Warm welcome

Warm welcome home for Knock native

People and Places
Michael Commins

FOR CLOSE on 30 years, Paddy Neary did not step foot in his native parish of Knock. But four years ago, he returned from England for the first time since the mid-1970s, and such was the warmth of the welcome extended to him by old friends and neighbours that he journeyed back again in recent days to renew acquaintances once more.
An enjoyable party in his honour was held in The Thatch lounge in Knock where Paddy was once again the centre of attraction. The man from Derreen, Cloonlavish enjoyed every minute of the night, sharing memories with old friends and recalling days of yore.
He was especially pleased to meet up with his former neighbour, Frank Jordan, who has resided Kiltimagh for many years and whom he had not met in around 35 years. Another neighbour, Margaret Jennings (nee Keane) was also present to welcome Paddy home.
Members of the Hyland family, formerly from Cuiltybo, to whom Paddy is an uncle, were among the large gathering. He was accompanied home by his niece, Edna.
For Paddy, this was a real trip down memory lane. “This time, I was more prepared for the journey than I was four years ago. There had been so many changes over the years that I found it harder to adjust on the previous trip, but I knew what to expect this time. They all have such a welcome for me. I must have left a great impression years ago!” quipped Paddy.

Discover birdsong at dawn and dusk

FRESH awareness of the beauty of nature and the environment has taken on a whole new dimension in recent years. The decision of RTÉ Radio 1 to broadcast a special through-the-night and early-morning outside broadcast featuring the dawn chorus has contributed significantly to a reawakening of this interest.
National Dawn Chorus Day is next Sunday, May 18, and, in preparation for the event, Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland will give a talk on birdsong on Thursday, May 15, in the Lough Lannagh Holiday Village, Castlebar. The talk commences at 6.45pm and will be followed by a walk commencing at 8.15pm around Lough Lannagh to hear the dusk chorus.
On Sunday, May 18, there will be a dawn chorus walk in Drummin Woods, Foxford. All interested are invited to meet at 4.45am at the middle car park (the second of three) beside Lough Cullin on the R318, one mile west of Foxford Rail Station.
Both events are free and open to the public. Further details can be had from Ruth of Mayo Birdwatch at 087 6432340 or 094 9257841 (evenings and weekend).

The Galty’s doors close for the last time

THE MOST famous Irish dancehall in England, The Galtymore in Cricklewood, London, will close its doors for the last time on Sunday night, May 25. The final dances have been rescheduled for the Bank Holiday weekend in England, and Big Tom and The Mainliners will play to two capacity audiences on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25.
For one Mayo woman, it will be an especially poignant occasion. Rose Brennan had served as secretary at The Galty for over 30 years. A native of Palmfield, Carracastle, she has witnessed many historic occasions at the venue that was home from home for countless thousands of Irish people since it was opened by the Byrne family from Kerry in the 1950s.
“The Galty has been a way of life for me since the 1970s,” said Rose. “It has always been at the very heart of the Irish experience for so many people in London. We had some massive nights here. It was the great meeting place for the Irish and especially those from the rural areas. People always said they felt very much at home and among their own people when they came to The Galty.
“I met all the big names in Irish showbiz over the years. Almost every major name on the music scene in Ireland played this venue at some time or other. We also hosted many of the big awards shows at which people from the showbiz, television, sport and business scenes were honoured for their achievements. It is going to be a very emotional weekend when Big Tom and The Mainliners play the last two dances at this famous venue.”
Mayo people have always had close ties with The Galtymore dancehall in London. Apart from the huge support given to the venue by the thousands of Mayo emigrants over the years, those involved directly in the music business have had associations with the venue down through the years.
Pat Noone from Mayfield, Claremorris, recalled during the week how he was booking agent for Pete Brown’s band from Kiltimagh when they played several dates in The Galtymore back in the 1960s. “That part of London had a huge Irish population in those times. We had some great nights there,” says Pat.
Full houses are expected for both shows on Saturday and Sunday night week, and many people are travelling over to London for the farewell dances as the curtains come down on the Galtymore for the very last time.