A series of coincidences and fortunate twists of fate has led to a new CD about the events of the 1916 Uprising being recorded by two Drogheda men.
Last April Anthony Matthews wrote a poem called ‘Easter’ and a little while later he heard Cormac Judge, formerly of the highly acclaimed ‘Judge Brothers, singing The Foggy Dew online.
So overwhelmed was Anthony by Cormac’s voice that he contacted him and asked if he would put his new poem to music.
Ad so a new partnership was formed. Cormac used his wonderful voice to great effect accompanied by music teacher and multi-talented musician Liam Reilly from Donore.
Anthony’s poem is an attempt to bring the historical significance of the 1916 Easter Rising to a totally different and more welcoming multicultural society a century later.
“The intention was to afford the reader-listener the opportunity to reflect upon the events” Anthony said, “move on, but remember.”
“The Dove is used as a symbol of peace moving away from the events of the past but at the same time not forgetting the exploits of those involved from both a male and female perspective.”
Hence the inclusion of Cumann Na Mban, who he says were once written out of the historical records of the events.
The song has already received airplay on local radio and is available on Spotify, iTunes, and all other social media platforms.
A percentage of the profits gained from the CD sales will be donated to ‘The Red Door’ project in Drogheda.
A video to accompany the song is in production and Collette Farrell Director Droichead Arts Centre has kindly allowed them to use the stage of the Droichead Theatre.
As if to complete the sense of fate around the collaboration, Anthony and Cormac subsequently discovered that they have the same Godmother, Mona Murray originally from Duleek Street.
In her honour they named their production company Monamusic.
The CD is currently available to purchase in Tuites Butchers and McCabes shop in Duleek Street.
Here’s a preview of the song, the official video is not out yet:
