A Tribute to Liam Clancy

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Presented and Produced by Gerry McArdle

Wednesday 17th March at 19.02 on RTE Radio1

Liam Clancy, who left this world on December 4th, 2009, at the age of 74, was many things to many people. For some, he was one of the great ambassadors of Irish music, with Bob Dylan having described him as ‘the greatest ballad singer ever.’ He was also an actor, a writer, a superb interpreter of poetry and the spoken word, but, for Producer and Presenter Gerry McArdle, he belongs firmly in the tradition of the seanchai, the Irish storyteller, for no matter what medium of performance he used, be it poetry, prose or song, he always got behind the words, eschewing pretty arrangements and complex harmonies, and told the story.

It is this unique talent that Gerry focuses on in this St. Patrick’s night tribute, featuring live and studio recordings, many from his own collection because he is an ardent admirer, with pieces which may be familiar to some listeners, but not so familiar to others.

‘‘I was lucky enough to know him slightly, and to work with him in the last 6 years of his life,’ says Gerry. ‘He was always a gentleman and a gentle man, a professional to his finger trips, obliging and, ever the mark of the true artist, humble. I hope this small selection from his vast body of work will appeal to his many fans, and gain him some new ones. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. We’ll not see his likes again’.

For discussions on all aspects of Liam’s life and work, listeners should access the message board on his website, www.liamclancy.com