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THE  KERRY  McKEON  BLOG .. ISSUE 55

“SO  HAUNTED  BY  STRANDHILL”   .. THE  CD  LAUNCH

After recent weeks of planning and years of suggestions the launch of the CD to commemorate the memory of Bobby Taylor, Tommy Coyle and Michael Higgins our three young players lost to drowning in Strandhill in 1998 is finally here. It goes ahead in Drury’s Lounge in Monasteraden on Saturday night August 13^th. Eighteen years on from that sad day appears a long time really, however the impact of the song as it resonates with the families, friends, neighbours and sporting colleagues of the drowning victims is of more importance than the time span. That marvellous ballad “Boolavogue” which commemorates the Wexford rebellion in 1798 was not written until 1898 to mark its centenary while the infamous Irish famine of 1846/47, probably the most tragic event in our entire history was commemorated by the now famous song “The Fields of Athenry” now chanted at sports events all over, superbly written by Pete St John in the early 1970’s - almost 130 years after the event.  We do not expect “So haunted by Strandhill” to have the same impact as those two classics, certainly not nationally, nevertheless this emotional piece of music will have a gripping attachment to every home inside our borders and will be much sought after right throughout the county as well.

Jimmy McArdle the Belfast born but American based writer of the song is travelling home to launch the CD and is eagerly looking forward to it as he renews acquaintances with old friends in Gurteen. Ocean Fm and Mid West Radio will be covering the event as will The Sligo Champion while music on the night is being provided by the popular Maureen O Dowd group. Padraig O Dowd of Drury’s Bar is planning additional facilities for the launch with Paul Taylor acting as M.C. while it is important to point out also that there will be no cover charge on the night. However copies of the CD which will be available on the night will cost €10 and it is expected that all patrons will purchase one of these as a tribute to the drowning victims and also as a souvenir to retain in their homes. For those who are not able to  attend on the night the CD’s will be available at several locations around our area and throughout the county and we will advise on these locations later once we get them finalised. At the request of the three bereaved families the final proceeds from the launch will be donated to the R.N.L.I. rescue services.

It is entirely appropriate that at this time we remember also the many other tragedies that happened about this time and since, as they also had a strong connection to our club. We also feel it is correct to note the two lucky young men Declan Maheady and Laurence Cooke who went within a whisker of losing their lives that fateful day. And perhaps we too could mention Kerry McKeon who was so friendly with the drowning victims. Kerry had made arrangements to travel with the party of youngsters to the seaside that day but had to stay behind to work in The Mayfly Inn. He didn’t like it one bit but sadly for him he too has now departed this earth.  Such is life – such is death. They are all together now, buddies together, forever friends, forever remembered, forever revered and forever young.

Lean  na  Clairsigh
Bye for now
P J McKeon    for  Kerry McKeon  R.I.P.