Grantstown church becomes culture centre
HISTORY WILL be created in Grantstown later this month when the local church building plays host to its first ever music gig.
The building closed as a place of worship at Christmas, 2015, as a result of dwindling vocations and its closure was met with much disappointment within the local community.
However, it has now re-opened as a cultural centre and it’s hoped this development will not only ensure the ongoing upkeep of the building but also build on the church’s legacy for future generations.
On Saturday, December 15, the venue will reverberate to the sound of Green Road which is a folk and trad band composed of some of the country’s foremost exponents of the genres who have strong links with Bannow, Ballycullane and Glynn.
The band is composed of: PJ Sinnott (lead vocals/5-string banjo); Ned Wall (uilleann pipes/ low whistles/guitar); Alan O’Dwyer (mandolin/ banjo/harmonica/whistles); Fergal O’Hanlon (guitar/backing vocals) and Frank Torpey (drums/bodhrán/(keyboard)bass).
The significance of the forthcoming gig is that while there have been some arts events in the cultural centre since it took on a new life this will be the first gig to be held there.
It’s also very fitting that Green Road is the band that will kick-start music events at the venue.
The group’s origins can be traced back to 1975 when Martha Torpey and Brendan O’Connell started music classes in Ballycullane National School.
It was through those classes that Frank Torpey and Ned Wall became firm friends and a formidable duet performing on banjo and flute, respectively.
Along with their siblings they played concerts and competitions nationwide bringing home numerous titles to Wexford.
When Mrs Torpey moved to Danescastle National School the local music group, which had already been set up locally, was able to grow and expand as a result of her input.
That ultimately led to Alan O’Dwyer becoming a stalwart of the group.
Mr O’Dwyer is now a multi-award winning musician in addition to being a multi-instrumentalist.
Fergal O’Hanlon, from Glynn, became aware of what was happening in Carrig-on-Bannow and loved meeting people so immersed in music and he too soon became an integral member of the group.
In their respective careers the band members have forged formidable paths within the world of music.
Frank Torpey came to national prominence during the 1990s when he co-founded the group Nomos which featured John Spillane among its members. In its 10-year history the band toured the world and played at some of the most prestigious folk festivals on the planet.
Mr Torpey has also performed with Riverdance, the National Chamber Choir, Donal Lunny, the Shangai Conservatory of Music Orchestra and in numerous recording sessions.
Mr O’Dwyer has won 17 all-Ireland medals including six senior championship wins. Although he initially learned harmonica his main instruments nowadays are mandolin and banjo.
He also plays mandola and has also explored the world of rock music playing bass. He has appeared on the Late Late Show.
PJ Sinnott takes his influence from the music of the Dubliners and in particular the late Luke Kelly.
A cousin of Diarmuid O’Leary [from the Bards] he is an engaging front man who captivates his audience with his showmanship and professionalism while his 5-string banjo playing adds an extra rhythmic dynamic to Green Road’s music.
Such is the national standing of Ned Wall that he was invited to perform for President Michael D Higgins to mark uillean pipes being recognised by UNESCO as a symbol of ‘intangible cultural heritage’.
Fergal O’Hanlon has performed in America, France, Luxembourg, Cyprus and all over Ireland. His own style of material is a blend of ballads, folk and trad mixed with hints of American roots music.
The organisers of the upcoming inaugural concert are delighted to have such formidable musicians beginning a new chapter in the life of their cultural centre.
They have worked hard to ensure it will likely be one of the most memorable music events to take place this year.
It will be a seated concert and tickets are priced €14 (adult) and €7 (for those under 14). The doors will open at 7 p.m. and tickets are available from the reception in Grantstown Daycare Centre, Costcutters and Wallace’s Department Store in Wellingtonbridge.