Gasun Photography : Trim : Meath : Ireland

He who made time made lots of it they say; but toward the end of 2009 I wasn’t able to allocate enough time to keep this blog up to date as I became involved with Trim 2025 which took up all my spare time. However, I did maintain a certain level of productivity in Q4/2009 and this blog is a very quick look at ’some’ of what I had been doing between October and Christmas 2009 - to close out 2009 so to speak.

In short, I had a great shoot with Podge & Niamh Ham Sandwich for their single ‘Out of the Darkness’, Meath’s ONV Magazine very kindly featured me in their Christmas edition (Many thanks to ONV), I handled press/promotion/web site and photography for The Magic Numbers, Ham Sandwich & Guests who played at the launch of Trim 2025 on December 4th, while legendary Glenties fiddler, Vincent Campbell released a wonderful double CD of traditional Donegal fiddle music featuring one of my photographs (taken in Trim) on thee cover of the CD and another in the sleeve. Thats a few of the highlights and now for the pictures to match including Gerry Tully, Tommy Fleming, John Spillane, Don Baker, Harlem Gospel Choir, The Blizzards, The Magic Numbers, Ham Sandwich, Brian Kennedy, Opera Theatre Company, David McWilliams, O’ Carolan Harp Festival (Nobber), Save Louth Hospital Campaign & Feile Na Mi …..

Opera Theatre Company : Tain Theatre Dundalk : 08.10.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

Opera Theatre Company : Tain Theatre Dundalk : 08.10.2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey.

Finally and sadly, on Christmas morning 2009, the people of Longford Town woke to the sight of St. Mels Cathedral in flames. As we all know the building was destroyed and it will take considerable time and resources to restore it to its former glory. If you would like to make a donation to the restoration fund you can do so via post or bank transfer. The details are on the Longford Parish Website. The scale of the damage can be seen on Joe O’ Briens blog link HERE. Below are a few photographs of the Longford County Choir performing in St. Mels at Christmas 2007 as we remember it ….

See You Out There In 2010

Enda Casey

Gasun Photography

Trim - Meath - Ireland

www.gasun.net

For 11 years, the Le Cheile Festival in Oldcastle, Co. Meath has hosted some of the finest performers in Ireland and further afield. The 12th Le Cheile Festival taking over the August Bank Holiday weekend continues in this vein and boasts top names including Mundy, Declan O’ Rourke, Meteor Award nominee, Lisa Hannigan, Nell Bryden (New York), Delorentos, Ari Hest, Adebisi Shank, Fiona Melady, Joy Booth, Fight Like Apes, Kells finest, Little Palace & top comedian, Jason Byrne. What follows is a pictorial account of the Friday & Saturday nights entertainment, but the highlight for me came from the ranks of the newcomers in the form of the hooded Adebisi Shank on Saturday in Creans and the atmosphere at Lisa Hannigan in a packed Caffreys Red Room on Friday … Best wishes to Lisa for the Meteor Awards from all here ……… Le Cheile 13 is looming …. Enda.

- FRIDAY NIGHT -

Fiona Melady : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Caffreys Red Room : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Jason Byrne : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Oldcastle House Hotel : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Lisa Hannigan : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Caffreys Red Room : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Nell Bryden (NY) : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Mundy : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : 31.07.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

- SATURDAY NIGHT -

The Incredible Adebisi Shank : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

The Incredible Adebisi Shank : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress :

The Incredible Adebisi Shank : Le Cheile Festival Oldcastle : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Delorentos : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Sanzkrit : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Declan O' Rourke : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Caffreys Red Room : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Ari Hest (NY): Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Caffreys Red Room : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

The Incredible Adebisi Shank : Le Cheile Festival 2009 : Phantom 105.2 Stage Creans : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

- BRING ON LE CHEILE 13 -

Singer-songwriter Gerry Tully has just launched his new web site (13:00hrs Irish Time on 30.07.2009), which marks the beginning of a new era for the Meath man, who has been going through a process of great change over the past 18 months, all geared toward progressing his career as a full-time original recording artist, following the release of his debut album; “Leaves Float Down” in 2008. The new web site and blog designed by Jason McGee of Jascom in Dundalk, with contributions of new press photographs for 2009 by Gasun Photography, will no doubt provide the ultimate on-line interface required by musicians, fans and press alike to keep up with new developments from Gerry’s camp. Gerry is currently working on Album 2 and just recorded a track titled; “Sick, Sore & Sorry” with Trim DJ Johnny Pulse available at downloadmusic.ie.

