Latest news with #Arcady
Irish Examiner
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'There's great satisfaction in hearing your own tunes played': Jackie Daly turns 80
Jackie Daly, accordion legend, composer, Gradam Ceoil recipient, and renowned joke-teller, may already have the honour of putting the Lucrative into Sliabh Luachra, if only as one of his vast collection of puns. But as the Kanturk native celebrates his 80th birthday this weekend, now ranked among his proudest achievements is the title of the Man who put the Planxty into the Sliabh Luachra tradition. Steeped in the music of the Cork-Kerry border, whose tunes he first learned from fiddle master Pádraig O'Keeffe's past pupil Jim O'Keeffe, Daly has long made his own mark on the area's tradition as one of the finest purveyors of its polkas and slides, airs, reels, hornpipes, and jigs. In a career playing and recording with Dé Danann, Buttons & Bows, Arcady, and Patrick Street, and with duet partners including Séamus Creagh, Kevin Burke, Máire O'Keeffe, and Matt Cranitch, Daly's broader musical credentials on both accordion and concertina are impeccable. When public performances were curtailed during covid lockdown, his talents as a composer flourished and a trickle of new tunes became a torrent, culminating in the 2022 publication of The Jackie Daly Collection of 227 original works. Between the jigs and the reels are four planxties, reflective of the Irish harp melodies associated with Turlough O'Carolan, described by Daly as 'a little bit classical'. 'They never seemed to be part of the Sliabh Luachra tradition, so in my collection there's four of them and one of them is getting popular now – it's called Planxty Luachra,' he says. Among his musical accomplishments thus far, he adds: 'At the moment the one I'm most proud of is the planxty because it wasn't done before.' Considering the possibility that in another 80 years academics might pontificate on the origins of this Sliabh Luachra 'planxty tradition', he quips: 'I don't know if they will or not. We'll harp on that later. 'But I love the slides and polkas. There's three [self-composed] polkas - The Cat on the Half-Door, Pauline's Panache, and Joe Burke's – that have got popular now and a lot of people are playing them together. There's great satisfaction in hearing your own tunes played.' Beyond his new compositions, Daly has been helping to shape traditional music for decades through his arrangements, ornamentation, and reinterpretations of existing tunes, many becoming so well known that they are now themselves the standards. 'I should bring out another collection,' he says. 'There's lots of tunes that are not in the book because of the fact that I put extra parts to established tunes. They've become popularised as well, so in the future maybe I'll do something about that.' Already mulling the title of such a volume, he tells a tale of how a Sligo-Leitrim version of the tune The Bucks of Oranmore once earned the disapproval of musician John Kelly. 'Connie Connell was playing it in Dublin and John Kelly said to me 'what's that?'. He said 'Jackie, The Bucks should not be interfered with.' So I'm thinking of calling my book 'Jackie Daly and the ones he interfered with'.' All joking aside, in interpretations of tunes Daly respects the tradition and if he adds anything to the tune it's always in context, according to his long-time collaborator, fiddle player Matt Cranitch. 'On the recording that he did with Dé Danann on The Mist Covered Mountain, the set of reels The Cameronian and The Doon - and The Doon is a well-known Sliabh Luachra tune - every single note on that is a workshop in musical integrity,' says Cranitch. 