Last week saw the end of an era end at the Dan O'Connell in Melbourne. For the past 15 years or more, the Sunday afternoon 'spot', 4pm-7pm, has belonged to Pat McKernan, an Irish expat who has found a home away from home in Melbourne's pubs. Pat's ability to generate a whole lot of sound and vibe from one man and a guitar has made him a stalwart on the Irish live music scene in my home town.But last Sunday was his last ever at the Dan, bringing to an end more than a decade of memories: Pat McKernan followed by Erins Pride followed by the first of a million kisses, Pat playing at Mikko's and my wedding, Pat on St Pat's day, Pat in countless Hundred Pint club photos. Pat followed by the Sunday singing session, which kept me sane in the months after Mikko died. Chaals always said his ambition was to one day have learned as many songs as Pat knew - I often thought of that as I diligently learned two new songs a week for the session...
Pat's versions of Sally McLannan, the Parting Glass, the Fields of Athenrye and loads others are still the ones I know and sing. And, of course, then there's his own piece - 'Geraldine's thinking of Galway', a song of such homesickness that Mikko would ask me never to sing it when he was within earshot...
There are piccies on facebook.
