Myke Rocks
Registered user
I was invited to a Liam Clancy concert in the National Theatre, Dublin, this evening.
Went along, and, in the foyer of the theatre, I noticed that none of the posters showing the current 3 month's shows listed the concert tonight or last night.
The innuendo was of a concert hastily organised, and, given Liam's age, I suspected a swansong.
Went in, therefore, in trepidation, and was not surprised when an announcer came on to say Liam Clancy had been ill for the last six months, was unable to come on stage at present, though he might appear in the second half, if he was well enough.
Anyone who wished, could leave during the first half, and get a full refund.
I stayed on, in hope, and the first half, which was ane emergency filler thrown together in a hurry, was not good.
Second half had Tom Paxton, and John Sheehan, who were excellent
Then Liam Clancy came out onto stage, accompanied by an oxygen bottle and what was probably a morphine pump attached to him.
This wonderful actor and raconteur talked and sang for around 30 minutes, with the subject throughout every piece being death.
He finished with "The Parting Glass".
I have little doubt I witnessed his last public performance, and also the most moving stage show I have ever seen.
I left the hall happy to have been there, but deeply saddened at the impending loss.
Myke
Went along, and, in the foyer of the theatre, I noticed that none of the posters showing the current 3 month's shows listed the concert tonight or last night.
The innuendo was of a concert hastily organised, and, given Liam's age, I suspected a swansong.
Went in, therefore, in trepidation, and was not surprised when an announcer came on to say Liam Clancy had been ill for the last six months, was unable to come on stage at present, though he might appear in the second half, if he was well enough.
Anyone who wished, could leave during the first half, and get a full refund.
I stayed on, in hope, and the first half, which was ane emergency filler thrown together in a hurry, was not good.
Second half had Tom Paxton, and John Sheehan, who were excellent
Then Liam Clancy came out onto stage, accompanied by an oxygen bottle and what was probably a morphine pump attached to him.
This wonderful actor and raconteur talked and sang for around 30 minutes, with the subject throughout every piece being death.
He finished with "The Parting Glass".
I have little doubt I witnessed his last public performance, and also the most moving stage show I have ever seen.
I left the hall happy to have been there, but deeply saddened at the impending loss.
Myke
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