Naomh Gall GAA

One of the most memorable evenings ever in St Galls has to be the recent Frances Black concert. Two years in the making the night surpassed expectations and was a fitting inclusion in the events to mark one hundred years of Cumann Naomh Gall.

Of course with our club premises in need of a facelift there was a worry that the venue might be inadequate but thanks to bar manager Seamus and his staff, chairman Paul Flanagan and his ever patient father, Chris ‘Boogs’ McCartney and Pat ‘Speedy’ McCaffrey the hall was transformed and became a fitting arena.

But the hall was insignificant compared to the music and the persona of Frances Black. In the preview to the concert it was stated that Nancy Griffiths thought her the sweetest voice in Ireland and the evening gave testimony to that belief. The music was many things, sweet, varied, emotional and utterly professional. But we got more than music as Francis shared stories behind the songs and allowed us an insight of her life. There was refection, humour and a good bit of craic.

Many songs familiar to all were sung and others maybe not so well known but the performance of Frances and her band of top musicians was faultless. From her entrance through to her finish with her unique version of ’The Foggy Dew’ this was an incredible night.

And not to be overlooked was the song ’When You Say Nothing At All’ when Frances was joined on stage by a number of women, among them Moira Gallagher and Marie Therese Robinson (Hannaway).

This was truly a unique evening and experience. Showing the warmth of the artiste Frances spent some time after the concert talking to people, or in some cases listening, and signing autographs. There is most definitely a great warmth to this women that came through all evening. It was indeed a privilege to hear her live in our club and share her personal stories.

A GAA club in west Belfast might not be the desired venue of international artistes but she came, and she performed, and our sincere thanks go out to her.

If you missed this evening and another opportunity arises again don’t miss it a second time!

Lastly thanks to Brian for making it easy to arrange this evening and all advice and of course to Alfie and Marie Therese who set the wheels in motion.