Looking forward to seeing Gerry take his place in the evolving  music scene in Meath and further afield in the months and years to come. It has been fantastic to work with Gerry on this project and we wish him every success for the future ….. Enda.

Trim Singer-Songwriter Gerry Tully 2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

Trim Singer-Songwriter Gerry Tully 2009 : Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress

It’s a wonderful thing to watch (& listen to & photograph): the faultless and tender delivery of superbly written songs by an equally proficient poet and musician who is in touch both with himself & his fans on all levels. Enter John Spillane, who captivated the packed Boyles of Slane with a sleek combination of wonderful music, anecdotes and wit to deliver an unforgettable performance for all present. Support came from the up and coming “Henrietta Game” who should be “most pleased” by their reception in Slane from the Spillane fans!! Slane is already famous for its concerts at Slane Castle, but Boyles of Slane is punching well above its weight, by bringing top class entertainment to Slane all year round. This venue continues to go from strength to strength with support from all music lovers, especially the people of Slane itself! What a way to start a scorching Bank Holiday Weekend …. June 20th and Oasis loom nicely indeed ….

Henrietta Game : Boyles Slane : 29.05.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : http://www.gasun.net & http://www.gasun.net/wordpress

John Spillane : Boyles Slane : 29.05.09 : Photograph by Enda Casey : http://www.gasun.net & http://www.gasun.net/wordpress

Suzie McGarry (Oristown) John Spillane & Joan Taaff (Slane) in Boyles, Slane on May 29th, 2009. Photograph by Enda Casey : http://www.gasun.net & htp://www.gasun.net/wordpress

Tonight, a confident Joy Booth is joined on stage by a full band (the talented Lizzie Oakes, Ian and Trevor Ludlow) for her much anticipated headline slot at The Backroom, Navan on May 01st, 2009. I arrived just in time for the applause from the packed venue as Joy was ceremoniously introduced to the stage. Joy has also released a new EP (at long last) and sets about hitting the well-beaten tour trail promoted by the new Profile Music Group in Navan. Highlights of that tour include; Whelans on May 4th (with Sarah Lee Guthrie), The Purty Loft on May 10th, The Stables Mullingar on May 14th, Zodiac Sessions May 27th & back to Whelans on June 01st. Joy has played The Backroom before at various stages in her career, but tonight as headliner, she has put down a marker and I hope to bring you further good news from this camp over the next 12 months. What a nice start to May Bank Holiday Weekend … Now there still is a matter of that Magnum of La Fauconnerie, Montagne St. Emilion : Vintage 2003 made for me by Jean-Claude Paret from The Wine Buff in Navan to deal with…

Joy Booth Headlines The Backroom, Navan on May 01st, 2009. Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net

Joy Booth Headlines The Backroom, Navan on May 01st, 2009. Photograph by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net

The Venue Theatre, Ratoath hosted the incredible Dublin Gospel Choir for a sell-out show on Friday, April 24th, 2009. From their modest beginnings as a local school choir in Dublin’s inner city 12 years ago, they have since shared stages with music industry heavyweights such as Rod Stewart, John Legend, James Brown (RIP), Damien Rice, The Chieftains, Chris De Burgh and Paddy Casey. Spearheading this uplifting and inspired performance from a County Meath perspective, were Ratoath’s own Vincent Holohan and Dunboyne’s Kerry-Anne McShane pictured below. The Choir are set to record a Live Album/DVD later in 2009, while in 2008 they played St. Patricks Church, Trim with the Boardsmill Gospel Choir in support.

Kerry-Anne McShane From Dunboyne, Co. Meath Leads The Dublin Gospel Choir in The Venue Theatre, Ratoath on Friday April 24th, 2009. Photograph by Enda Casey - www.gasun.net

Vincent Holohan from Ratoath, Co. Meath Leads The Dublin Gospel Choir in The Venue Theatre, Ratoath on Friday, April 24th, 2009. Photograph by Enda Casey - www.gasun.net

