Anyone else survive this? What a fantastic time in Bunbeg! I am too tired to write very much just now - I've had about 9 hours sleep in the last 4 days. However stories, anecdotes and shcandal will be appreciated. I'll contribute what I can when the fatigue has worn off.
Incidentally it was great to meet Lizzy Doe, Patricia Clark, An Ceoiltóir (!), Janek and Kascha, as well as the wonderful crowd at Number 3 Bunbeg Holiday Homes - wie geht es ihnen?
How are the liquidised kangaroos coming along, Tricia?
Thanks for everything, guys. Ciara, no problem, it was a long night and you had all the right to sleep long into the day. We'll certainly see each other some other time soon. Anyway, I really enjoyed the music, the hostel and the people. But my head still aches - not from alcohol surely (ahem), but from all the new things I've learnt. Enough material for half a year of learning.
The hostel in Crolly became a real musicbox, with great contributions from Lizzy, Trish, Ciara and Kasia, as well as a certain musical couple from Germany (who also saved our sorry lives by driving us around), Japanese fiddler and some other people I had no chance to hear.
Conan, you are our new hero. Thanks for all your help, and especially for the great company in the time of need. You rock, man. Also, Kasia told me (not that I've checked it myself) that you are a demon of a dancer. Apart, of course, from being a demon of a player.
The new year's party, with Beoga and Begley&Murray was fantastic, I didn't have such fun in ages. All the concerts we've seen during this time were really good - and Arty&Carty duo was an earthquake of an experience.
Getting up to work was harder than I expected. Well, life. Anyway, thanks to everyone.
Yup it's a pity we didn't meet. I didn't realise you were staying at Screag an Iolar too. Yanek and Kasia had to go back to my hotel to get a taxi at 9 in the morning; luckily one of the girls working there sorted out tea and toast for us so it wasn't so bad. I thought I would get a few hours kip but they needed the room emptied by 11.15 so 48 hours without any sleep!
Definitely worth it though. See you next year, God willing.
Paula, did your mouth actually move away from that bottle of Miller all night???xxxx
Kasia honoured me with a couple of dances so the nght wasn't too bad after all
Hey Janek! The man himself! Well it was great fun to meet you both. I had an excellent time hanging out with you; thanks for the good company and cheer and of course the wonderful music. I keep wondering how on Earth there are such good players in Warsaw? I'm at work today too; not much use to anyone though.
By the way, has anyone seen the New Year Altan concert? We had to miss this one, due to logistic problems, but I'm dead curious how it was, especially that I wanted to see the great Mark Kelly in action after all what he taught us during the classes.
Conán, my mouth moved from the Miller when it ran out!!!!! At that stage i had to resort to whtatever drink was left. Did somone mention dancing?? A certain Mr McGlone managed to throw me round the floor a few times and that was definately enough!! Great night.
Glad to hear youse are still alive, guys. We had a 'mini' Catford Irish Arts Week down here at the Blythe. Referred to on the Alcoholidays thread. Only just recovering now.
I hope you didn't start on Aisling's WKD! So who's the lucky man? ;)
It was a great night alright. The music was powerful, and I love listening to that girl Róisín Chambers singing. Anyone know if she's on any recordings?
Conan, Trisha told me about the tea and toast episode...I heard everyone was grateful (and relieved).
Yes Yanek, I was at the Altan concert. It was really good. I enjoyed it very much.
Although they played mostly from the album "Local Ground", I think the nicest tune they played was "Robert Emmet's Space Ship" a.k.a "The Sunset" which actually was from the first album.
I missed the "The Flute Blow Out" on the afternoon 1st Jan ... What was it like ?
Already have a WKD side thanks Conán and it was more a case of the unlucky man!!!! Ps Thanks for the drink, that you waited half the night at the bar for!!
Hey lads, howya!? Great to meet and play with yous all. Conan, thanks again for your help the other morning, you're a legend!
It took all of my willpower to drag myself away from the Ostan at 4.30am this morning to get back to the hostel ready to leave at 6.55am. Sadly, that's my willpower quota gone for the year (already!) so the next few months could be interesting ;)
This morning was one morning I really needed the kangaroos and dya know, the fecking things had hopped off? I couldn't find them anywhere. I think, Conan, you took it too far with the hat idea and they got scared... I mean, that was just silly...!!
You're all fantastic, keep in touch and anytime you're in Limerick or Derbyshire, let me know and we'll grab a tune and a drink so!