'When an ornament is put in, they have incredible effect and meaning and this kind of thing doesn't happen by accident. It happens from his lifetime of music and the genius of the man himself.' Daly's lifetime in music is a world tour of festivals, concerts, and sessions from America to Japan, from Kanturk to his current home in Miltown Malbay, Co Clare, and of friendships and acquaintances, famous names, and fond memories. In four 'fantastic' years from 1978 with Dé Danann 'we played a lot in America and bluegrass festivals where they'd never heard Irish traditional music before and it went down a bomb,' he recalls. He went on to perform at 'a big festival in Milwaukee, one in Chicago, in Boston, lots of them, and the Catskills I did 13 years on the trot. I've even done a few tours of Japan.' Of all his collaborations, however, Daly acknowledges accordion-fiddle duets are his 'favourite kind of music' as the instruments 'go so well together'. Influential in popularising C#D, rather than B/C accordion tuning, he says: 'I was the first person to start tuning my box 'dry', as they call it; not using an awful lot of tremolo on it, so it fits in better with the fiddle - and some people even find it hard to differentiate between the fiddle and the box with that kind of tuning.' Eavesdropper, his 1981 duet album with Kevin Burke, earned great critical acclaim and his eponymous 1977 album with Séamus Creagh is for many people one of the seminal recordings of Sliabh Luachra music. Though a native of Westmeath and a former showband electric guitarist, he and Daly were both into the same things – 'music and music and music' – and Creagh fell in love with the Sliabh Luachra style. Séamus Creagh and Jackie Daly provided one of the seminal recordings of Sliabh Luachra music. Picture: Domhnall Ó Mairtín Daly, a fitter by trade, had joined the Dutch merchant navy at 18. 'I was also in Denmark in the late '60s and unfortunately I had a bad experience,' he says. 'I met my wife in Denmark when I was doing a training course and we got married but she passed away a year after. And that's when I packed up my work as a fitter and sold my house in Little Island. 'I started busking on the street and shortly after that I met Séamus Creagh and we took off together, which was great.' Regular fixtures together at The Gables and The Phoenix in Cork, Daly also recalls other gigs in far-flung corners. 'Lovely weekends when we'd play in Dingle on Saturday nights and Sundays we'd do Sherkin Island.' Creagh had taken on the job as the local postman on the Co Cork island. Though profoundly affected by the loss of his wife, her death also 'made me see that you should be doing the things that you love - and I loved music since I was a child', says Daly. Still doing what he loves, between gigs with Cranitch in Beara, Kenmare, and Ballydehob, Daly was back in Miltown Malbay last week, where he plays Friday sessions with fiddle player Eileen O'Brien. In Kerry, what Cranitch terms Daly's 'fiddle sensibility' derived from his early O'Keeffe influences, ensures 'when World Fiddle Day happens in Scartaglin every year he has a position of honour among all the fiddle players in the sense that he's considered to be part of that tradition'. This year, that connection was celebrated in Scartaglin with a tribute to Daly in advance of his 80th birthday this Sunday, his tunes taking centre stage with a new generation. 'They had a concert in my honour,' he says. 'All the musicians went up - a lot of them were young people - and played tunes of mine. It was beautiful to sit there and listen to them.' Jackie Daly is joined by Matt Cranitch, Eileen O'Brien, and Paul de Grae at the Gleneagle, Killarney, on June 27; support by Teorainn. See: Jackie Daly is joined by Matt Cranitch (left), Eileen O'Brien, and Paul de Grae at the Gleneagle, Killarney, on June 27 Jackie Daly: Question of Taste Current reading? My Oedipus Complex by Frank O'Connor. I love his writing. He was a very intelligent man and had a beautiful way of expressing himself. I read an awful lot and I go to the library every week. Current hobbies? I do crosswords all the time. I had a brain haemorrhage about 30 years ago and I was told that if you keep your mind busy, that's good. I do Sudoku as well. I had three aneurysms but I think my memory has improved slightly over the years and I still have the names of all the tunes. Current listening? I listen to any music that I consider to be good, but pop music I hate. The Beatles were good. Myself and Alec Finn took Hey Jude and made a hornpipe out of it and Alec got a letter from McCartney saying it was the best version of it that he came across. It's beautiful as a hornpipe – it's so melodic. What's important in your life right now? The news these days is bad. But I love going for walks and I do meditation. I love meeting people, talking to people - and yes, telling jokes.
