Carroll

...

Again, thank you to all our listeners. We hope you'll join us again next year for more tunes and craic.

...

As we mentioned in the episode, we have big plans for 2020 and without your monetary support none of that would be possible. So thank you to all our patrons.

If you'd like to round out the year by becoming a patron, then please head over to patreon.com/blarneypilgrims and hit the, "Join $2 Tier" button. You can also bump up your pledge amount to a higher number if you're so inclined.

...

Right that's it, see you all in 2020!

Enjoy!
Darren & Dom

Episode 29: Smash Hits 2019 - Volume 1 - The Blarney Pilgrims Traditional Irish Music Podcast Dec 24, 2019

Show notes

Part one of our two "best of" episodes. This episode features nothing but tunes and songs from our previous guests, and it's an absolute belter!

As the year closes out, we'd like to thank all our guests for giving us their time and tunes. Without you, none of this would be possible, so a heart felt thank you to you all.

The tunes and songs in this episode are;

08.11 - Fisherman's Day - Gerry McKeague
11.58 - Whistler At The Wake - Corinn Strating
13.15 - Newry Town - Jamie Molloy
16.31 - Con Cassidy Tune - Jamie Molloy
18.44 - The Green Gowned Lass - Mary MacNamara & Eileen O'Brien
21.14 - Stór Mo Chroí - Maggie Carty
24.10 - Pat Rainey - Daoirí Farrell
27.26 - Hoedown Throwdown - Austral
30.37 - Tunes - Beth - Beth McCracken
35.57 - Maudabawn Chapel - Kevin Burke
37.17 - London Town - Kevin Burke
40.17 - Lucy's Fling - Kevin Burke
41.43 - Ten Thousand Miles Away - Bush Gothic
45.03 - The Rambling Pitchfork - Chris Fitzgerald
46.15 - The Jolly Beggarman - John Carty
50.04 - The Boys From Dooley Gate - Sean Mathews
53.36 - The Sligo Maid - Paddy Fitzgerald
55.01 - Gerry Crossing To France - Paddy Fitzgerald

...

Thank you to all our listeners. We hope you're enjoying the ride as much as we are. We can't wait for next year.

...

Finally, a massive thank you to all our patrons. It really mean so much when people chip in. And as we mentioned in the episode, we have big plans for 2020 and without your monetary support none of that would be possible.

If this is the week you'd like to become a legend, then please head over to patreon.com/blarneypilgrims and hit that "Join $2 Tier" button. P.S. You're also more than welcome to bump that $2 pledge up to a higher number if you're inclined ; )

...

Right that's it, see you next week for The Blarney Pilgrims - Smash Hits 2019 - Volume 2

Enjoy!
Darren & Dom

Episode 28: Tracey McKeague Interview (Fiddle) Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

Music in Strabane; Donegal fiddle playing; life before Riverdance; Trinity College and Dublin; homesickness and music.

Thanks for this great chat Tracey. Also thanks to Gerry McKeague for the lovely accompaniment.

In this episode Tracy plays:

The Boys of Blue Hill, The Home Ruler
John Doherty’s or Petticoat Loop
Gráinne's Jig
The Tax Max Mazurkas
The Cobbler's Daughter

Enjoy!
Darren & Dom

...

If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge $2 over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

Of course, you don't have to become a patron to listen, but we guarantee you'll enjoy each episode more because you'll be safe in the knowledge that you're a deadset legend.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.blarneypilgrims.com
www.facebook.com/BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast
@BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast

Episode 27: Ciaran O'Grady Interview (Concertina) Dec 11, 2019

Show notes

Growing up in Luton, meeting Francis Droney, the anatomy of the concertina, English Folk music, and many many thoughts on identity, home and what "being Irish" means.

Ciaran is currently working on a solo album with Aifric Boylan, Kate Burke and Graeme Newell and as soon as we hear news about it we'll let you know. We can't wait!

Thanks for such an insightful chat Ciaran. It was a real pleasure.

(Apologies the mics were running a little hot during the tunes)

Enjoy!
Darren & Dom

...

If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge $2 over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

Of course, you don't have to become a patron to listen, but we guarantee you'll enjoy each episode more because you'll be safe in the knowledge that you're a deadset legend.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

Episode 26: Sarah Wade Interview (Scottish Small Pipes, Recorder) Dec 04, 2019

Show notes

We never even got to the concertina. But we did cover a lot of other ground with Sarah, from learning to enjoy music and figuring out your identity as a musician to the temperament of reeds, the vicissitudes of recorders, baroque and early music and the early connectivity of Danish pipe bands. Lovely stuff.

Sarah plays the following tunes:
She Moved Through The Fair
followed by a a Danish song called (in English)
In The Depths of the Forest There's Calm and Peace,
followed by two hornpipes from the Scottish borders

Her second tune is the air to the Burns poem, A Man's A Man for A' That

The third tune is Greensleeves, which is usually creited to Henry VIII

and the last tune is

The Fairy Queen by Turlough O'Carolan

Thanks Sarah, that was awesome.

The Boxwood Music Weekend in Australia will be in Queenscliff, Victoria, from 27th February to 1st March, 2020. You can find details here:
http://www.boxwood.org/australia

The Geelong session I mentioned is happening Saturday 7th December from 2pm at the Sir Charles Hotham Hotel.

And you can pick up advance tickets to Trouble In The Kitchen's gig at The Last Jar here:
https://bit.ly/2ReawWJ

-

If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge $2 over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

Of course, you don't have to become a patron to listen, but we guarantee you'll enjoy each episode more because you'll be safe in the knowledge that you're a deadset legend.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

Till next time.
Darren & Dom

www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.blarneypilgrims.com
facebook.com/BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast
@blarneyPilgrimsPodcast

Episode 25: Tony McTigue Interview (Banjo) Nov 27, 2019

Show notes

Music is the opposite of work. Learning and re-learning how to play. And practicing as far away from the rest of your family as possible. A cracking chat with banjo player Tony McTigue.

Tony plays the following tunes:
The Donegal Lass / The Black Frog / The Sanctuary
The Green Mountain / The Road to Rio / and something Tony can't remember the name of
The Moving Cloud
and
A Barn Dance Set

Thanks for taking time out of the Sunday session Tony. And thanks for the intro chat Lisa Phillips.
...

If you liked this episode and think you got some worth from it, then please pledge $2 over at www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims.

Of course, you don't have to become a patron to listen, but we guarantee you'll enjoy each episode more because you'll be safe in the knowledge that you're a deadset legend.

If you can't afford to pledge on Patreon, and we totally understand if you can't, all is not lost. You can still support the show by sharing it on your socials, posting about it in your favourite forums or simply by telling your mates about it down the pub.

Till next time.
Darren & Dom

www.patreon.com/blarneypilgrims
www.blarneypilgrims.com
facebook.com/BlarneyPilgrimsPodcast
@blarneyPilgrimsPodcast

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