Right... pipes exam in the morning... oh dear god... I'm going back to Donegal...
two piano accordions and a half bottle of whiskey. (as well as my lasting memory, it is also my last memory of that particular 24hr period. ) ye're all a great crew and enjoyed the brill music!
that for the record is the official version!
martin tourish.
(all other versions carry the liability of the author NOT surviving the next FKWS!!!!!!!!! )
Heh, Trish, glad to see you're alive! Anyway, I'm looking forward to you sending me the lyrics of those gaelic songs we've been talking about. And also looking forward to my next trip to the UK - seems like instead of doing my normal job I will be travelling around London and Derbyshire, playing with you lot.
Mairtin, thanks for the great session in Huidi Beg's before Beoga concert. Also, it was nice seeing you in the party, although I'm not sure how much of that you remember
Hi Trish! No worries about the other day - I wish I had lived a bit closer - that's all. You're right; maybe the hat idea was a bit too far off the wall for an otherwise sensible conversation. Looking forward to many more!
Hey Martin you head-the-ball! Great to meet you and play tunes, and talk some mad dog-sh*te. God we had a laugh. I'll keep the exact details top-secret (as I can't remember most of them). The rest of the whiskey is in my accordion case, now that 's just asking for trouble. Hope to see you next time I'm in Dublin.
Well I dunno, maybe it wasn't the hat but maybe it was the idea of having a pouch in it for the joeys, this providing liquidising kangaroos on the go. To be honest now, I think we only really got back on track with using them to make wine and then turning the barrel into the blender...
Well I think you came up with the idea of kangaroos being ideal for grape crushing with their big feet. I was just considering how to make them jump around a bit in the vat - playing the sound of a marauding Ute over a loudspeaker or something.
Vintners of the world take note.
Conan it was great seeing ya at the festival, although it was a pity I didnt move out of the wee bar in hiudais! I could have got to have a tune with ye and more of a chat! I'm having a very hard time getting back to normality, especially after hitting maddens in belfast within 5 minutes of landing home from gaoth dobhair! the monday night session is the cure to all post festival DTs.
by the way, how come I didnt get to share the whiskey?!
Great to see you again too! I heard some of the music from the wee bar - you were playing up a storm. Ah sure next time I'm home we can maybe get a couple of words in edgeways in Madden's or the Hewitt. I managed a session in Sandino's in Derry on the way home, but that's another story!
The reason you didn't get to share in the whiskey was because you would have needed to have been in my hotel room to about 4 in the morning from last Thursday night, mashed off your face.
Ah y'see Matthew, it's all down to the fact that I'm a tone-deaf, boorish, brass-necked grinning idiot.
Now where's me orb and sceptre, er, egg and tipper?
Hello all!!! I didn't realise so many of us were on thesession. Janek and Kasia sorry I was asleep when you left! It was really lovely to meet you both, make sure ye stay in touch. Also hi to Ciara, Mairtin, Conán ...
Hi Lizzy! Just woken up then? You probably needed the sleep. It was great to meet you and hear you play; you and Trish are a bit handy on those fiddles! Hope to see you again soon for more of the same.
What I want to know is, how did you all get on the course? About a week before I was toying with the idea of going and I rang the number on the website and got an ansaphone. As instructed I left return phone numbers and email address and nobody got in touch. A couple of days later I emailed and nobody replied.
I figured it might have been fully booked but I was really disappointed that nobody bothered to reply, I thought it was quite incompetent actually.
Hi - sorry to hear you didn't manage to book it - The organisers do a brilliant job and they're flat-out busy in the weeks..no, months running up to it, so I'd say that's why you didn't get a reply.
Next time try emailing Anna or Gearoid directly about a month beforehand, they're always very helpful.
I guess that they were already booked out - it seems that fiddle is quite a popular instrument around Donegal, and fiddlers were plenty. Too bad you don't play a zouk, it seems like there were free slots in bouzouki classes.
On a more serious note, I guess it's just next time you should book much more in advance. It's really worth it! Hope we see you there next year.
Liz, no problem. That would have been so cruel if we woke you up - especially that you were buried under bed covers so much that it would take us ages to find you there
Martin and Lizzy, it was great to see you guys again!
I've got to say, that was the best two weeks I've ever had! The classes were great, the concerts were out of this world, and the sessions... don't get me started on the sessions. Even traveling around after the school was awesome. Hello and thank you to everyone I spent time with on this trip! I hope I can see you all next year.
