The Weavers reunion gig
NOSTALGIA was in abundance recently when the present owners of “The Weavers” on West Street decided to link the past with the present by organising a special “reunion” to try and recapture what it was like when former hosts, Alma & Eamon Duffy, ran one of the most successful hostelies in the town which was so popular during the 80’s with the town’s revellers.
Of course, it just would not have been the same unless the previous hosts themselves agreed to play a part in the nights entertainment proceedings which would turn back the years.
They were not disappointed; Eamon Duffy turned up with members of his family and took part in a fabulous night which engendered a wonderful nostalgic atmosphere in keeping with that era which was created by those who had been patrons of “The Weavers” back in its heady days of the 80’s.
The disappointment of the late withdrawal of “Jump The Gun”, due to Roy Taylor’s sudden illness, was overcome by the marvellous replacement band, “Smile”, comprising of the long-time musical partnership of Sean Black & Phil “Birch”McLaughlin, who certainly provided the large crowd with two and a half hours of great music from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s that had hands clapping and feet tapping to still show their dancing dexterity, which, in many cases, may have resulted in aching limbs the following morning.
Ken Murray also provided another link with the past when he finished off the night at the turn table providing more music from that era to bring the night to a memorable end.
It was clear from the reception he received on his arrival, Eamon Duffy still holds a special affection among those who frequented ‘ The Weavers’ in the 80’s and his night was enraptured with those who were anxious to relate and share stories of their exploits with him of those days in the West Street hostelry during his time there.
The former host took to the stage to make a presentation to the present manager, John McEneaney, revealing that this was the first occasion he had revisited the premises where he had worked and lived for a number of years.
He explained to the revellers, that he had responded to a special request from ‘Banty’ McEneaney and his son, John, to do so, because of the excellent job they had done in bringing the premises back to life. He said he was overwhelmed with the amount of old friends in the large attendance and related to the marvellous support they had given him and Alma.
He presented a prized memento to Manager, John McEneaney, of an inscribed Platinum Disc, which, in turn had been presented to him by the Dubliners following their outstanding appearance on the commemorative 25th year of The Late Late Show which also featured The Pogues.
Present ‘Weavers’ Manager, John McEneaney said he wanted to retain the name “The Weavers” and restore it to the convivial entertainment venue it was when the Duffy’s were the hosts. ‘We aim to maintain that connection with the past and also involve ourselves with the present social and sporting culture of the town,’ he stated.