Ringsend’s Legends Celebrated
Back in November, the CYWMS hall was replicated into a lively, energetic, teenage disco to commemorate local band, The Blades when they played the CY in 1977. This night was to reflect on the band’s journey from 1977-1981 with a proper old school night in celebration of their first gig as a six-piece band at that time. A plaque unveiling was also held for our hometown music heroes, now cemented on the outside wall of the CYWMS, where it has iconic statues forever.
Thomas Gregg, a lifelong superfan and esteemed local poet and a member of the Ringsend and District Historical Society had the idea to honour both their musical genius and the connection they created with their fans and also for putting Ringsend on the map. And his vision was brought to life. And what a spectacular vision it was. If you were lucky enough to get a ticket, you were transported into an era of carefree fun, youthful rebellion, and the added sense of community with everyone there to have a good time, with the DJ (RMS, Pierce Rooney) spinning the decks, blending tracks into seamless pulsating dance mixes and an energy that can only be described as electric.
The Blades were six local lads, Paul Cleary, Pat Larkin, Joe Donnelly, John Burke, Liam Fagan and the late Lar Cleary who sadly passed away in 2018. They were formed in the late 1970’s in the south Dublin neighbourhood of Ringsend and this tribute evening was a way for the community to express their gratitude and say thank you to the lads for having such an impact on music, culture, and their fans, leaving such an incredible mark on the Irish music scene.
Guests were taken on a trip down memory lane with exclusive memorabilia, posters, and nostalgic photographs of the band. A commemorative video was also shown with pre-recorded video messages (one from the great U2’s Adam Clayton) along with guest speakers, a Q&A session on those early days with personal stories and laughs reflecting on their own memories of the night, and a chance for the audience to engage with the band which created a space for a deeper connection. Two amazing guest bands played short sets of early Blades numbers and they captured the essence of the band while offering fresh interpretations that brought new life to familiar tunes, such as “Ghost of a Chance” and “Hot for You”, plus all the highlights of their set list on the night they played in the CY.
This event was a beautiful reminder that The Blades music and all the memories they created in those early years was more than just a celebration, their stories provided an intimate insight into their creative process and their unique chemistry that did leave a lasting mark on the hearts of many.
It was a celebration of the power of song and the lasting impact of this band’s legacy that will never be forgotten.
Thomas Gregg would like to show his appreciation to the following:
As part of the quite beautiful and at times truly emotional event in the CYMS celebrating The Blades from 1977-1981 this wonderful video made by Frankie King of King Studios Video Production was played to a hushed audience. The reaction at times during the screening, but especially at the end, saw the audience on its feet.
Huge thanks to Frankie King for making my vision become a reality.
The last few months of this Ringsend and District Historical Society project has seen an unbelievable amount of work undertaken to ensure that our six local lads, Paul Cleary, Pat Larkin, Joe Donnelly, John Burke, Liam Fagan, and the late Lar Cleary get the recognition they so deserve for putting Ringsend on the map both musically and socially.
A packed CYMS hall made the evening even more special as the love and pride coming from each and every one of you created a truly magnificent atmosphere right through the three hour show.
The show would never have happened the way it did without Google sponsorship and Teresa Weafer Grennel’s belief in my vision when I initially presented it to her. That first meeting was dramatically cut short within minutes of my presentation speech as she too saw the Ringsendness of the project- “I’m in 100% with this Thomas”,- and that was that.
at the CYWMS
Not forgetting Paula Moen’s drop dead gorgeous limited edition Blades booklet alongside those stunning posters and banners she also designed that made the hall look so dynamic.
Thanks to Martin Neville and McGowan’s Print for doing the above.
The bands, The Bon Neas’s and The Magnets stole the show with two storming sets- I will always be grateful to these lads for wanting to be part of the night. Dave Nea, Phil Nea, Johnny Bonnie, Sam Gregan, Eoin Freeney, Andrew Keating, Max Keating, Rory Daly, Emmet Daly.
Not forgetting Ireland’s number one DJ, Pierce Rooney who gave up his day to make it happen. Halls don’t set up themselves or unset the next day either do they.
To Ger Siggins, Declan Lynch and Karl Tsigdinos for such beautiful and poignant memories of those early years during the Q&A with the lads so thank you.
Thanks to Susan Gregg Farrell and Colette Egan for bar service and food on the night and Brian Murphy for manning the door throughout the night.
And to Billy Cahill for all his wonderful photographs that captured the magical atmosphere of the evening.
Ringsend and District Historical Society thank DCC for plaque sponsorship and GOOGLE for event sponsorship with this project. Also not forgetting Fr Ivan from St Patrick’s Church Ringsend and Betty Barry (CYWMS) for permission to use the hall and mount the plaque on the outside wall.