It was a great week! I was like a zombie at work on monday, i took 2 hours sleep in a bus to galway, after that i coulnd't sleep at all. But it was worth it
Conan, thanks so much for dance, youre a devil!
Trish, it was fantastic t see You again, hope to see in miltown...as well as Lizzy, Ciara, Michael, Michaela and everyone i've met in Bun Beag...god, i have no memory for names, sory for that, but i miss You all already...
Concerts were brilliant, classes fantastic...
Thanks to all for playing together...i miss that in warsaw...
Hi Kira and Kasia!! Glad everyone had a fantastic time. I'm still recovering from the genius of the John Carty & Altan gigs... wow Ok well make sure you keep in touch and see you next...well, this year!! ;) Lxx
Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Anyone else survive this? What a fantastic time in Bunbeg! I am too tired to write very much just now - I've had about 9 hours sleep in the last 4 days. However stories, anecdotes and shcandal will be appreciated. I'll contribute what I can when the fatigue has worn off.
Incidentally it was great to meet Lizzy Doe, Patricia Clark, An Ceoiltóir (!), Janek and Kascha, as well as the wonderful crowd at Number 3 Bunbeg Holiday Homes - wie geht es ihnen?
How are the liquidised kangaroos coming along, Tricia?
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Apologies - that should have been Kasia, not "Kascha". Thanks for the dance!
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
It was great !!!!
It was nice to meet Yanek, Kascha, Trisha and Lissy at the Hostel in Crolly and elsewhere.
Now I am back at work and I am wrecked.
Conan, I heard from Yanek that you were playing in Huidi Beg's but I kept mssing you.
Yan, sorry for not saying goodbye, I was too wrecked (asleep)...Incidently, I heard you didn't sleep much during the New Year's celebration either!
Until the next one.
X Ciara
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by flauta dolce
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Conán, did you actually move from the bar at some stage on New Years Eve??????x
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Paulam
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hello all,
Thanks for everything, guys. Ciara, no problem, it was a long night and you had all the right to sleep long into the day. We'll certainly see each other some other time soon. Anyway, I really enjoyed the music, the hostel and the people. But my head still aches - not from alcohol surely (ahem), but from all the new things I've learnt. Enough material for half a year of learning.
The hostel in Crolly became a real musicbox, with great contributions from Lizzy, Trish, Ciara and Kasia, as well as a certain musical couple from Germany (who also saved our sorry lives by driving us around), Japanese fiddler and some other people I had no chance to hear.
Conan, you are our new hero. Thanks for all your help, and especially for the great company in the time of need. You rock, man. Also, Kasia told me (not that I've checked it myself) that you are a demon of a dancer. Apart, of course, from being a demon of a player.
The new year's party, with Beoga and Begley&Murray was fantastic, I didn't have such fun in ages. All the concerts we've seen during this time were really good - and Arty&Carty duo was an earthquake of an experience.
Getting up to work was harder than I expected. Well, life. Anyway, thanks to everyone.
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by EastPole
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hi Ciara
Yup it's a pity we didn't meet. I didn't realise you were staying at Screag an Iolar too. Yanek and Kasia had to go back to my hotel to get a taxi at 9 in the morning; luckily one of the girls working there sorted out tea and toast for us so it wasn't so bad. I thought I would get a few hours kip but they needed the room emptied by 11.15 so 48 hours without any sleep!
Definitely worth it though. See you next year, God willing.
Paula, did your mouth actually move away from that bottle of Miller all night???xxxx
Kasia honoured me with a couple of dances so the nght wasn't too bad after all
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hey Janek! The man himself! Well it was great fun to meet you both. I had an excellent time hanging out with you; thanks for the good company and cheer and of course the wonderful music. I keep wondering how on Earth there are such good players in Warsaw? I'm at work today too; not much use to anyone though.
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
By the way, has anyone seen the New Year Altan concert? We had to miss this one, due to logistic problems, but I'm dead curious how it was, especially that I wanted to see the great Mark Kelly in action after all what he taught us during the classes.
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by EastPole
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Conán, my mouth moved from the Miller when it ran out!!!!! At that stage i had to resort to whtatever drink was left. Did somone mention dancing?? A certain Mr McGlone managed to throw me round the floor a few times and that was definately enough!! Great night.
