About

About

Howth Singing Circle (Ciorcal Ceol Bheann Éadair) was started in 2001 in memory of Brendan ‘Bull’ Moore, local fisherman and fine singer.

We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 8.00, upstairs in the SEA ANGLING CLUB, 15 West Pier, Howth. The contribution is €4. (Chair lift available)

We are a traditional singers’ club, however we welcome any song.  The Club is run by a small Committee but each monthly session is run by two different people who pick a theme and suggest songs for a printed Song Book.  Sandwiches or other food are provided half way through the night.

We regularly have guests and in the past we have had had Len Graham, Gerry Cullen, Micil Ned Quinn, Con ‘Fada’ O’Drisceoil, Daoiri Farrell, Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne, Andy Irvine, Martyn Wyndham-Read, among others and – at the Burns Nichts – the Handsworth Sword Dancers from Sheffield, Loic and Guenahel Denis [biniou and bombarde] from Brittany, Fred Morrison [Scots piper] and Steve Byrne [Malinky], and Paul Anderson [fiddle] and Shona Donaldson [singer]. Fred Morrison and Stevie Byrne and Kathleen MacInnes [South Uist] and Siobhán Miller [Penicuik].

Every November we hold an annual ‘Dinner Dance’ with music, dancing and a meal in one of Howth’s wonderful restaurants.

Every January we host the annual Burns Nicht in the Abbey Tavern.  Limited to 180 there is twice the demand for tickets, such is the popularity of the evening.  It is a five hour session and includes haggis, tatties and neeps, sandwiches, a full colour printed programme and Howth St Lawrence Pipe Band!

12 thoughts on “About”

  2. There was a young man singing on the Pier on June 10, just he, his guitar and amp and his voice. Is there a way to find out who he was and if he has any recordings.

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  3. What is “Nicht” ? I’ve heard of “nacht”, but “nicht”…or Burns Night. Colloquial Scottish would SOUND- “nichtish”, but SPELLED nigh, night, nacjt.

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  4. My name is Pádraic Walsh
    My email address is Padraicwalsh1952@gmail.com
    First condolences to your circle regarding the passing of Diarmuid. He was True gentleman oh Culture.we knew him through our Monday night Sessions in Portmarnock.
    I have been asked to collect some material for a Tribute night next Thursday on our Zoom session and would appreciate a call tomorrow @ 0868219529 to see if you could help

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    • Dear Pádraic,
      I was sad to hear of Diarmuid’s passing. Here is a poem I wrote in response to it. If you know anyone to pass it on to, feel free.
      Warmly,
      Ted Deppe

      STONECOAST IN IRELAND: THE SEVENTH NIGHT

      On the last night of our Howth writing residency,
      a man in the audience rose to suggest we cross arms
      and hold hands, then led us singing “The Parting Glass.”

      I’ll gently rise and I’ll softly call
      Good night and joy be with you all.

      When the song stopped, when the week
      of sharing was over, I didn’t want all of us to release
      each other’s hands, I wanted

      to drink it all in as long as possible.
      In the years that followed, Diarmuid Ó Cathasaigh

      stepped forth on more than one last night
      to lead us in song. Such a radiant man.
      Such a pure, sweet voice.

      So tonight, Annie looks up at me
      to say, We’ve lost another one. Oh, Diarmuid.
      .
      I didn’t want to let go of your hand.
      But since it falls unto my lot
      That I should rise and you should not…

      All of us, of course, will have to rise and go.
      But farewell. And deep thanks.

      So many fine writers in that circle.
      Such a pure, sweet man.
      You showed us a way to say goodbye.

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  5. Sounds like fun.I love listening to singing, but am not a great singer myself.Could I still show up?If I can, when is the next gig please?

    Many thanks.
    Joan

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