What a great concert!
The young Damien McGinty, from Derry, was the crowd favorite. The teenager has the charisma to go with the voice. Keith Harkin, the blond with the David Cassidy smile, sang "The Mountains of Mourne" with passion in his voice. George Donaldson brought tears to my eyes singing "The Old Man." One of my favorite songs, though not necessarily Irish, "Nights In White Satin" was exquisitely delivered by Paul Byrom. Ryan Kelly sang the Eagle's "Desperado" with all the heart of a cowboy on the range. Phil Coulter wrote several of the songs as well as directing. You're probably familiar with many of his songs. "Ireland's Call" brought people to their feet tonight.
The set and the music brought together the old, old Ireland of the chieftains and the new intercontinental Irish with rocks on the ground and lights in the sky. Kilts, suits, leather coats, and the violinists in long, flowing gowns. Spectacular. All in all, it was a lovely evening.
