I'm now in my mid forties and cherish the memories of the all night singsongs held in our house and my grannies on the Falls Road. I always remember that someone(usually the best singer or the person with the biggest mouth)took the mantel as MC and fingered the next singer. I used to hate it whenever the person who was asked to sing wanted coaxed as this was like a noisy interlude which could go on for 10 or 15 minutes but at the end if the person didnt sing they were past by and the rest would have expressed their discust at the non singers.

I can always remember my da singing the same song over and over again in the toilet a few days before a party. I didnt know at that time that he was having a wee practice.
ME, my brother and coisins would have stayed in the back room at these parties but because of the engrosed attention given to the singsong by our parents we where able to slip out to the sculery an swallow the drains left in the empty porter bottles. It was at these parties that created Your Place & mine in me.

The sentimental Irish ballads,such as Carickfergus, the Isle of Inishfree and Boolavogue where great songs if the singer sang in tune and didnt fall asleep through too much drink.
In fact, My uncle told me last year that my other uncle ,his brother did actually fall asleep singing at a party half way through the song.

Anyway, I though the Brian Kennedy show was magic although I was only able to see three shows.It touch my sole and I will be looking forward to the second episode. I have two songs that I would sugest for the next episode if they havnt appeared in the shows that I missed,The Isle of Inishfree is a belter of a song and I think Brian could put this song over very well with his sweet voice. Also I think Boolavogue has a great melody and Brians voice could compliment and enhanse the song. Especially the range of the song.

All the Best

YOUR RESPONSES

Catherine Barr (nee Campbell) - Dec '07
Tom Raymond and his sister Marjorie Rae were cousns of my father Jack Campbell. My Grandfather Fred Campbell was the brother of Tom and Marjorie's Mother. I remember them at home in Gainsborough Drive, Belfast - a house which was full of fun, they were a comedy act. The sense of houmour ran through that family!

Kathleen Mc Crory - March '06
Tom Raymond was a cousin of my mother in law Jeanette Mc Crory, ( Nee Mc Quillan) originally from Belfast. My husband remembers both Tom and his sister Marjorie Rae, who was also a comedienne. My mother in law Jeanette had a wonderful sense of humour, and was a great story teller. This talent obviously came through the family.

Rob Harbinson - November '05
Does anyone remember Monday nights at the Ulster Hall? I remember there was a variety show M.Cd by Tom Raymond who also did comedy skits assisted by Doreen Frazer and Connie Stewart. There was also a talent competition every week. As kids we always looked forward to it as it meant staying up late.