OMG- The HIgh Kings!

Martin Furry, Brian, me, Darrin, and Finbar Clancy
Martin's and Finbar's fathers were with the Furries and the Clancy Brothers.

So I'll get through the day quickly to address the title of this post. We drove around the Sperrins for over two hours this morning getting lost about 4 times and then headed to Enniskillen to see Castle Cool. I have to say that the scenic drive around the Sperrins had nothing close to what we had seen in Sligo and Galway and the getting lost didn't help. The side roads here are very poorly marked and one wrong turn and your lost.

Castle Cool was as large Neo-Classical mansion belonging to the Belmont family. It's still a very large mansion with incredible craftsman work inside. So of like going to Hearst Castle in California. We headed back to the B&B to freshen up for dinner and a High Kings concert at a small cultural center in Omagh. I had gone back and forth in several emails with a guy named Brendan about holding tickets for us as they are not ticketmaster type ticket sales. He was very accommodating and the door was opened for us to enter the verra, verra handsome young (maybe 30's) man was there to welcome us. I told him I was looking for Brendan and he said back with that great Irish wit, "And that depends on who is looking for him." He obviously recognized my accent and replied, "You then, must be Arlene". Right then I knew something was definitely up for the night. It was still early as we arrived at about 7:20 when the doors opened and we were shown into the pub part of the center. As we waited more people started arriving.

We were sitting just at the opening of the pub and a short while later 4 good looking men came by dressed casually - one in camo shorts - and stood right in front of us asking, "And so who is Arlene?" I almost died as I suddenly realized I was shaking hands hello with the High Kings, Darin, Finbar, Brian (in the shorts), and Martin. And they came to find us! We had a little chat (my new Irish wordage) and I just couldn't help but ask if they would mind a picture, to which they agreed. Charming and just the most amazing musicians is all I can say. The night was incredible with all the audience singing along. the picture above was just after they arrived and before they changed clothes for the show. Martin said we did better than a M&G would be in the US! He also give very nice impromptu hugs.

Driving back to the B&B in the dark with no street lights along the way (it was about a 40 minute drive) was full of concentration, but we were still high on the show. Oh, yes, I needed to tell you all my "new" friend Brendan gave us first row seats! To the side, but first row. I just love these Irish men. ;)

On to a tour of Lough Neagh and some more trad music tomorrow.