Irish stew for the soul! An hour in the pub with Michelle and friends, and I leave with cheeks tender from perma-smiling, and a spring in my step so discernible, I’m practically leap-frogging over the crush of festival crowds. Michelle’s parlour is like your granny’s living room, bedecked with teapots, doilies and innumerable trinkets – I soon notice knitting needles and glasses of sherry being circulated too. She introduces family and old chums, including her loveable mentor, to new ones, as charming childhood anecdotes are exchanged. When I fear my poor sentimental heart is about to give out, Michelle begins to sing, in gorgeously rich tones, a collection of Irish folk songs, and I melt into a reverie of fan-girl bliss.

The Royal Oak, 3-26 Aug (not 5), 6.30pm.
tw rating 5/5 | [Christy Brown]

Sections: by Christy Brown - ED2012 Music Reviews - tw rating 5/5 | Tags: James Ross, Michelle Burke, The Royal Oak

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