Spancil Hill balladeer honoured by civic reception

THE story of the immigrant ballad Spancil Hill is as pertinent today as it was when Robbie McMahon first sang the song over 60 years ago.

That is according to the mayor of Clare, Cllr Christy Curtin, who led the tributes to the famous balladeer at a civic reception in Ennis.

At the reception in the council’s chamber, the audience jumped to their feet after the 84-year-old singer treated them to a rendition of Spancil Hill, a song he helped popularise over the past half century and more.

Describing Mr McMahon as a “true icon of Ireland’s ballad tradition,” Cllr Curtin said: “There is a very real connection between the ballads sung by Robbie to what is happening in Ireland today. Spancil Hill documents an immigrant’s dream of returning home from America to his native Clare.

“In 2010, Irish men and women are once again departing Ireland in search of work elsewhere.”

The Independent councillor thanked Robbie “for enriching all of our lives with your extraordinary talent”.

In response, Mr McMahon said yesterday: “To receive a civic reception is a great honour.”

He recalled: “I won my first singing competition in Crusheen when I was aged 13-and-a-half.”

He admitted that his voice was “a bit croaky” after performing at the reception but he said: “I love singing. It helps keep us alive.”

During his singing career, he won 17 All-Ireland medals for traditional singing.

Cllr Joe Arkins said: “Robbie has been a great source of encouragement to young singers and praise from Robbie can make them feel a foot higher.

“Robbie has been a wonderful ambassador for Clare and for our culture all over the world.

“Robbie has a fantastic generosity of spirit. There are 10 nights in Robbie’s week. Any invitation to any get together he will go to and he has a wonderful sense of duty to the tradition.”

The first Friday of the month at Duggan’s pub at Spancil Hill is known as ‘Robbie’s First Friday’ where he leads the singing and Frank Whelan of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann told the reception that “Robbie’s singing sessions are legendary”.