The Gab

Tag: music

  • Review of May ’26 Mixtape at Callanan’s

    The Gab Storytelling May Mixtape 2026. Callanan’s Pub, Cork City. Photo by Max Bell.

    The May Gab Mixtape in Callanan’s kicked off bang on time with Diarmuid O Drisceoil at the helm as FAT. The first teller, Deirdre O’Mahony, took us back to her teenage job as the relief milker for the summer on her family’s dairy farm. A fraught introduction to the milking parlour with her Dad as her boss. She was saving up to go to Dingle at the end of the summer but as well as money she was rewarded with a memorable bovine shower. 

    Next Liam O’Shaughnessy with a traditional tale about a princess who wonders about the 12 empty bedrooms in the castle, the 12 rusting swords and the 12 idle horses in the stable. Turns out her 12 brothers were living the goose life by day and having the craic as her brothers at nighttime. A great folk tale told in Liam’s inimitable style. 

    Daniel Galvin had to fight a man recently for a story, we’d love to have seen the other fella. He went on to tell us his mad take on the arrival of mobile saunas to Ireland, a phenomenon in the community that ended in a 3 day siege highlighting the contrast between an old and new Ireland. 

    Sorcha de Róiste brought us to the break with two beautiful sean nos songs “Raghadsa is mo Cheaití” from West Kerry followed by “Casam araon na Géanna Romhainn” from Cúil Aodha. 

    Despite it being 4 deep at the bar, Rob and Eileen had everyone watered in no time and we were back to the show in no time. Sorcha treated us to a Muskerry song rediscovered by Sean O Riada, “Aisling Gheal” followed by the beautiful “An Chúilfhionn”.

    Colm Ryan was up next with an action packed chase of Carlos by his father the King. Carlos had an unusual talent but It wasn’t until he met Maria that his talent failed him. And thanks to Maria’s brother Pablo they all nearly lived happily ever after. 

    In her Cork colours, Anna O’Sullivan, enthralled us with her remembering her first trip to Croke Park as a youngster with her little brother Denis, her dad and her uncle Noel. A pilgrimage that has been repeated many times since but the first time is always very special. 

    The FAT, Diarmuid finished the stories for the night with his unusual discovery from the 1926 census and putative great grandfather Dan Sheehan, an “iar-snámhaí”, who may have swam all the way to America and came home with a small fortune. 

    As Diarmuid reminded us, we had a night of stories and songs, no special effects, no props, no lighting, no sound system, just the human voice and a wonderfully attentive audience. We all went home the better for the night. 

    Thanks as always to Rob and Eileen in Callanans, Max for these photos that get better and better each time, Deirdre for putting it all together, Paul on the door, all of the tellers and singers but most of all the listeners for their wonderful attention and encouragement. 

    More photos available on our Facebook page

  • Review of April ’26 Mixtape in Callanan’s

    Full house, packed by 8.10 not a seat to be had, standing room only. 

    Vince Kiely started the night as Fear an Tí reminding us of his long relationship with the Gab since the very early days. Brendan O’Sullivan was up first with a spooky tale about Fr Quill’s grave and a plot to unearth his resting soul. An hilarious story of childhood devilment where ultimately twas Mam and Dad who had the last laugh. 

    Ivay Nyggard had travelled from Norway by way of Tipperary and brought us a Norwegian creation story of the cow Audhumla who licked the ice to reveal the first of the Norse Gods. The big, fat udder will remain long in the memory! A flavour of Scandinavian culture. 

    From Norse cows to lambs on the Burren, our next story was from a new teller, Pauline O’Grady Noonan. We followed the happy farm life of Shorty the lamb all the way from her precarious birth to her eventual freedom. A simple rural story of Pauline’s childhood full of love, empathy and lambs. 

    Rob McKahey is a legend on the Cork music scene from his years as the drummer of punk rock band STUMP. Rob has hung up his drumsticks in favour of a guitar these days but when he does perform we know we are in for a treat. He played 4 songs in the first half; ‘I prefer girls to boys’, an ode to the male ego being dented in favour of the fairer sex. Then we had an alternative version of ‘The Banks’ penned by Rob’s late band member the legend Mick Lynch. Instead of sporting and playing we met bodily fluids, tampons and nappies. Rob treated us to a slice of his childhood on the northside growing up in Blackpool with ‘Scutting’ before bringing us into the break with the cold and violent ‘ Delia’s Gone’.

    It was 3 deep at the bar where Rob was ably assisted by Ruby and we got back into to second half of the night with Judith Coffey opening with two poems-one about the sadness of a lost shoe and the other an ode to chapter in a woman’s life where all sense goes out the window-the dreaded menopause. 