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Paulam
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Glad to hear youse are still alive, guys. We had a 'mini' Catford Irish Arts Week down here at the Blythe. Referred to on the Alcoholidays thread. Only just recovering now.
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Thistle Day
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
I hope you didn't start on Aisling's WKD! So who's the lucky man? ;)
It was a great night alright. The music was powerful, and I love listening to that girl Róisín Chambers singing. Anyone know if she's on any recordings?
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Conan, Trisha told me about the tea and toast episode...I heard everyone was grateful (and relieved).
Yes Yanek, I was at the Altan concert. It was really good. I enjoyed it very much.
Although they played mostly from the album "Local Ground", I think the nicest tune they played was "Robert Emmet's Space Ship" a.k.a "The Sunset" which actually was from the first album.
I missed the "The Flute Blow Out" on the afternoon 1st Jan ... What was it like ?
Ciara
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by flauta dolce
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hey Danny, sounds like it was a good'un. I'm giving the liver a break for a while too.
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Giving the liver a break eh????
Surely you know that the liver is evil and must be punished?
[quote from fleadh T shirt]
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by breandan
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
glug glug..................Filling glass - Cheers!!
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by breandan
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Will you have another? My shout.
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Already have a WKD side thanks Conán and it was more a case of the unlucky man!!!! Ps Thanks for the drink, that you waited half the night at the bar for!!
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Paulam
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
You're welcome! And I know all about your WKD side....
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hey lads, howya!? Great to meet and play with yous all. Conan, thanks again for your help the other morning, you're a legend!
It took all of my willpower to drag myself away from the Ostan at 4.30am this morning to get back to the hostel ready to leave at 6.55am. Sadly, that's my willpower quota gone for the year (already!) so the next few months could be interesting ;)
This morning was one morning I really needed the kangaroos and dya know, the fecking things had hopped off? I couldn't find them anywhere. I think, Conan, you took it too far with the hat idea and they got scared... I mean, that was just silly...!!
You're all fantastic, keep in touch and anytime you're in Limerick or Derbyshire, let me know and we'll grab a tune and a drink so!
Right... pipes exam in the morning... oh dear god... I'm going back to Donegal...
# Posted on January 3rd 2006 by tbag
My lasting memory
two piano accordions and a half bottle of whiskey. (as well as my lasting memory, it is also my last memory of that particular 24hr period. ) ye're all a great crew and enjoyed the brill music!
that for the record is the official version!
martin tourish.
(all other versions carry the liability of the author NOT surviving the next FKWS!!!!!!!!! )
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by martin t
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Heh, Trish, glad to see you're alive! Anyway, I'm looking forward to you sending me the lyrics of those gaelic songs we've been talking about. And also looking forward to my next trip to the UK - seems like instead of doing my normal job I will be travelling around London and Derbyshire, playing with you lot.
Mairtin, thanks for the great session in Huidi Beg's before Beoga concert. Also, it was nice seeing you in the party, although I'm not sure how much of that you remember
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by EastPole
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hi Trish! No worries about the other day - I wish I had lived a bit closer - that's all. You're right; maybe the hat idea was a bit too far off the wall for an otherwise sensible conversation. Looking forward to many more!
Hey Martin you head-the-ball! Great to meet you and play tunes, and talk some mad dog-sh*te. God we had a laugh. I'll keep the exact details top-secret (as I can't remember most of them). The rest of the whiskey is in my accordion case, now that 's just asking for trouble. Hope to see you next time I'm in Dublin.
Cheers
C
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Well I dunno, maybe it wasn't the hat but maybe it was the idea of having a pouch in it for the joeys, this providing liquidising kangaroos on the go. To be honest now, I think we only really got back on track with using them to make wine and then turning the barrel into the blender...
# Posted on January 4th 2006 by tbag
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Well I think you came up with the idea of kangaroos being ideal for grape crushing with their big feet. I was just considering how to make them jump around a bit in the vat - playing the sound of a marauding Ute over a loudspeaker or something.
Vintners of the world take note.
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Conan it was great seeing ya at the festival, although it was a pity I didnt move out of the wee bar in hiudais! I could have got to have a tune with ye and more of a chat! I'm having a very hard time getting back to normality, especially after hitting maddens in belfast within 5 minutes of landing home from gaoth dobhair! the monday night session is the cure to all post festival DTs.
by the way, how come I didnt get to share the whiskey?!
