Tribute night for Tony Small in Westport
Henry McGlade
THERE was great sadness among the music community due to the recent passing of the great musician, singer and poet Tony Small, a member of the legendary Wild Geese trad group. The band toured extensively throughout Europe and performed regularly in Westport.
Tony had returned to his native Galway in more recent times, maintaining his strong links with Mayo. He was well known and loved throughout the county and beyond. Just last November he released his latest album ‘Mandolin Mountain’ (pictured), which was engineered and produced by Donogh Hennessy. Tony’s long-time friend, well-known piper Eoin Duignan, and singer Pauline Scanlon – who started out her career singing with Tony – both feature on the CD.
Speaking after Tony’s passing, Joan Maguire, who managed the Wild Geese in Ireland, said: “A genuine gentleman with enormous integrity, who communicated the world as he saw it in words and melodies that will be relevant for many years to come.” Local tributes have since been bountiful for Tony, a man who has been described as ‘an amazing talent’, ‘one of Ireland’s greatest singer songwriters’ and ‘one of the most genuine people in the music industry’.
Traditional musicians and singers from all around Mayo who have been associated with Tony will gather in McCarthy’s Bar, Westport, for a special night of music and song in celebration of his life tomorrow evening, Wednesday, January 22, from 7pm. All are welcome.
Going out, music, death, Westport