Irish Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Ten Minutes with Frances Black
A NEW anthology celebrating the music of Irish singer Frances features a three-CD collection. Entitled Frances Black Anthology, the project traces her career from her early days performing with her siblings as part of The Black Family, through her time with Arcady, and into her long-running solo career FRANCES BLACK, whose 1994 debut album Talk To Me spent ten weeks at number one in Ireland, rose to national prominence after her contributions to the landmark A Woman's Heart compilation in 1992. That album, which featured other leading Irish artists such as Eleanor McEvoy, Dolores Keane, and Sharon Shannon, remains the best-selling Irish album of all time. The new compilation features tracks from across Black's extensive discography, including hits like All the Lies That You Told Me, Wall of Tears, and After the Ball. It also includes selections from her collaborations with Kieran Goss and her work with the ensemble The Fallen Angels. In addition to her music career, Black has been active in public life. She founded the Rise Foundation to support families affected by addiction and was elected to Seanad Éireann in 2016, where she has been an advocate on issues including mental health, social justice, and Palestine. Frances is among the leading contenders in the betting markets for the upcoming Irish presidential election. Bookmakers are giving odds of between 9/2 and 4/1, positioning her as a strong favourite alongside other prominent figures like Mairead McGuinness and Heather Humphreys. Frances Black in 1998 (picture Leon Farrell/ What are you up to? At the moment, I'm working very hard as a politician, advocating for issues close to my heart. I'm also deeply involved in the charity I set up, the Rise Foundation, which is very fulfilling work. At the weekends, I am on the road performing with my band — that keeps me connected to my music. But I do get tired. Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine? Seamus Begley singing Bruach na Carraige Báine. It's simply one of the most beautiful Irish songs ever recorded, and the way he sings it — with pure soul — is just beautiful. Which musician or singer has most influenced you? Probably Sandy Denny. She was an incredible singer whose voice and songwriting have left a lasting impression. I've also been inspired by Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill — both of whom have contributed immensely to Irish folk music. Their passion for singing, authenticity, and delivery of Irish songs inspires me to this day. Is the world of politics more difficult or far easier than you imagined? Politics is far more demanding than I initially imagined. It's a busy, often intense environment where I work long hours every day. There are many issues I'm passionate about, and I dedicate myself to really trying to make a difference. Mary Coughlan, Sharon Shannon and Frances Black at the Craic in the Páirc in 2024 (image by Chris Egan) What's on your smartphone playlist at the minute? It's quite eclectic. I listen to The Beatles, Sandy Denny, Carole King, James Taylor — and of course, my favourite is traditional Irish music. I love listening to Liz Carroll, Altan, Seamus Begley, Steve Cooney, Lisa Lambe, Brendan Begley, Damien Dempsey, and so many others. Depending on how I'm feeling, I also like Frank Sinatra — especially when I'm driving. I suppose my music choices reflect how I feel on any given day. What are your family roots in Ireland? My father comes from Rathlin Island. My mother is from the Liberties in Dublin. Both of my parents were very musical; my father was a traditional Irish musician, and my mother loved singing all the old music hall songs. We grew up in Dublin, on Charlemont Street — a great working-class community where everyone looked after each other. What is your favourite place in Irelan d? Rathlin Island. I try to visit as often as possible. It's my safe space — a place to relax, go for long walks with my dog, hang out with my family and read. I wish I could go there more often, as it holds a special place in my heart. What has been your favourite venue? It's hard to pick just one, as I love gigging all over Ireland. The audiences are always incredible. I particularly enjoy performing in Belfast, Cork, and Dublin. Each city has its own special energy, and I feel very fortunate to perform across the country. Have you a book that has been a major influence on you? Yes, Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle. It has helped me find a little bit of calm and clarity amidst a very hectic and busy life, reminding me to stay in the moment. Which trait in others do you most admire? I most admire honesty and authenticity. I believe genuine people inspire others and create meaningful connections. What would be your motto? "Stay true to yourself, be authentic, and never give up on fighting injustice.' What's the best advice you've ever been given? Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, even if it's difficult. Persistence and integrity are key. What's the best thing about where you live? I've great neighbours and I live very close to the centre of Dublin city — it's really handy for shopping, theatre, restaurants, etc. And the worst? Sometimes the business of living near the city centre can feel hectic at times. What's the greatest lesson life has taught you? That resilience and kindness are the most powerful tools we have. No matter the challenges, staying true to my values will always see me through. What do you believe in? I believe that at the core of a healthy and compassionate society is the principle of mutual care and responsibility. We have a collective duty to look after one another, especially the vulnerable members of our community — whether they are elderly, children, people experiencing hardship, or those with mental health challenges or disabilities. I believe we have to build communities where kindness, empathy, and support are not just ideals but everyday practices. It's about creating an environment where every individual feels valued and protected, and where social justice and equality are prioritised. I also believe that a society's strength is measured by how well it cares for its most vulnerable — and that each of us has a role to play in fostering a more inclusive, caring, and just world. (I bet you're sorry you asked now . . . . ) What do you consider the greatest work of art? That's a tough one. I'd probably say the Irish landscape — because of its breathtaking beauty and history that inspires so many artists, poets, and politicians like me to keep going. Who/what is the greatest love of your life? My husband, my children Eoghan and Aoife and their amazing partners Emma and Andy. And of course, my beautiful granddaughters, whom I cherish every precious moment with. My family are my greatest passion and source of strength.
