Hello,
I know it’s only been a few weeks since my last update but I’m sitting at my desk and as the old Irish saying goes: ‘the humour is on me now’
It’s hard to believe but it was thirty years ago on Mother’s Day 1980 that I first set foot in America, and next week on that very day I will celebrate the occasion by enjoying a walk along the beach (for reflection) a nice meal with loved ones (for enjoyment ) and some fine wine (for indulgence) and marvel at the fact that this indeed has been my journey…and what a journey.
When I arrived in Philadelphia on that day I had no thoughts of ever emigrating. There were three of us and we had saved enough money to spend a few months traveling in the U.S. before going home.
But for me there was something in the air, I couldn’t describe it but I could feel myself absorb it…it was America, land of movies and TV, land of cowboys and Indians, land of desert and islands, land of heroes and villains, land of spectacular beauty, land of innovation, land of opportunity. Here one could hop into a car (and the cars…huge by Irish standards) and drive to the places made famous in song…’standin’ on the corner in Winslow Arizona…livin’ on Tulsa time’…I left my heart in San Francisco…and so many more. The excitement, the warmth of the people, the generosity of spirit, the freedom to just be who you are…I loved it and love it to this day.
I came here as an electrician who sang with a group on weekends and became a singer/songwriter/entertainer, and like millions before me I never looked back. America gave me the chance to do something I had only dreamed of …I grabbed that opportunity, worked hard, learned my craft, succeeded beyond my wildest imagination and continue to chase that dream…the American Dream.
And so last Monday, April 26, I stood alongside 162 other emigrants from 60 countries and swore the Oath of Allegiance and became an American citizen. My new U.S. passport is being expedited and I am a proud and happy man.
It’s not possible to list all who helped and influenced me through the years but there have been many and although we may never meet again I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. And to those who read these writings and are interested in me and my music thank you also for your continued suport.
Now on to other things while I clear the lump from my throat.
The new compilation CD ‘Live and just as Well’ has been released and is available here on the website and at my shows. It contains 19 songs culled from three live recordings and downloads will be available shortly here and on iTunes and cdBaby.com.
We still have 4 seats available on my 20th Tour to Ireland on July 22. The really good news is that airline prices have dropped so you can scoop up a good deal and even use your sky miles to get a better deal. The group meets at Shannon on the morning of July 22.
Fr.Liam and Mary Collins’ Celtic Spirituality Tour to Ireland on July 8 also has some open seats.
For questions about either Tour email me at: hodmusic@aol.com or call me directly: 912-398-2276
My new recording ‘A Splash of No Regrets’ may be available in June…still have my fingers crossed…but we’re doing the best we can.
The radio show is going strong. Information can be found by searching for The Green Island Radio Show on Google or Yahoo.
T-shirts and ball caps available here on the website or at my shows.
We recently conducted an experiment and put a slide show to the song Danny Boy up on Youtube. Shannon Smith did a great job on the project and now we’re looking for comments. You can search : Danny Boy by Harry O’Donoghue on Youtube and it should pop right up. Let us know what you think either here on the Guestbook page or on Facebook.
On April 11 we had a farewell party for Ron Smith. It was a very nice, quiet, thoughtful and fun gathering and Ron I believe would have enjoyed it very much. Brendan Nolan and myself sang a few songs, friends told Ron stories and we ate some of his favourite nibbles…curry sauce ‘n chips, potato soup, shepherds pie and such. I wrote a song for him on the new project…I think he might have liked it.
In previous writings I have lamented the decline of suitable Irish pubs / venues in which to perform and sadly that hasn’t changed. However there is a resurgence of interest in house concerts, private functions, community events, library shows and church sponsored performances. If you are interested in a performance I can tailor a show to any function or event. Please don’t hesitate to call or get in touch. We need to keep the music and tradition alive and pass it on to the younger folk .
That’s it for now…from one American to another…thanks, keep safe, enjoy the weather and I’ll see you out there.
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