Out of tune with the Irish

I was looking forward to the gala concert at the Royal Albert Hall, as the finale of President Michael D Higgins’ visit to Britain. How disappointed I was.

With so many musical stars of Irish heritage born and raised in that country, I expected iconic names, such as Morrissey, the Gallaghers, John Lydon, or even Paul McCartney. But, no, out were wheeled the usual suspects, who, with the exception of Imelda May and John Sheahan, oozed a matey smugness. There was little contribution from the Irish community in Britain, save for the London Irish Centre choir. Churning out the maudlin, over-earnest nonsense that props up ‘Other Voices’, they were all out of their depth. Much as I like ‘The Auld Triangle’ and ‘ The Parting Glass’, they were not worthy anthems to end the night. It turned into a ‘last orders’ affair, with lots of ‘ ya boy yas’. A wasted opportunity.

Patrick Cooney