Séamus Mac Mathúna performing ‘Mo Ghile Méar’ with the James Last Orchestra, Dublin, 1986

There are moments in music, as in life, which are truly unforgettable and this must surely be one of them. On a rainy night in August 1986, James Last and his orchestra performed at an open air concert at a packed College Green in the heart of Dublin.

Joining him on stage that night were a group of musicians, singers and dancers from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and one of the highlights of the evening was the performance of legendary traditional singer Séamus Mac Mathúna from Cooraclare, Co. Clare.

His powerful rendition of ‘Mo Ghile Méar’, backed by a magical blend of orchestral and traditional instruments, had a spell binding effect on the audience that, for those who were fortunate enough to be there, lingers to this day.

Mo ceoil thú Séamus, Laoch mór and Chomhaltais.