St
Patrick's Day in Montreal - 2005
This
years venue for St Patrick's week was
McKibbin's
Irish bar situated in downtown Montreal. Although the
weather was cold outside, inside we received a warm welcome from the
locals, warm
food from a great menu and six creamy cool pin ts
of the black stuff from a happening
bar- just what the doctor
ordered. We
had been travelling all day and had little time to rest for we had only a few
hours before hitting the stage. Not too worry though, our energy levels
were back on track and Johnny
couldn't wait to unleash his tambourine playing to on-looking masses.
With the help of Ross (our sound man for the week) we took our positions.
An illustrious drum roll form Kev (Animal) and the infamous Em guitar chord
sequence form Mal initiated what was to be the start of a memorable week packed
full of music and
craic. A week
for meeting new friends,
trying new foods (mostly doused with maple
syrup), hearing new music and celebrating St Patricks like only the people of
Montreal can. We played five gigs in total - each one better than the
last, and as the week continued the crescendo of craic accumulated to new
heights as St Patricks day approached. In all it was a fantastic experience
and one we will not forget and it was all thanks to those who came out see us,
listened to us, spoke to us and put up with us. Cheers!
The
parade was held at noon on the Sunday previous to St Patrick's day and it proved
anything but disappointing. Even with snow on the ground, the sun was
shining and the spectacular event was not to be missed. It started at
Forte and Ste-Catherine and for three hours
colourful floats, marching bands, dancers, and singers passed through the
crowded streets of downtown Montreal as thousands of folks of all ages and
nationalities cheered them along.
![](photogallery/Montreal/crazy-folkersTVsmall.jpg)
On Tuesday morning we went to the bar to
record an interview with one of the local Television news channels. We
played an acoustic set and then sat round a table as the anchor woman interviewed
us. Kevin did a fine job as spokesperson and we had the opportunity to see
the results on the evening news as we ate at a nearby restaurant later that
night.
On
St Patrick's morning one of the local radio stations were broadcasting live from the
bar. Again we played an acoustic set and this time Johnny and John did the
honours of speaking over the Canadian airwaves. Johnny even tried to use
his newly learned French phrases but, unfortunately his pronunciation was a
little off and the DJ's had to quickly intervene and correct him before the
complaints line started ringing.
![](photogallery/Montreal/piperssmall.jpg)
Many others performed
throughout the week
and especially on the big day. Other musicians to perform through the week
included the talented Belfast Andy and Salty Dog. Pipers contributed added
excitement on St Patrick's Day and Kevin even got a chance to beat his drum
along side the bagpipes. Another first for the Animal.
![](photogallery/Montreal/crazy-folkers-erinsmall.jpg)
Special
thanks to Erin and Todd for helping set up the gigs, the media appearances -
newspaper, radio and the local news on TV. Thank you both and Anne-Marie,
Trudy and family for feeding us, giving us shelter, driving us about and showing
us your beautiful city.
A
big thanks goes out to the bar's
resident soun d
man, Ross. Each night he worked his magic on the mixing desk and had us actually
sounding like a good band. A hard task to achieve with six drunken
Irishmen (ask Bernard - he's still trying to get the sound right.)
We especially loved our last gig on the Big Day when Ross blew us away with a
bit of the Blues. Wicked guitar playing big lad - Cheers for all your help
and may you have a long life.
Thanks to Erin & Todd, Blythe and
Jennifer for their fantastic photographic contributions all of which give added
value to the site and give us long lasting memories of a great week.
More of there snaps can be seen in the Gallery section -
Gallery 4 and
Gallery 5.
Thanks to Siobhan and the women's Gaelic
football team and all the relatives of the Duffin clan for their support and
kindness. Finally thanks to you all for creating a very special week.
Best wishes to you all.
![](photogallery/Montreal/crazy-folkers-016small.jpg)
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Kearney 2005
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