Wild Geese ready to fly west again

EARLY YEARS Members of the Wild Geese with Matt Molloy in the yard of Matt Molloy’s Pub – before the Yard Bar was built. It was the second time the band played at the Westport venue.

IT’S that time of the year again when the internationally renowned Wild Geese fly west from across the water to entertain their many fans with an eclectic mixture of trad, folk and country.
It’s 27 years since the lovely Geraldine Molloy (RIP) first welcomed the Geese into her pub with six creamy pints and the most delicious smoked salmon soda bread sandwiches.
This year’s tour will commence on the three Atlantic Islands of Bofin, Turk and Clare, followed by two days in their ‘spiritual’ home in Westport - Matt Molloy’s.
The Three Islands Tour starts with a session on Thursday, May 23 in Murray’s on Inishbofin, followed on Friday, May 24 by a gig in the Community Centre, Inishturk, finishing on Saturday, May 25 with a gig in The Sailor’s Bar, Clare Island.
On Sunday afternoon, May 26, there will be the the usual session in Matt Molloy’s followed by a gig in Molloy’s Yard Bar in the evening (8pm sharp). On Monday, May 27 will be the ‘wind down’ session in Matt’s with a ‘sing-song’ round the barrel in the evening. There are eight musicians in the Islands’ party. They are: John Boyle – Fiddle;
Dick Stamp – Bodhran and Tin Whistle; Paul Copley – Guitar, Harmonica and Vocals; Brian Wylie – Blarge, Mandolin and Vocals; Kath Wylie - Mandolin; Richard King (the Meister) – Guitar and Excellent Vocals; Ian McDonald – Fiddle; Toby Meredith – Bodhran. The Sunday sessions will include Rob Watkins on Guitar and Vocals, plus local man Declan Mahon.
The Geese will be once again be joined by two sensational singer songwriters, Anna and Laura, who perform as ‘Waiting for Wednesday’
Friends and family from around the world, including the USA, Thailand, Switzerland and the UK, will be joining the Geese throughout their busy week.