MUSIC Wild Geese play six gigs this weekend

Wild Geese land in west Mayo


Ciara Moynihan

The Wild Geese from across the water will once again be entertaining their many Mayo fans in their own inimitable way this coming bank holiday weekend.
They will kick off their Mayo tour on Friday afternoon, June 1, in Matt Molloy’s, Westport, where they have been playing their mix of country, rock and trad for 20 years. That night, they head to The Railway Tavern, Altamont Street, Westport, for another gig at 9pm.
Saturday night sees the band head out to Murrisk, where they will play in Campbell’s Bar from 9pm. The next evening, Sunday, June 3, they’re back in Matt Molloy’s for a gig in the Yard Bar at 9pm. The Wild Geese will then fly across the border for a lunchtime gig in Gaynor’s Bar, Leenane, on the Monday, winging their way back to Louisburgh for another show in the Bunowen Inn at 9pm. 
The ten-strong UK band is comprised of Paul Copley on guitar, harmonica and vocals; Dick Stamp on bodhran, tin whistle and one song; John Boyle on fiddle and vocals; Mitch France on mandolin, banjo and vocals; Rob Watkins on guitar and vocals; Brian Wylie on blarge, mandolin and vocals; Kath Wylie on mandolin; Richard King (the Meister) on guitar and excellent vocals; Ian McDonald on fiddle; Eamon Halloran on guitar and vocals.
Local musician Declan Mahon has been lined up to join the Geese at a number of the gigs. An old friend of the band, Peter Bojtos from Denver, Colorado, will also join the tour, along with David Brown and John Booth from Yorkshire, and Brian Hafferty from Manchester.
This year’s tour is not only a celebration of the band’s 21st anniversary, it is also in honour of Dave Crolla a founder member of The Geese who sadly died last year. All the gigs are free.