By Paul Murphy.
Two music groups well known to audiences in this region and beyond are Poitin and Coscan and they are gearing up to play separate gigs at the John Boyle O’Reilly Festival next month.
They are both on stage at Dolly’s Bar Marquee on Friday 14 th August – Coscan will be on stage from 8-10pm and Poitin will play from 10.30-12.30 (tickets are priced at €10 and one ticket will cover both gigs ). All tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite or at Dolly’s Bar.
Poitin members are Philip Kennedy (bass guitar and vocals), Tom Jones (acoustic guitar and vocals), James Taaffe (tenor banjo and mandolin). The band was formed back in 1979, originally with five members. They performed gigs in the length and breadth of Ireland and formed a great fan Base an d got a great welcome everywhere they went. Their first American trip was in 1981 and have been back there on numerous occasions. They also played in the UK, and Brittany were they played at the Celtic and Britain Festivals in the 1990s. They are now a three-piece outfit and only do a few select venues every year, and are still as popular as ever.
Coscan is made up of David Nevin, Harry Long, Gerry Doggett, and Kieran Weldon. Formed in Slane, the multi-instrument band performs a unique blend of traditional folk songs and original compositions inspired by ancient Irish history and local folklore. The group has become one of Ireland’s premier traditional bands and balladeers. They gained a dedicated following through their
energetic live shows, multi-instrumental talent, and deep connection to the mythology of their home county, Meath.
