Music lovers in tune with rural Ireland

Two rural hinterlands went head to head last weekend in a battle to attract patrons of live music, albeit a day apart. Competition is the life of trade they say and after a fair old joust, it proved difficult to separate both protagonists.

Remarkably, both communities are two of the most thinly populated areas in TheAvondhu catchment, both are

also border regions - we are refering to T.O. Park in Labbamologga (Cork/Limerick border) and Araglin Community Field, located on the Cork/Tipperary/Waterford border.

Tom O’Flynn Park served up Jimmy O’Donoghue, The Checkers, along with Teddy and Cathal Barry on Sunday last, while Araglin opted for Michelle Murphy, Dermot Lyons and T.R. Dallas on bank holiday Monday.

It was a busy afternoon for Tom O’Flynn and his crew with the occupants of over 150 cars turning up to be entertained. 24 hours later, in Araglin, a similar amount of vehicles were counted in the community field. There is by all accounts, a friendly rivalry between the two groups, but also huge respect - a point expanded on by T.O. when we met in Araglin on bank holiday Monday.

“Look, John, it’s like this, we’re on great terms. The morning was damp, but that didn’t deter me or any of the others who turned up in such great numbers. Regarding yesterday’s event in the Park (T.O. Park), we were absolutely delighted, it was one of our biggest crowds ever, the atmosphere was incredible and I must say it was a real tonic. I had no hesitation in coming to Araglin today (bank holiday Monday), I know the committee here really well, Tom, Liz and Joan have their community at heart and I must say they are outstanding workers”.

T.O. went on to talk about the value of such outdoor events: “I don’t know when we’ll be back indoors, sooner, rather than later I hope. For now we’re operating out of doors and both the bingo and concerts are going really well. While I don’t get to meet everyone at these events, I do know that people really appreciate them and they act as an important social outlet. I’m absolutely sure they’d say the same thing in Araglin - we’re doing our best, the public are supporting us and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.” T.O. said.

(Pic: John Ahern) The Crotty family from Clogheen, Co. Tipperary, who were in Araglin Community Field last Monday for a live country and Irish concert, l-r: Assumpta, Leah and Mattie.

(Pic: John Ahern) Helen Bennett (Conna), Michelle Cronin (Castlelyons) and Theresa Costigan (Tallow) were some of the very large attendance at last Monday’s country and Irish concert in Araglin.

(Pic: John Ahern) Margaret O’Donnell from Kilfinane and her friend, Mary Deady, were treated to some top class entertainment in T.O. Park last Sunday.

(Pic: John Ahern) Billy Morrissey from Doneraile (right) who met up with his good friends, Jim Walsh and Nell Coughlan at last Sunday’s concert in T.O. Park.

(Pic: John Ahern) Phil O’Hara from Fermoy and her friend, Peg Collins were really impressed by what they saw and heard in Araglin last Monday.

(Pic: John Ahern) NO SHOW LIKE A JOE SHOW: Music fan, Joseph Lee from Mitchelstown who was in T.O. Park last Sunday.

(Pic: John Ahern) Sally Moloney from Ballylanders and Tommy Mounsey sitting back and enjoying the live music in Araglin last Monday.