The Corkman

Flash mob reunion for musician Liam and his Newmarket teammates

MUSIC MIXES WITH FOOTBALL AT DAN HOURIGANS

- SHEILA FITZGERALD

ACCORDION Ace Liam O’Connor got back to his roots last week when he played a ‘Flashmob’ gig at Dan Hourigan’s Bar in Newmarket.

The impromptu session, which was organised by Liam’s brother Sean Frances at 24 hours notice, was enjoyed by a large turnout of friends and fans of the musician.

Football was the common denominato­r on the night as Newmarket team members from yesteryear met up at the legendary GAA house in the town.

The 20th anniversar­y of the 1998 County win was in the main what prompted the celebratio­n and Liam, who was also a team member, was the obvious choice where music and football gelled in perfect synchronic­ity.

“This could be known as the gathering of the players,” he said. “It was a great night, I really enjoyed meeting up with old friends and getting back to my roots”.

Joan Hourigan of Hourigan’s Bar said that while the event was organised at short notice it was a fabulous success. “A few locals got together and advertised it through social media, everyone was delighted with the music, even some people who did not know it was on and were out walking came in and stayed for the night” Joan said.

Joining Liam on stage was his daughter Saoirse, son Oisín, and Ben Quinlan, a native of Killarney, but who also has Newmarket roots - his father comes from Church St in the town. Ben, who was on vocals and piano, recently took part in the X Factor in the UK.

Liam O’Connor is not resting on his laurels as 2019 kicks off, he has a brand new single set for release where he duets with Moya Brennan of Clannad and along with playing gigs across Ireland during the year the band will be heading off to Jamaica on tour later on in 2019.

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 ?? Photos: Sheila Fitzgerald ?? Local Peter Foley catching up with Liam.
Photos: Sheila Fitzgerald Local Peter Foley catching up with Liam.
 ??  ?? Left: Jonty and Éibhlin Crosse from Bahrain were delighted to meet up with Liam O’Connor at the Flashmob gig in Newmarket.
Left: Jonty and Éibhlin Crosse from Bahrain were delighted to meet up with Liam O’Connor at the Flashmob gig in Newmarket.
 ??  ?? Right: Liam O’Connor with his former Newmarket teammates Maurice Hourigan, John Fitzpatric­k who was home from New York for Christmas, Seanie F O’Connor, Donal O’ Sullivan, Rebel, Danny Culloty, Brian Daly and Jerry McCarthy.
Right: Liam O’Connor with his former Newmarket teammates Maurice Hourigan, John Fitzpatric­k who was home from New York for Christmas, Seanie F O’Connor, Donal O’ Sullivan, Rebel, Danny Culloty, Brian Daly and Jerry McCarthy.
 ??  ?? Róisín Hourigan, Nessa Hourigan, Alana Culloty, Brenda Hourigan, Paulet O’Sullivan, Joan Hourigan and Catherine Culloty pictured with Liam.
Róisín Hourigan, Nessa Hourigan, Alana Culloty, Brenda Hourigan, Paulet O’Sullivan, Joan Hourigan and Catherine Culloty pictured with Liam.
 ??  ?? Liam O’Connor with Joan Hourigan of Hourigan’s Bar.
Liam O’Connor with Joan Hourigan of Hourigan’s Bar.

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