Clare County Council this evening hosted a Civic Reception honouring renowned traditional singer Robbie McMahon at Aras Contae An Chláir in Ennis.
The local folk singer and composer is best known for his rendition of the Irish ballad ‘Spancil Hill’ and his unique interpretation of other traditional songs.
Addressing this evening’s Civic Reception, Mayor of Clare Councillor Christy Curtin said: “Clare County Council is delighted to be able to honour a true icon of Irish folk culture and one of the most celebrated Clare men. His unique rendition of Spancil Hill and extraordinary performances as a traditional artist in his own right have earned him international acclaim.”
“The ballad tradition in Ireland extends back at least to the early 17th century, but its history in County Clare is known throughout the world. The influence of 20th century culture on Irish society did affect the tradition of ballad singing but Robbie has helped reinvigorate Irish folk songs. In doing so, Robbie has helped preserve a central feature of Irish culture and also has kept alive the traditions and stories of old.
“I would like to thank Robbie for his contribution to preserving traditional songs and of course creating new ballads down through the years, including ‘The Old Man in the Hob’ and ‘Ollie Baker’ – a song about his own nephew who won two All Irelands with Clare. The ballads sung by Robbie also relate to every corner of the County and aspects of Irish life from days gone by. These ballads include the Chapel Gates of Cooraclare, Spancil Hill, The Fleadh Down in Ennis, the Ballad of Tommy Daly, the Cliffs of Dooneen Lovely Old Miltown.
“In hosting a Civic Reception in honour of Robbie this evening, we are also recognising the contribution of other individuals throughout County Clare to preserving a unique part of Irish culture and heritage over the years”, concluded Mayor Curtin.
Clare County Council has honoured a number of Clare’s traditional musicians in recent years. In May 2008, the local authority bestowed Civic Honours on Maghera fiddler Martin Hayes. In September 2009, Ruan’s Sharon Shannon was honoured and earlier this year the Council hosted a Civic Reception for the Kilfenora Ceili Band in recognition of their contribution to Irish traditional music.
Earlier this year a documentary on the folk singer was produced. ‘Last Night As I Lay Dreaming’ was supported by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann and received funding from the Arts Office of Clare County Council, through its Traditional Music Initiative supported by the Arts Council.
The local folk singer and composer is best known for his rendition of the Irish ballad ‘Spancil Hill’ and his unique interpretation of other traditional songs.
Addressing this evening’s Civic Reception, Mayor of Clare Councillor Christy Curtin said: “Clare County Council is delighted to be able to honour a true icon of Irish folk culture and one of the most celebrated Clare men. His unique rendition of Spancil Hill and extraordinary performances as a traditional artist in his own right have earned him international acclaim.”
“The ballad tradition in Ireland extends back at least to the early 17th century, but its history in County Clare is known throughout the world. The influence of 20th century culture on Irish society did affect the tradition of ballad singing but Robbie has helped reinvigorate Irish folk songs. In doing so, Robbie has helped preserve a central feature of Irish culture and also has kept alive the traditions and stories of old.
“I would like to thank Robbie for his contribution to preserving traditional songs and of course creating new ballads down through the years, including ‘The Old Man in the Hob’ and ‘Ollie Baker’ – a song about his own nephew who won two All Irelands with Clare. The ballads sung by Robbie also relate to every corner of the County and aspects of Irish life from days gone by. These ballads include the Chapel Gates of Cooraclare, Spancil Hill, The Fleadh Down in Ennis, the Ballad of Tommy Daly, the Cliffs of Dooneen Lovely Old Miltown.
“In hosting a Civic Reception in honour of Robbie this evening, we are also recognising the contribution of other individuals throughout County Clare to preserving a unique part of Irish culture and heritage over the years”, concluded Mayor Curtin.
Clare County Council has honoured a number of Clare’s traditional musicians in recent years. In May 2008, the local authority bestowed Civic Honours on Maghera fiddler Martin Hayes. In September 2009, Ruan’s Sharon Shannon was honoured and earlier this year the Council hosted a Civic Reception for the Kilfenora Ceili Band in recognition of their contribution to Irish traditional music.
Earlier this year a documentary on the folk singer was produced. ‘Last Night As I Lay Dreaming’ was supported by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann and received funding from the Arts Office of Clare County Council, through its Traditional Music Initiative supported by the Arts Council.
