PICTURES: Roscrea's Black Mills Sessions – music, memories and laughter

Roscrea Heritage Society was delighted to host another wonderful evening of music at the historic Black Mills, with a programme featuring Edel Carey, followed by the welcome return of Sinéad Browne and Bobby Fahy.

The evening brought together a wonderful mix of music and musical styles which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Before the music began, the Society’s resident MC, Caoimhe Flannery, warmly welcomed everyone to the Black Mills and introduced the evening’s programme.

Caoimhe also took a few moments to pay tribute to the late Johnny Keegan, who sadly passed away recently.

Johnny was no stranger to the Black Mills Sessions, having performed at a number of events over the years.

“An exceptionally talented musician and singer, Johnny was also a true gentleman who will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and enjoying his music.

“His music and memories will remain part of the story of the Black Mills Sessions,” Roscrea Heritage Society said.

The evening’s musical programme began with Edel Carey, whose lifelong love of music made this a particularly special occasion.

Edel has enjoyed music all her life, despite never having learned to read a note of written music. Her love and appreciation of music began during her school years, where her piano teacher, who was blind, inspired her to discover and appreciate the joy that music can bring.

Through this early influence, Edel developed a love of music ranging from classical to pop. For Edel, music has never been about reading notes or following a written score.

It has always been about feeling the melody, connecting with the words and allowing the song to speak for itself.

Music has played an important role throughout Edel’s life. It has helped her break down many barriers, opened doors and brought her opportunities and experiences that she might otherwise never have had, she said.

Edel treated the audience to a lovely selection of songs, including Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides’, ‘Now’ and Ralph McTell’s ‘Streets of London’, along with many more.

This performance was particularly significant as it marked Edel’s very first ever solo gig. The Roscrea Heritage Society was absolutely delighted to provide the opportunity for Edel to share her love of music with an audience at the Black Mills, they said.

“Her warmth and connection with the audience made the performance all the more special,” the Society said after her performance.

For the second half of the evening, the Society was delighted to welcome back Sinéad Browne and Bobby Fahy.

No strangers to performing in the mill, they entertained everyone with a fantastic selection of songs from some much loved artists, including Leonard Cohen, Nina Simone and Alanis Morissette, along with many more.

Their varied repertoire brought a wonderful mix of musical styles to the evening and like Edel, Sinéad and Bobby established a lovely rapport with the audience.

Once again, the Black Mills Sessions demonstrated the wonderful power of music to bring people together.

From Edel Carey’s first-ever solo performance to the familiar sounds and welcome return of Sinéad Browne and Bobby Fahy, it was an evening filled with friendship, conversation and humour.

The many laughs shared throughout were testament to the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes the Black Mills Sessions so special.

The Roscrea Heritage Society would like to sincerely thank Edel, Sinéad and Bobby for sharing their music, stories and good humour, Caoimhe for once again being such a wonderful MC, the OPW for the use of the venue, to everyone who came along, your support is greatly appreciated.

SAVE THE DATE – FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27

Roscrea Heritage Society is delighted to announce that the next Black Mills Session will take place on Friday, 27th November, when the Society looks forward to welcoming back Martin Delaney Snr.

Martin is well known, both near and far, for his wonderful musical talent. For many years, he has been a familiar face on the pub music scene throughout Roscrea and beyond, entertaining audiences with his extensive repertoire.

His music spans a wonderful mix of folk, ballads, country and traditional favourites, promising another fantastic evening of music in the mill.

Please note that this session will be a Black Mills Special with further details to follow.