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by Britney Spears
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hi Lara!
Great to see you again too! I heard some of the music from the wee bar - you were playing up a storm. Ah sure next time I'm home we can maybe get a couple of words in edgeways in Madden's or the Hewitt. I managed a session in Sandino's in Derry on the way home, but that's another story!
The reason you didn't get to share in the whiskey was because you would have needed to have been in my hotel room to about 4 in the morning from last Thursday night, mashed off your face.
I've still some left - I'll keep it for you!
Cxx
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Conán, I think you've sessioned with more people than anyone else alive. According to pagan tradition*, I think that makes you the Session King!
*note: not the pagan tradition where you have to be friendly with a white horse during your coronation. The animal rights people would have a cadenza!
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by Q
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Ah y'see Matthew, it's all down to the fact that I'm a tone-deaf, boorish, brass-necked grinning idiot.
Now where's me orb and sceptre, er, egg and tipper?
# Posted on January 5th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hello all!!! I didn't realise so many of us were on thesession. Janek and Kasia sorry I was asleep when you left! It was really lovely to meet you both, make sure ye stay in touch. Also hi to Ciara, Mairtin, Conán ...
# Posted on January 7th 2006 by Lizzy
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
P.S. Janek I agree with you all the way on the Carty Arty gig!!!
# Posted on January 7th 2006 by Lizzy
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hi Lizzy! Just woken up then? You probably needed the sleep. It was great to meet you and hear you play; you and Trish are a bit handy on those fiddles! Hope to see you again soon for more of the same.
# Posted on January 7th 2006 by Conán McDonnell
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
"Just woken up then?"
That'd be about right!! What a week...
# Posted on January 8th 2006 by Lizzy
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
What I want to know is, how did you all get on the course? About a week before I was toying with the idea of going and I rang the number on the website and got an ansaphone. As instructed I left return phone numbers and email address and nobody got in touch. A couple of days later I emailed and nobody replied.
I figured it might have been fully booked but I was really disappointed that nobody bothered to reply, I thought it was quite incompetent actually.
# Posted on January 9th 2006 by Fiddlebabe
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hi - sorry to hear you didn't manage to book it - The organisers do a brilliant job and they're flat-out busy in the weeks..no, months running up to it, so I'd say that's why you didn't get a reply.
Next time try emailing Anna or Gearoid directly about a month beforehand, they're always very helpful.
# Posted on January 9th 2006 by Lizzy
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hey fiddlebabe,
I guess that they were already booked out - it seems that fiddle is quite a popular instrument around Donegal, and fiddlers were plenty. Too bad you don't play a zouk, it seems like there were free slots in bouzouki classes.
On a more serious note, I guess it's just next time you should book much more in advance. It's really worth it! Hope we see you there next year.
Liz, no problem. That would have been so cruel if we woke you up - especially that you were buried under bed covers so much that it would take us ages to find you there
# Posted on January 10th 2006 by EastPole
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hello there all!
Martin and Lizzy, it was great to see you guys again!
I've got to say, that was the best two weeks I've ever had! The classes were great, the concerts were out of this world, and the sessions... don't get me started on the sessions. Even traveling around after the school was awesome. Hello and thank you to everyone I spent time with on this trip! I hope I can see you all next year.
-Kira
# Posted on January 12th 2006 by fiddleK
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hey everybody!
It was a great week! I was like a zombie at work on monday, i took 2 hours sleep in a bus to galway, after that i coulnd't sleep at all. But it was worth it
Conan, thanks so much for dance, youre a devil!
Trish, it was fantastic t see You again, hope to see in miltown...as well as Lizzy, Ciara, Michael, Michaela and everyone i've met in Bun Beag...god, i have no memory for names, sory for that, but i miss You all already...
Concerts were brilliant, classes fantastic...
Thanks to all for playing together...i miss that in warsaw...
Kasia
# Posted on January 18th 2006 by kasia_s
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hi Kira and Kasia!! Glad everyone had a fantastic time. I'm still recovering from the genius of the John Carty & Altan gigs... wow
Ok well make sure you keep in touch and see you next...well, this year!! ;) Lxx
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Lizzy
Re: Donegal FKWS 2005-2006
Hi Kasia!
Thanks for being brave enough to dance and for not mentioning my standing on your toes! I didn't realise you were a member here yet.
See you soon
Take care
Conán
# Posted on January 27th 2006 by Conán McDonnell