Over the past three years local alternative DJ Finbar Hoban has bought some of the best Irish bands to Bar Ritz on the main street in Castlebar. Finbar came up with a plan in 2008 to bring back a live original music scene to the county town that had not been seen since the days of the Humbert Inn, in supporting original bands in the Mayo area and across the Irish music scene by running a monthly show at Bar Ritz titled Finbar Hoban Presents. Trying to re-invent a live original music scene in the Castlebar area was never going to be an easy task.
Having planned to just run a handful of shows Finbar Hoban Presents... began to make a name for himself on the live circuit throughout Ireland, running shows at the Bar Ritz venue on a monthly basis that included the cream of the crop in Irish entertainment which included Delorentos, Director, And So I Watch You From Afar, Whipping Boy, and Ham Sandwich.
So as the last show at the Bar Ritz venue approaches Finbar Hoban has one last show to offer, one more trick up his sleeve for the Main Street entertainment venue tomorrow night September 24.
That’s right, you heard it here first, Humbert Inn favourites Halyard have decided to reform for one night only.
Halyard consists of Brian Kennedy (lead guitar, vocals ), Ian Minogue (drums, percussion ), Derek Breslin (lead guitar ), and Paddy Rock (bass guitar ).
It feels like only yesterday that Halyard used to grace The Humbert Inn on warm summer Friday nights almost a decade ago. The echoes of lead singer Brian Kennedy’s voice could be heard right through the main street, singing the old Thin Lizzy classic ‘Still in Love With You’, almost sending a shiver down the spine of all the locals in the Humbert Inn as if to say General Humbert was being summoned from beyond the grave for one more pint. The band are a true rock group that play covers from Thin Lizzy, Therapy, Foo Fighters, Rory Gallagher and much more and are not to be missed this weekend.
Halyard also have another reason for reforming and celebrating; lead guitarist Derek Breslin is returning home for a month after spending three years in the outback of Australia, to celebrate his birthday with his old band mates and friends.
Another local band also have decided to reform for this very special night of live music; get ready for the return of Kneel Before Zod, quite fitting too as Kneel Before Zod were one of the very first acts to play the Bar Ritz venue back in July of 2008.
Kneel Before Zod consist of Adrian Ryan, (bass guitar, vocals ), Kenny McGreal (rhythm guitar, vocals ), Ollie Cunningham (drums, percussion ), and Derek Breslin on lead guitar.
Kneel Before Zod are sure to get the Bar Ritz punters excited and in a frenzy. Kicking off the night will be Ballina natives 21 Outs at 9.30 sharp, so be sure to get there early as these guys plan to rock the Bar Ritz audience to the very core. So why not make it a memorable night and send the Bar Ritz venue out in rock and roll style? Finbar Hoban would like to thank the following people for all their hard work at Bar Ritz throughout the last three years: Gary Monaghan, Karen Conway, Chris Rippingale, Garrett Waldron, Lisa Melvin, Fergal O’Connor, Toni Bourke, Bernard Hughes, Keith McGreal Photography, Kate McKeon Photography, Alison Laredo, Jasper (the barman ), John Mulroy, and all the staff of Bar Ritz for helping to bring the best live bands to Castlebar over the past three years, and wishes the team all the best in their brand new venture. Watch out for the brand new Finbar Hoban Presents... venue opening for business in October.
Doors open for this show at 9pm and the first band to take to the stage will be at 9.30pm sharp. Admission will be €5 on the night. Follow Finbar Hoban Presents... on Facebook and Twitter for updates on future shows around the Castlebar area.
