I recently released a CD in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. My grandfather was diagnosed with terminal cancer in April 2013 and was given six weeks to live... My grandfather's full of life and family, along with a stubborn streak ensured he stayed in the care of his loving family until he passed away peacefully in October 2014. This CD is in thanksgiving for the extra time we shared together. My grandfather was a major influence in my singing career, and I know he would be proud of me for releasing this fundraising CD. The CD is available on iTunes at: Annmarie O'Riordan 'Twas the Night Dia Daoibh! I am here sitting at my desk reminiscing of my time on enchanting Clare Island. I performed a concert on Clare Island for the first time on Friday last (04/09/15). I must admit I had trepidations while driving to Roonagh Pier before embarking on the ferry to Clare Island as it was a compete new venture for Annmarie O'Riordan and band. That said, on arriving at Roonagh... the excitement commenced. We stepped on board the "Clew Bay Queen" and promptly arrived on Clare Island.
One foot on Clare Island and magical freedom consumed me. I felt like I left all the stresses of the world back at Roonagh. We strolled along the narrow winding path to the Community Hall in preparation for our concert. What a wonderful concert and rousing audience, which was made all the more special thanks to the fantastically talented musicianship of Alan Finn and Ger Naughton. It is such a gift to share the stage with two of Ireland's finest musicians. The following morning, I had the privilege of holding a singing workshop which was most insightful as I learned so much about the singers of the island. I received a gift of a CD from Clare Island native singer song writer Patrick O'Toole- what a treasure of an album it is. Go raibh míle maith agat, a Phádraig! On my departure from captivating Clare Island, an overwhelming sense of loss struck me. My impeding separation from the land of "the door is always open" saddened me. But alas, I shall be expeditiously returning. A huge thank you to all involved in making the annual Clare Island Féile Cheoil Concert a huge success- Jane O'Toole, Noel Clarke and Clare Island Comhaltas for organising the event and to Jane and Padraic O'Malley of Cloch na Scith B&B and Mary and John Moran of Seabreeze B&B for their excellent hospitality. Le gach dea ghuí, Annmarie! Hope you are all keeping well. As the title states I have had a wonderfully musical week. I had an absolutely fantastic night at Skibbereen's Comhaltas seisiún which was held on last Wednesday night in the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. An excellently organised show with such beautiful music, song and dance. I was the guest artist on the night and performed a nine songs including "The Colleen Bawn", "Cooraclare", "Bold Thady Quill", "Galway Bay" and "This Story I Tell you is True". It was a full house and I was delighted to meet people Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tyrone, Clare, Australia, America and the United Kingdom. I have attached a number of photographs I took on the night. I also visited the West Limerick Singer's Club monthly seisiún which was held in The Ramble Inn, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick on Friday night. A great store of songs shared by prodigious performers. I am delighted to tell you all that I will back performing concerts in Cork and Kerry in October and November. Dates and venues to be announced. Le gach dea ghuí, Annmarie x
Hope you are all keeping well!
You may gather from the title that I was rather busy this week! Music wise- I had a fantastic time at the Fleadh Nua, Ennis where I met some wonderfully insightful people. I had the honour of performing at the annual singer's club hosted by historian and performer Joe O'Connor. On a personal level- I was taking care of an injured baby robin which I came upon while out walking near Currans in Co. Kerry. The poor baby was after being attacked by a cat and had only one eye open (which I later found out was due to an infection) and was unable to fly so I felt it was best to bring the robin home with me in order to bring him back to good health.... There is a lot of work in caring for a baby robin who usually eats every seven minutes!!!! But I brought him around with around the clock care and took him to a wildlife care centre where he will later return to the wild..... :) I have attached a photograph from the singer's club in Ennis along with photographs of the little baby robin which I called "Danny"!! I am exceedingly excited about performing in The Temple Gate hotel, Ennis on this Sunday night the 24th May. The weekend is sure to be packed with fantastic music and song as Ennis prepares to host an All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil. My own life: I have recently finished my academic year in college and look forward to focusing on my music over the Summer months. I am singing in the church for weddings over the Summer along with concert tours and guest appearances. Hope you are all keeping well :) I can't get this beautiful song out of my head today so I may as well share it with you.... Le gach dea ghuí, Annmarie!!!
Hope all of you are keeping well :)
I had the honour of singing at a wedding yesterday and isn't it such a wonderful occasion..... I was the church singer and did not really know the bride and groom but it was truly beautiful... I always recall an old friend of my grandparents who is deceased now (God rest his soul) who would exclaim: 'Love goes out the window when a bill comes in the door' but alas, a wedding is the unity of two people who are committed to one another for life... I really enjoyed performing at the church and I had the opportunity to sing one of my favourite songs... "From a Distance' which I hope you enjoy xx (",) Le gach dea ghuí, Annmarie :) Dia daoibh,
What a fantastic night of music, song and dance at the annual Sliabh Luachra concert at the 14th Annual Maurice O'Keeffe Weekend in Kiskeam, Co. Cork. I felt privileged performing with some of Ireland's top traditional musicians including Brendan and Brenainn Begley, Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch, Geraldine O'Callaghan, Donie Nolan and the Abbey Ceili Band. I hope you like the concert selfies!!! Also, I have some very exciting news which I can't wait to share with you...... I promise to tell me more once all the dates are confirmed!! :) I hope you all had a lovely St. Patrick's Day! "May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door". This year I spent St. Patrick's Day with my family. We attended mass where I sang in the church choir and we then took part in the local parades. It was a truly enjoyable day. I also visited a local nursing home where I sang a number of songs for residents and staff which were really appreciative. There is something wonderfully special about spending a holy day with family. I have posted the following video "An Irish Blessing" which is taken from my fourth album "Song for the Journey". The sentiments in this song are truly beautiful and I hope it brings a smile to your face... |