Dear Reader - If you don’t like football, Mayo or the Saw Doctors well then I suggest you move on with your day!
The Big Thing
A story I shared before the match last Sunday…
I played at Andy Moran’s wedding years ago.
There’s a point in every wedding ceremony near the start where the couple light two separate candles to symbolize the two individuals they are. Often the couple would leave it up to the musicians as to what to play here.
Sinead Conway was with me that day and when it came to this moment she dared me to play a pretty twinkly version of The Green and Red of Mayo. She was the boss (!) so I did. We weren’t sure if it registered with the couple but we had a wee laugh anyway and thought nothing more of it.
A few months later I met Andy on O’Connell St and he greeted me with a grin - ‘Quinn’! ‘Did you play the Green and Red of Mayo at my wedding’? I smiled and we had a quick chat and went about our days.
I don’t think I have met Andy since but today, 13+ years later he is managing Mayo in an All-Ireland final and I’m lucky enough to be heading to watch. And it’s always one of my favourite days of the year. Friends coming up from all around the country for the match. All hoping for something memorable. The buzz of being at a great final.
And it may be Mayo’s day. The bookies say it’s unlikely. But if it is what song will be blasted around Croke Park to mark the moment? You got it in one - and there will be no question of Andy Moran not hearing it this time if they do!
Where else but Sligo?
As proud Galway men I’m not sure how they feel about this, but the Saw Doctors got a great airing at Croke Park last Sunday. Not just The Green and Red of Mayo - but also To Win Just Once - the perfect song for counties, teams and individuals starved of success.
We belted it out on the bus home from the Connacht final in 2007, as did the whole of Croke Park in the aftermath of Mayo’s famous win on Sunday.
Theme Night fans will remember Sarah Crummy’s version from Theme Nights #17 and #22 - and now since Sunday there are people covering her cover version of it!
Here’s Ben Cully’s version - it’s great!
What’s New?
Huge congrats to previous Theme Night special guests Clada - who played at the 3Arena last week supporting the Wolfe Tones. Great to see Sligo drummer Sam Purcell on the big stage, along with Orla, Jack, Eoin and Liam.
Finally…
Sarah’s version…for anyone who needed reminding!
Till next time - Kieran.
