Hibernian Radio Podcast, Sat. September 14, 2024

Christine Lawless & Kevin O’Connor

Fox’s Pizza in Orland Park & Mokena, Guinness, Madden Funds and Flood Brothers Disposal present the Hibernian Radio Hour at our recording location known as ‘The Bunker’ and this week we welcome Dr. Christine Lawless and Kevin O’Connor. Christine is the Founder of Chicago Irish Singers Club and she is hosting Irish singing workshops at both Gaelic Park on Wednesdays and at The Irish American Heritage Center on Thursdays where workshop attendees will learn 6 songs while learning about Irish history. Christine discusses her Irish heritage and explains how she got introduced to Irish singing. Kevin is a Tenor with the Chicago Irish Singers Club and also taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music. He shares how he got involved with Irish music and emphasizes the importance of keeping traditions alive. “It’s so important that we pass these songs down.” We dive right into some tunes with Kevin’s rendition of an Irish ballad, ‘The Croppy Boy’ followed by Christine’s rendition of an Irish folk song called ‘Téir Abhaile Riú’. They host free Irish trad singing sessions at The Mystic Rogue every second Monday and also at Gaelic Park every third Sunday. “The reason we do this is to keep the tradition of Irish singing alive in Chicago!”. Kevin sings the lively song called ‘Tippin’ It Up To Nancy’ and that’s followed by a very special rendition of ‘The Soldier’s Song’ by Christine who is joined by the one and only Houli himself! Christine ends this week’s interview with a treat for our listeners when she does some Irish lilting! Houli then brings us up to date on some upcoming events including the 10th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley taking place September 27-29 at the Wilmette Theatre and that’s followed by this week’s obituaries. A very special show this week, folks!