Charlie Keating to launch new CD at Mayo Fleadh Cheoil

WELL-KNOWN Westport troubadour Charlie Keating will launch his latest CD, ‘Westport of the Welcomes’, at the 2023 Mayo Fleadh Cheoil, which returns to Westport this year from May 10 to 14.

The new 16-track album is a collection of newly composed songs that Charlie collected over the past number of years. His family and many friends, who admire his unique singing style and musical arrangements, gave him the songs to record.

“When I heard that the Mayo Fleadh was returning to Westport, it gave me the impetus and motivation to finally put all these great locally written songs down on CD. The collection really is a tribute to the people of Westport.

“All the songs are about ordinary people in Westport who did extraordinary things for the parish,” commented Charlie.

Among the songs is a rare composition that the late Fr. Michael MacGréil penned. Charlie also pays tribute to the late great Martin Keane on the album with a newly composed track entitled An Ode to Martin Keane.

The title track, Westport of the Welcomes, was written by Edward O’Malley from Owenwee and given to Charlie many moons ago by his good friend Paddy McGreal.

There are also songs in memory of Tadhg Hastings from Drummin, who won three All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil medals, and a song recalling the heroic deeds of Gerry Heraty from Teevenacroagh.

“All these songs are about real people and real events. Sometimes words fail us at different times and that is why songs are so important.

“A song can tell you all you need to know about a person in a few minutes. There is a lot of emotion and feelings in these songs and that is why I had to record them,” said Charlie.

Charlie Keating will launch his new CD at the Cú Chulainn Bar on Altamont Street on Thursday, May 11, at 9 p.m. and everyone is invited.