MUSIC Sailing off into the sunset with Declan O’Rourke

INTIMATE GIG Declan O’Rourke during his Killary Sessions gig in July.Pics: Owen Sweeney

Sailing off into the sunset with Declan O’Rourke


Owen Sweeney

Throughout his critically acclaimed career, Declan O’Rourke has been no stranger to some of the more peculiar performance venues in Ireland. From the chilly Grafton Street busk each Christmas to the unique setting of RTE’s Big Music Train, it’s clear to his devoted audience that the singer-songwriter is certainly not shy of a musical challenge.
With this in mind, few were surprised when on a bright Saturday night earlier this month,  O’Rourke happily agreed to entertain more than 100 guests on a cruise ship that set sail on the waters of the stunning Killary Fjord.
After an up-and-down week weather-wise, there were a few smiles when those attending the Killary Sessions saw the sun in the sky over the picturesque surroundings of Killary Harbour and Leenane. The captain and crew of The Killary Fjord Boat Tours were buzzing with the presence of their special guest and helped set the tone for what would be a wonderful evening, with a pleasant and efficient boarding process from Nancy’s Point at 8pm.
The audience, who had access to beautiful views on both port and starboard sides, made use of the ship’s full bar while waiting for the main act and respectfully listened to the musical offerings of a crew member, another Declan, before O’Rourke took to the stage.
Thirty minutes or so into the voyage, the bearded stowaway O’Rourke descended from the upper deck and greeted both familiar faces and new guests, before promising an entertaining evening for all. Technically speaking, the sound system performed adequately, but it was O’Rourke’s masterclass in crowd control that ensured that everyone could hear his generously long set of songs throughout the evening. In an act that can only be described as ‘flirting out’ to those at the back of the inner deck who were making a bit too much noise during some of the quieter numbers, O’Rourke convinced some of the rowdier folk with his cheeky smile that it would be worth it if they lent him their ears.
Hits such as ‘Whatever Else Happens‘, ‘Sarah (Last Night in a Dream)’, ‘A Little Something’, ‘We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea’  and the timeless ‘Galileo’ were intertwined with a new collection of songs about the Irish famine and a special commemoration piece about children who died during the Easter Rising of 1916.
Despite the heavier subjects of the newer songs, O’Rourke kept things light with non-stop banter with the audience throughout the show. During the energetic ‘Lightning Bird Wind River Man’, he joked that his guitar was following the rhythm of a woman swaying at the back of deck. The pressure got a bit too much for the lady in question, and when she then subsequently dropped her pint following his attention, she joined O’Rourke and the rest of the deck in fits of laughter.
More levity came with the introduction of a new tune that discussed the tribulations of Irish emigrants and their voyage to Canada in the decades long ago. O’Rourke joked that he hoped “we won’t be abandoned by our captain Colm tonight”, a few bewildered looks followed when the audience Colm in his captain’s uniform replied‘ “It’s grand lads I’m right here”.  
The Killary Fjord Boat Tour, which has been one of the most popular attractions in the West for the last fifteen years, diverted from its usual 90-minute long return journey up the Fjord and dropped anchor just off the harbour after a quick up and back to the nearby Killary Adventure Company. There were none of the usual dolphin sightings this evening, perhaps they were scared off from ripples caused by the rapturous applause and buoyant sing-alongs that O’Rourke’s audience contributed throughout the night.  
The sun set shortly after 10.10 pm and before the boat returned to shore, new friendships had been forged, new fans had been earned by O’Rourke and a love for the breathtaking Leenane and Killary landscapes had been renewed.
All in all, an unforgettable and intimate experience that was enhanced by the beauty of the local surroundings.

Declan O’Rourke will play the Bard Room Sessions at Sailor’s Bar, Clare Island, on August 9 (tickets €20).