Countries

Nothing Compares To New York for Sinead and Shane

It was always the Emerald City for the Irish and it is fitting that the ultimate tribute to two of Ireland’s finest will be in the Big Apple because nothing compares to New York for Sinead and Shane.

One who knows is my oul’ mucker, showbiz writer par excellence and party companion of Sinead and Shane, Eugene Masterson of the Sunday World who affectionately called them a couple of rascals.

Of course 2023 will go down as a particularly poignant year, personally for losing my Dear Old Mammy.

But for all of an Irish or Irish Diaspora disposition after we lost Sinead and Shane.

And in Ireland’s biggest city, no, not Dublin but New York, it was felt hard too and not just on account of Shane’s standard A Fairytale of New York.

It is apt then that the Big Apple should have arranged a special commemoration.

Of these musical and human forces of nature with Sinead O’Connor & Shane MacGowan, A Tribute.

Pitch Cassidy

Tears for Sinead: And a tribute

As usual whenever there is anything with an entertainment extravaganza about it.

And Irish to boot then our old friends Cassidy Travel are all over it.

Poet of punk: Shane

And they are offering us a chance to pre-register for the gig which will take place at the iconic Carnegie Hall on March 20.

Sufficiently close in time to St Paddy’s Day.

Gray day

Fan: David Gray

We can all look forward to seeing a host of big names headed by David Gray.

And including Cat Power, Glen Hansard, Amanda Palmer, Dropkick Murphys, Eugene Hutz and The Mountain Goats.

And with Bettye Lavette, Julia Cumming, and Kat Edmonson also adding their voices.

All there to celebrate those rascals in a city that appreciates rascaldom like no other.

Because nothing compares to New York and Sinead and Shane.

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Countries, Ireland, Music

Nothing compares to Bray

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam Sinéad in your final resting place in Co. Wicklow… in her case nothing compares to Bray.

The Irish, and the world, say their final farewells to the pop powerhouse today in the seaside resort south of Dublin.

It is a town Sinéad O’Connor and our family had in common and one she shared with mine and yours.

Words of wisdom: Sinead O’Connor

Because first and foremost Sinéad was a mother and would welcome all the young people of Bray.

And neighbouring towns such as our old stomping ground over the Bray Head, Greystones, to her home.

And in the case of my own daughter it would be a full wrap-around cuddle.

Sinéad’s people

Her name will live… for ever

Sinéad loved the people of Bray where she lived for 15 years and they loved her back.

And despite her fame she got to live her life as any singer in a smalltown in Ireland would, celebrated for herself but never smothered.

It is poignant then that Sinéad’s final procession starts at the Harbour Bar, one of Bray’s great institutions.

With its warren of rooms, recreated Irish cottage living room among them with artefacts and curious cats.

Sinead will then head along the seafront, a lyrical backdrop for someone so ethereal.

Bray Seafront retains its olde resort feel with its shingle beach, promenade, amusement arcades and authentic bars and restaurants.

A modern addition to the charms which bring Dublin day trippers south SEA LIFE Bray Aquarium will occupy even the most active kiddies.

Head up to the fields

The sea, oh the sea: The Irish Sea

For the more active then continue your walk upwards and over Bray Head.

Stare downwards and you’ll see Bray and its front and your back and the Irish sea and its bird life all around.

While on occasion you might even see a lonely goat above you so yodelaye to your heart content.

The Southern Cross is the peak of your walk with its crucifix which reminds you of ancient Ireland’s connections with the land.

Mother Earth is there too in all its glory with Bray commemorating Sinead with lettering marked into the land.

A train runs through a tunnel built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel carrying passengers to the DART’s terminus.

Stones of destiny

Wall of fame: Bray Station

Take a 45-minute trip from Dublin’s Tara Street station, near O’Connell Street.

And bookend your day trip with a Guinness at the Beach House in the newly repurposed harbour.

Mark too the murals on Bray Station commemorating those who have added to Bray and Irish life.

A space is open for the spiritual voice of Ireland.

So as we reflect on how all the flowers in your back yard died mama when you went away Sinead.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam Sinéad and nothing compares to Bray.