The Fleadh

 
Well. Once again Súnas journeyed south to Hobart where we were fortunate enough to headline the annual Fleadh Ceol (literally translating to Festival of Musics). There was no mammoth packing ritual performed the night before, we all took separate bags (Mannie took one filled entirely with socks’n’jocks – I think he’s terrified of another muddy Woodford episode), so check-in was relatively smooth. Once again, I got the mickey taken out of me when I took off my giant Tomb Raider boots to go through security checks (the guy behind the screen made the comment that I wouldn’t want to fall off a boat with them on as I’d definitely drown). Once on the plane Paul moisturised, Bridget started taking the piss, I slept and Mannie glued his face to the window (it’s amazing – if he could stick his head out he would).
 
We all made it to Hobart safely after an event-filled stopover in Sydney consisting of stealth farting, Fat Maccas with a side order of deep fried fat and Mannie chucking a tantrum because Bridget & I had the nerve to be distracted from his edge-of-your-seat puppy story by a man who looked like a walking latte – we kid you not! Thanks to Helen we had the pleasure of staying at the wonderful Stanton B & B for the night (those beds are just too damn comfy) before venturing out to the ABC studios in Hobart for a live-to-air broadcast. You will all be happy to know I didn’t say ‘arse’! We had a great time, huge thanks to Tim Cox for having us back, and especially to Dave the Sound Man for making us sound decent.
 
Our first gig at the Fleadh was at 11pm to a packed house. There was literally standing room only; it was brilliant. We caught up with old friends including Brian the Flute, Tom & Jeremy from the To’rags and Mick Flanagan. Not surprisingly, Bridget knew everyone! We were introduced to the lovely and incredibly talented fiddler and guitarist Ken Maher, who was staying at the New Sydney hotel with us – he was a frequent visitor to our rooms (I think the constant laughing drew him in, it was like camping). The insult of the tour unanimously belongs to Mannie, who told a whinging Paul to ‘stop being so precious and go back to your bubble’. Helen and I laughed so hard we had to be picked up off the floor!
 
Saturday morning proved bright and sunny (and HOT - 28⁰!), and we decided to busk at the Salamanca markets. Well. Not only did we busk, but we managed to (unintentionally) piss off the majority of the buskers and start a turf war down there – it’s on, people. We’re watching our backs for Octopus and particularly Unicycle Man, who was kicked out to another spot and will probably take his revenge on Mannie. We made $16.75 in change and sold quite a few albums (thanks Helen!). Meanwhile, Mick Flanagan busked in the Hobart Mall and made $70! See, ya gotta get cosy with the locals. Somehow I doubt we’ll busk at Salamanca anytime soon.
 
Our gig on Saturday night was once again packed to the rafters. Although it was a powerhouse performance, I felt quite ill during this gig, it was hot as all arse. I blame my Medusa hair. Our Salamanca busking turf war story got back to people before we’d even returned from the markets, and we received a lot of ribbing from Mick! We performed Mick’s song ‘Dicky Goodchild’ and I must admit, watching him watch us perform it gave me quite a few heart palpitations! I had the most wonderful night after we had performed. Mick and I played together in a session until the wee hours (try 3am). Who was more pissed between us remains to be seen. I thought it was me, but Mick kept calling me Susan, and Bridget Mary. I had to be lugged up the stairs by Bridget & Helen, but I made it up to the top bunk where I was sleeping. Helen was sleeping on the bottom and was very scared, but my anti-ralphing policy remains intact, go me! Mannie was certain I’d cash in.
 
We had a lovely afternoon gig on Sunday. The highlight of the tour for me was when we began our last gig with Caledonia and the entire pub sang along with me. It was a real goose bump moment! What a great audience. I was thrilled to catch up with To’rag Tom’s daughter Lindsay and Moira & the guys from Dadeio and the Blue Mosquitoes, who gave us a copy of their demo to listen to (my review will be posted here shortly). We made some great new friends and had the pleasure of catching up with old ones. Sunas would like to send out huge thanks to Peter & Mary Grubb for inviting us down to the Fleadh, and Tom, Claire and Brian for emceeing each day (you guys did a great job!). Thanks also to Dot & Roy for their constant support, but particularly to our beautiful 5th member Helen, without whom we would never have come down here in the first place.
 
This is Sairey signing off to sleep.