MCNALLY RETAINS BARD TITLE WITH STYLE

Liam McNally was the toast of the town as he swept to an impressive victory in the Bard of Armagh finals on Friday the 20th of November 2009.  He saw off his arch rival Jimmy Rafferty in a riveting competition which had the audience rocking with uproarious laughter for the entire event.  Patrons travelled from many part of Ireland and exiles returned for the weekend to sup of the special atmosphere which is associated with an evening of bardic revelry.

Liam’s poem was really an extension of the formula and theme which secured him first place last year and which now gives him the special status of a double winner. This special achievement is only shared by people like Jimmy, Pat McGeeney and Patsy O Hagan. ‘’The Cabbage Sangwich’ is yet another classic which is bound to be recited the length and breadth of Ireland over the coming months and years. For the second year in succession, Jimmy Rafferty was pipped into second place, but he has been the most consistent performer over the years always securing a top three place. Donald McKenna put on his most impressive performance for years and secured joint third place.

Newcomers impressed too. Joan Rooney, Martina o Callaghan, Colette Corrigan and Etty Kilbride were commanding female performers and served notice that very soon there will be a female Bard winner at last.  Sean Lyons made a most successful return to the lecturn for the first time since 2003.

A special feature of the 2009 event was the presentation of special awards. To honour the memory of the late Gerry Watters, a committee member since the event began in the early nineties, a Hall of Fame award was introduced and the first recipient was the great Michael Quinn, story telling maestro from Mullagbawn, who had the entire audience well and truly warmed up with his epic saga of butter making and all its pitfalls.  A special award was presented to stalwart reciter, Rosemary Twohig who has been in poor health lately and who has made a marvelous contribution to the event over the years. And a special presentation was made to Lisa McClelland for the supreme manner in which she represented Armagh at the Rose of Tralee.

A new Bard CD will be available in the shops before Christmas.