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EMYVALE

Trad on the Prom.

We were in Galway for a few days recently and during our stay there we went to a fantastic Traditional Irish show. We were in Galway last year and we attended the same show and that was the second time as we had been there a few years earlier. I have to say that even the third time to go to the show was just as good if not better than the first.

The show consists of world class musicians, singers and dancers and each part is introduced in a very informative way by the leader, Chris Kelly, who plays the guitar with aplomb and musical dexterity. Chris is married to Mairin Fahy, who has played the fiddle to millions of people in audiences all over the world and is highly acclaimed, and rightly so, as she can make that instrument talk and it all seems so effortless. She is also a marvellous singer too and a real professional entertainer. Her brother, Ger Fahy, is also a fantastic musician and plays flutes, whistles and Uileann pipes like no one else. He can produce a very mysterious and haunting atmosphere when he plays some old Irish airs and some of his own compositions. Their sister is Yvonne and her musical talent is quite extraordinary. Her instruments are mainly percussion but she can double up on bass and mandolin and other stringed instruments. They also have a genius on the ivory keys playing the keyboard and providing vocal backing. Put these all together and what a sound you get.
The dancers are all world champions and some have been majors in Riverdance. It is mind-boggling to watch those feet move and you can see the steps no matter what seat you are in as the show is relayed to big screens all around the auditorium and the dancers perform some of their dances on platforms among the audience. The Sean-nos dancer is also a champion and it is easy to see why when she performs. Invited guests are also included on the programme but only the best always.

The show is based in the Salthill Hotel, along the Salthill Promenade and is on stage on Sundays, Tuesday and Thursday from May to September. It is a must if you are in Galway and like traditional fare. It is a truly spectacular show starting at 9 and finishing shortly after 11.

The Dancers

Chris Kelly and Máirin Fahy

Máirín ag canadh

Máirín ag seint.