Betty & The Mad Ones present The Galway Street Club

DO you remember Siouxsie & The Banshees; Rocky De Valera & The Gravediggers and, for people who go to last Mass, Big Tom and The Mainliners?

Well, now we have the purely homegrown, strictly organic, Betty & The Mad Ones, and there’s a theme of music and eventing running through them all.

You see, Betty & The Mad Ones are about to put a collective toe in the pond of music eventing and they’re bringing The Galway Street Club to play live on July 1 at Castleisland Rugby Football Club grounds.

The girls are no strangers to dealing with bands and organising events but this is their first gig as a team.

“The Galway Street Club is made up of a fantastically talented, diverse bunch of musicians who are going to create one massive atmosphere around the town,” said spokesperson, Kate McSweeney.

“It’s one of our madder ideas but it’s definitely one that we are extremely excited about organising. Already, there seems to be a massive buzz around the event with tickets being booked before they were even printed.

This band is used to playing in famous venues such as the Roisín Dubh in Galway and Whelan’s in Dublin so it’s very special that their first ever gig in Kerry will be in Castleisland.

In March 2016, a large group of individual and regular buskers in Galway City decided to undertake an insouciant endeavour. They formed a noholds barred busking band from the wealth of street performers in the city. And with this the 12 member Galway Street Club was born.

“We were delighted that Betty, usually found behind the bar in Kearney’s, was willing to come and join in the madness and bring a wealth of experience to the table,” added Kate. “To see two businesses join force for an event like this really adds a unique energy and it’s been hugely positive.

“Castleisland RFC, whose venue will be used on the night have also been a great help in the planning of the event.

Tickets can be purchased at the Mad Ones, Killarney Road, Castleisland; Kearney’s Bar, Main Street or online at www. themadones.eventbrite.com and they cost €10.

The Betty and the Mad Ones Gang announcing details of their big night. Included are from left: Noreen Cronin, Betty O’Connell, Tara Walmsley and Kate McSweeney. Photograph: John Reidy