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
I sold my Edinburgh property in three weeks and I'm feeling smug
Arcady - I'd almost given up, then it happened Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I didn't see a black cat anywhere, and a seagull didn't splat on me. Nonetheless, my luck changed rather quickly a week or so ago. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I felt like I'd never sell my Edinburgh property, then, boom, after getting four unexpected notes of interest and another informal one, we decided to go to closing. In the end, we received an offer we couldn't refuse, from buyers who aren't in a chain and are a perfect fit for our flat. They're having a baby, and this is a very family-friendly area. They're going to love it. It took a while for the news to sink in. I kept waiting for the catch, but it didn't come. On the day itself, I felt a bit dazed and frazzled. It didn't help that the estate agent read the offers out, lowest first, so I expended about a year's worth of adrenaline in one three-minute phone call. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, though selling a house is largely dependent on chance, I have started to feel pretty chuffed with myself. After all, we weren't passive sellers. Instead, we tap-danced to within an inch of our lives. There aren't many circumstances in life, where you can say you put in the work, and actually reaped the benefits. It certainly doesn't usually happen to me. We were like a pair of dung beetles, heaving those stinky boulders up the hill, for three weeks. I thought they'd come rolling down again and crush us flat, but they didn't. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We tidied, cleaned, lit the candles, bought pretty marguerite daisies and primulas, and filled a windowbox, which was formerly a pansy graveyard, with sweet-faced and joie de vivre-filled violas. That's as well as investing in a new garden bench - THAT is the secret, my friends - and placing tulips in vases on windowsills. I was only one step away from putting crisps in bowls, or pushing a tea trolley around, like Mrs Overall in Acorn Antiques. We hosted viewers with total flexibility, let them test the toilet, and poke about in cupboards, did all the things, and it paid off. I've never experienced childbirth, but they say that you forget the trauma relatively quickly. Otherwise, you'd never have any more offspring and the species would die out. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I think moving house is a bit like that. At one point, I did say, I'm NEVER doing this again. Now, I think, yeah, that was actually quite fun. As our house begins to slide into being comfortably messy again and the petals fall off our last batch of tulips, I've already put the scariest bits behind me. I put the lid on the memory box that is marked The Weeks When I Thought We'd Never Sell Because Our Flat is a Dump, and taped it firmly shut. Sure, I'm already slightly fed up with the de-cluttering process and am dreading the stress of the actual moving day, but I think that will pale into insignificance against the buying and selling elements. As the process rolls onwards, we've even agreed a move-in date for our property, and for the new owners to get into our flat. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I'm so excited that it's going to be in mid-July. Earlier this month, I was resigned to it being autumn or beyond. Summer was always my dream. That's when you can fall in love with a house. When you can see how the light falls. I've got a big birthday looming then, too, so I feel like a house move will distract me from feeling depressed about that, but I might also combine a house warming/birthday shindig. Anyway, though I am always prepared for disaster to strike, everything is looking positive. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I did have a small blip, when they took a few days to confirm our preferred date, and, always a catastrophiser, I managed to convince myself that they'd changed their mind. Because, you can, at this stage. It's not legally binding yet. But, it was fine. Another hurdle jumped, as neatly as Eilidh Doyle. I don't want to get too full of myself, but our current success has also made me feel giddily deluded, as if I could actually be an estate agent when I grow up. I'd be up for the viewings, no bother. I love doing the tour - starting with the best rooms, and working your way round to the worst. If they look at broken or dusty things, distract them, by pretending to fall over. I'm sure I'd be able to write excellent schedules, now that I've pored over so many. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I'd remember that you always have to say, in an oleaginous fashion, that you're 'delighted' to bring the property to the market. Also, I know that you upgrade areas, when they're not in the exact postcode. For example, in Edinburgh, Haymarket becomes the West End, and Slateford is suddenly Polwarth. The Grange and the New Town seem to grow bigger every day. Wherever the property is situated, it is essential to use the phrases 'sought after' and 'highly regarded' in reference to the area. There are also words like 'charming', which are code for raggle-taggle and needs a lot of work - we had that on our schedule - or phrases like 'well proportioned', when one can't think of anything better to say. You can never simply say 'spectacular', it must be preceded by 'truly', and viewing is always 'essential'. Every cul-de-sac is 'peaceful'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Yeah, I could really get into this house-selling malarkey. I know it all now. It's easy-peasy.
