St Patrick’s Night Shebeen – 2011

Another coup for WIN, when Ros mentioned we might have a surprise guest we were all not only surprised but thrilled when 70’s legend DONOVAN did a set, it was mellow but not too yellow.

The Third WIN Shebeen was a great night. Edward Bracken and his fantastic staff made us feel very welcome at the Gore Hotel and WIN are all very grateful to Rory Godson of Powerscourt for their most generous sponsorship.

The level of buzz the top range of the decibel metre from the off and once supper had been enjoyed, the show began under the leadership of Ros Hubbard. Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Grieg were our MC’s for the evening and they were wonderful hosts. Tamsin made us all cry when she read Seamus Heaney’s The Spirit level and Stephen proved himself completely wrong when he said that he hadn’t learnt anything from his previous years doing the job when he then proceeded to host comically and brilliantly

Janet Harbison opened the show with some dazzling harp playing. The delightful Kevin Trainor from Co. Down who sang his heart out and won a lot of new fans – watch out for Kevin on the West End stages and beyond for many years to come. Paddy Nolan delighted everyone with his renditions of Phil The Fluter’s Ball and The Garden where the Praties Grow.

His Excellency, the Irish Ambassador, Bobby McDonagh and his wife Mary, joined in along with Minister Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection. The Ambassador was delighted to be photographed with our surprise guest……

Rod Melvin supported all the acts and did a turn himself but was especially brilliant at an off the cuff backing to Tamsin’s Seamus Heaney’s poem, not a dry eye in the house.

The gorgeous Jessie Buckley once again wowed the crowd with some beautiful songs and an unforgettable performance of “At Last…”

The Brilliant Things a fabulous young Irish duo had everyone singing along to The Fields of Athenry we are sure the Irish Rugby squad’s heard us in Dublin….so in a small way we were part of the amazing 24 – 8 Victory…..

Adrian Dunbar another surprise and wonderful star sang a hugely well received The Leitrim Lament.

The Irish/Iranian/Geordie comedian Patrick Monahan closed the show, he was hilarious and had everyone in stitches. A great end to a superb show.

Those with stamina retreated to the Library where wine and song saw us into the small hours – sore throats and heads as usual on the 18^th March.

Huge thank to our sponsors – The Gore Hotel and Powerscourt, The Win Executive who all worked their socks off, especially Ros Hubbard who persuaded and cajoled such an array of glittering stars to entertain us and to everyone who came. This is a great annual event in our calendar so please support us again and remember that all the money we raise goes to the the IYF.