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The Claregalway Hotel will host the Matt Keane Christmas Shows on Friday and Saturday 4 and 5 January. These will mark the 11th anniversary of the concerts, which attract large and loyal clientele year on year.
The easygoing nature of the shows are very much in tune with the people who support them and who are comfortable in the rural ethos and culture of the region. Joining Matt will be his brother Seán as well as Orlaith and Laura Keane, the acclaimed Hernon Family Traditional Group from Connemara and Mick Mulhern from Bohola, who will be making his debut at the shows. The regular band comprising Maria Fahy, Colm Naughton, Pat Coyne and Catherine McHugh, will also put their musical talent to fine use on the night.
Well wishes
The thoughts of many will be with Pat Keane, brother of Matt and Seán, who is currently recuperating from a health setback in early November. Pat has been an integral part of the Claregalway shows from the outset and is a huge favourite with the audiences. The good wishes of all go out to Pat as he continues to make steady progress.
“Our Christmas shows are the ones closest to my heart,” says Matt. “They have taken on a life of their own and people love the informal nature of these nights. I suppose we are all in the Christmas spirit and the mood of people is relaxed and easy and different from any other time of the year.
“While we always have mighty support from Galway and Mayo, we are delighted to welcome others who travel from the four provinces to join us and enjoy a homely night of music, song and story. The late night sessions after the shows are also enjoyed by many who are staying around. I would also like to thank the many people who have sent goodwill messages to Pat and we all hope he will be back in top fettle in the near future.”
Tickets are €25 and can be bought from the Claregalway Hotel (091-738300), Quinn’s Shop in Tuam (093 26060) and Keane’s Shop, Caherlistrane. Doors open at 8pm.
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