I dreamt a brilliant dream one night of an old Gaelic evening of ceol agus craic; and in my heart felt truly elated, as long-dead stars of the past came back. In fancy I sat on the Hill O’Knockgreine, which lies halfway on the road to Heaven overlooking the verdant Golden Vein where troubles and cares find wholesome leaven. Such a concert party it proved to be – the artistes resurrected from the long ago, had hailed from many parts of old Erin – not a one of them could I have known. First up was the bold Phelim Brady, the olden times Bard of Armagh; he enthralled all with his harping and singing, with sweet airs of old Erin go breá. He played on his harpstrings so sweetly – an angel could not sweeter play – he sang of his country’s joys and sorrows, and blessed all with a prayer for some bright future day. Next came the blind Rafteiri an file, with his hound dog leading him on; he stopped and faced the great gathering and regaled all with his poetry and song. He played as he sang his sweet numbers and his words sounded truly poetic, ‘though sightless, yet with insight and foresight, his cry of “saoirse” seemed fairly prophetic. And then we had the Fiddler of Dooney (courtesy of the late William B. Yeats). Oh! How his listeners applauded and enthused on his music, which was a real treat! Skylarks over Knockgreina were hovering then broke out with their beautiful singing, all joined with the Fiddler of Dooney, that sweet blend had the heavens ringing. Next then came the great Catherine Hayes known worldwide as The Swan of Erin, diva of the world’s greatest opera houses, prima donna of The Royal, San Carlo, Milan. Such a welcome home the audience gave her! So warm-hearted and eager to greet one of their own; no orchestra, no maestro, but perhaps better still the Fiddler of Dooney complemented her tones. She commenced with Moore’s She is Far From the Land then sang Roisín Dubh and Melodie d’ Amour followed by Schubert’s Serenade, oh, but ‘twas grand! then charmed us with Santa Lucia and Cáit Ní Dhubhir. For her final encore she chose Limerick Is Beautiful. ‘Twas the most moving singing I have heard in all my days. The depth of feeling - just marvellous! Go h-iontach! and clearly everyone there loved Limerick and Caherine Hayes. Finally ‘twas the turn of Clare born Padraig Ó Briain - called the Piper of Limerick – as he crossed the green sward; such a medley of melodies flowed from his bagpipes, throughout Counagh Barony his piping was heard. Then near the finale, he marched all about, played Rosc Catha Mumhain (a real tours de force) as he fingered the chanter, gave full vent to the drone and when ended had the listeners ecstatic, of course! Then they cheered and threw hats and caps in the air, shouting “ceol arís” whilst some waved sticks with vim. Then lastly, for encore he played Brian Boru’s March, and our “blood up”, we all marched along with him. Six steps forward – about turn – then six steps backward; two stalwarts had him upon their shoulders now. But he held his balance as he fingered his pipes and played to the end and then made his last bow. The show now had ended and the air was rent with the clapping and cheering and calling; such a tanterageeley I ne’er before heard the whole show had been truly go h-álainn. Oh! What a glorious scene of happiness it was! A night of golden talents and artistic flair; with feelings of rapture and Tír Grá all around us for the true spirit – heart and soul - of old Erin was there. Those wandering bards, the fiddler, piper and operatic diva - who had lightened listeners’ hearts and brightened their eyes, with poetic strains and sweet musical genius – that their names remain fresh in Erin is no surprise! I quickly left for the craic in the Fair Baron’s Inn, in nearby Old Pallas – but then such a dilemma - for the next thing I knew (and this is pure true) I was wide awake, sa bhaile, i mo leaba!