As reported previously [see link], I ran a Finbar Furey competition in association with The Meath Chronicle for a mounted, framed autographed print which was used on the cover of Finbars USA album released in March 2009. The photograph was taken in the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan in 2008 and the competition winner is Sinead Doyle, Streete Village, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath. Well done Sinead! On Saturday, April 25^th 2009, Finbar autographed the winning print before playing a historic hometown gig in Decies Country Bar in the heart of old Ballyfermot, a venue Finbar had not played in over 40 years as he recalled and that was with other musicians! “A gig or a session Finbar pondered but whatever it was, the sensetive rendetion of timeless classics such as “The Lonesome Boatman”, “Sweet Sixteen” and “The Green Fields of France” is still breathtaking to watch and witness, especially tonight! Thanks to Finbar and all at Decies, including promoter Gary Power for a fantastic evening, equally enjoyed by myself and Trim Singer-Songwriter Gerry Tully. A few related photographs below, but as we departed Ballyfermot, we couldn’t help but re-call Christy Moore and “Joxer” on the ipod ….”There was fans from Ballyfermot, Ballybough and Ballymun, on the journey of a lifetime and the craic was ninety-one. Joxer met a Germans daughter on the banks of the River Rhine, and he told her she’d be welcome in Ballyfermot any time” …. We certainly were.

From Ballyfermot with Love : Finbar Furey Autographs The Photograph For The Meath Chronicle Competition. Photograph(s) by Enda Casey - www.gasun.net

Finbar Furey & Trim Singer-Songwriter Gerry Tully. Photograph by Enda Casey - www.gasun.net

Finbar Furey bridges a 30-year gap when he performed at Decies Country Bar Ballyfermot on Saturday, April 25th, 2009. Photograph by Enda Casey - www.gasun.net

The latest installation in the extraordinary career/journey of AC/DC arrived at 9PM approx. via Rock N’ Roll Train through the back wall of the fantastic and newly constructed O2 Arena on Saturday Night, April 18th. Other bands write songs about trains (runaways and otherwise) but AC/DC go one further by constructing their own and putting it centre-stage, just as they have done with the trademark Hells Bells and the Canons. Apart from the fact that this was AC/DC at their finest, the new O2 arena was the perfect place to host this larger than life show which has taken the world by storm in 2008 and 2009. After seeing this performance, my thoughts turned to those who didn’t get tickets, but the Punchestown concert on June 28th should satisfy the Irish appetite for AC/DC in 2009 almost 30 years on from the Back In Black era and Brian Johnson’s first Irish appearance with AC/DC in the RDS, Simmonscourt Pavilion on the subsequent For Those About To Rock tour. As if AC/DC wasn’t enough, we get to see Thin Lizzy at 6PM in Punchestown.

AC/DC : "Rock N' Roll Train" 18.04.2009 : The O2 Dublin

AC/DC : "Hells Bells" 18.04.2009 : The O2 Dublin

AC/DC : Highway To Hell : O2 Dublin : 18.04.09

[ Video by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress ]

AC/DC : Angus Young Solo : O2 Dublin : 18.04.09

[ Video by Enda Casey : www.gasun.net & www.gasun.net/wordpress ]

Following her lifetime achievement award at the 2009 Meteor Music Awards plus the award for the most downloaded single for “Galway Girl” for the second year running, the inimitable Sharon Shannon lit up the stage at The Venue Theatre, Ratoath on Friday, March 27th on the first night of her sell-out 10-date national tour (with her big band), which plays out as follows:

27th March - Ratoath Community Centre, Ratoath (www.ratoathcc.ie)
28th March - The Glen Theatre, Banteer, Cork (www.glentheatre.ie)
29th March - De Barras, Clonakilty, Cork (www.debarra.ie)
30th March - Dolans, Limerick (www.dolanspub.com)
31st March - Kytelers Inn, Kilkenny (www.kytelersinn.ie)
1st April - Jacks in Cromane, Glenbeigh, Kerry
2nd April - The Stables, Mullingar, Westmeath (www.stableslive.com)
3rd April - The Thatch, Rahan, Tullamore, Offaly (www.thethatchrahan.com)
4th April - Grádam, TG4 Awards, Wexford Opera House
5th April - Dún Uladh, Omagh, Tyrone (www.dunuladh.ie)

Sharon Shannon : Venue Theatre Ratoath : 27.03.09

Sharon Shannon : Venue Theatre Ratoath : 27.03.09

Sharon Shannon : Venue Theatre Ratoath : 27.03.09

Sharon plays a special big band show at The Olympia Theatre featuring Shane MacGowan on May 01st.

Legendary Country singer Mary Duff graced the stage at Solstice Arts Centre, Navan for a sell-out show on Saturday, February 28th. From Solstice, Mary tours Australia and USA until June 2009 followed by dates in England and Scotland in September. Meanwhile, fans of country music from Meath and beyond will no doubt welcome Daniel O’ Donnell back to Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim on July 12th 2009 for what promises to be another sell-out show following on from the two recent concerts by Christy Moore and Declan Synnott reported below.

Mary Duff - Solstice Arts Centre Navan - 28.02.09