Folk legend McTell to perform at Leo’s Tavern

LEGENDARY folk singer and songwriter Ralph McTell will be this month’s guest at Leo’s Tavern.

The man behind classics such as ‘Streets of London’ and ‘Clare to Here’ will perform as part of the ‘Clubeo’ sessions in the famed Meenaleck venue.

Regarded as one of the great storytellers McTell is celebrating 50 years on the road. And Moya Brennan told the Donegal News she was looking forward to welcoming the 78-year-old to the west.

“Ralph is a very dear friend and I’m thrilled that he has agreed to come over and perform,” said the Clannad star.

Clubeo has been going for almost a decade and was set up to provide a platform where young musicians could meet those who play professionally. Among those who have made the trip over the years have been Damien Dempsey, Brian Kennedy and Donovan who headlined when Leo’s Tavern celebrated its 50th birthday in 2018.

“I started Clubeo for young acts, whether they wanted to perform covers or their own music. It was something I felt was lacking so I spoke to my brother Bartley who runs Leo’s now about getting something going. That was nine or ten years ago now and I have rarely missed a night of it.”

Traditionally Clubeo has been mothballed for the months of January and February. But getting someone of Ralph McTell’s stature was too good an opportunity to miss. Another tradition will be broken too as the evening of music has always been held on a Friday night. The McTell gig will take place on Saturday, February 25 to accommodate a concert being held in the Amharclann, Gaoth Dobhair, to mark 50 years of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

“I’ve known Ralph for years and I’m really looking forward to getting him out to Clubeo. All the tables are booked and it’s going to be a packed night,” added Moya.

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