    We had a complete change of pace then with Sharon O’Neill who introduced us to Mis – beast, woman, mountain, lover, queen-each of her roles was beautifully crafted by Sharon’s telling. From the opening line to the last, she had the audience enthralled with this complex character from Irish mythology. We’ll be using the term ‘tricking stick’ again I’m sure. An unexpected love story that brought us towards the end of the evening. 

    From ancient love to modern, next up to finish the night of stories was Vince. We met a man with a ponytail, a woman with manicured hair and an unlikely coupling. A departure from Vince’s usual style we learned the importance of perfection, imperfection and how one can often be disguised as the other. Rob sang us out with an ode to his beautiful wife Judith, penned during lockdown ‘Smile Judith Smile’. ‘The Man who Couldn’t Cry’ by Loudon Wainwright III. A man whose tear ducts dried up until they didn’t-a story of pain, jail, rain and dehydration and death…Another brilliant performance from Rob to see us out into the April night. 

    Thanks a million to Rob in Callanans, Ruby for helping out, Deirdre for putting it all together, the performers and most of all the listeners for being an amazing audience. Our next Mixtape is Tues 19 May, doors 8pm for an 8.30pm start and it’s already shaping up to be a great one!

    More photos available on our Facebook page.

  • April Mixtape in Callanan’s Tues 21st

    Image property of The Gab Storytelling and Max Bell. The Gab Mixtape March 2025, Callanan’s Pub, Cork City March 2025. Photo by Max Bell.

    We’re just coming back to earth after a wonderful weekend of stories with Daniel Morden in Blarney. But fear not, we’re raring to go again for the Mixtape next Tuesday. Hope to see you there …

    ✨April Mixtape: Tuesday 21 March 8.30pm Callanan’s George’s Quay

    Doors open at 8pm, storytelling starts at 8.30pm. Be early if you want a seat! 

  • Daniel Morden Storytelling workshop & performance

    Performance – Friday 10 April 8pm
    https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-gab-presents-daniel-morden-tickets-1984116863951

    SOLD OUT Workshop – Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 April 10am – 4pm (includes performance)
    Please contact thegabstorytelling@gmail.com for waiting list

    Storytelling Performance – Friday 10 April 8pm
    For over three decades, Daniel Morden has been transporting audiences around the globe through the ancient art of storytelling. Whether navigating a timeless Greek myth or thrilling adventure, Daniel commands the stage with rare, magnetic intensity. Witness a true master of the craft at work and join us for an evening of laughter, wonder and storytelling at its best.

    Music on the night will be from Gab regulars mezzosoprano Gráinne Stafford, piper Stevie O’Brien and fiddler Fanny Leenhardt. Hailing from Kells, Co. Meath, Stevie O’Brien, has been playing the uilleann pipes and various whistles since he was a youngster. Gráinne Stafford from Enniscorthy in Wexford has performed with Opera Ireland, the National Chamber Choir, East Cork Choral Society and Cork Operatic Society. Fanny Leenhardt was born in the South East of France. She is passionate about traditional Irish music (and bread!) and is an exceptional fiddle player. All three now live in Cork, this special Gab event brings them together for the first time.

    STORYTELLING WORKSHOP – Day 1 – Saturday 11 April
    Step into the timeless world of traditional storytelling in this storytelling workshop. Designed for those with little or no prior experience with folk tales, the session introduces the art of telling traditional stories drawn from folklore, myth and oral traditions. Participants will explore how stories are shaped, remembered, and shared aloud.

    You’ll learn techniques for choosing a story, defining its structure, and telling it in your own natural voice—without scripts or pressure to perform. The emphasis is on confidence, enjoyment, and connection rather than perfection. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have developed your own storytelling style and gained practical tools to continue telling stories in everyday and community settings. Participants should bring along a traditional story to work with. (The Gab will help you find one if needs be)

    STORYTELLING WORKSHOP – Day 2 – Sunday 12 April
    Building on day one, Daniel continues with the traditional tale. Myths, legends and folktales are sometimes enthralling, but all too often they can be confusing or even offensive. Daniel will explain strategies that he has developed to adapt old stories so that they are relevant to contemporary audiences.

    Performance
    https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-gab-presents-daniel-morden-tickets-1984116863951

    Workshop & performance
    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/storytelling-workshop-with-daniel-morden-tickets-1984118540967

  • Gab Mixtape in Callanan’s Tues 17 Feb & more news

    Image property of The Gab Storytelling and Max Bell. The Gab Mixtape March 2025, Callanan’s Pub, Cork City March 2025. Photo by Max Bell.

    It’s been an incredibly busy few weeks for the Gab with two more sold-out shows in Coughlans and making lots more plans for our 10th year in existence. We can’t wait to get back into Callanan’s on Tuesday night, it feels like last year since we were there! 

    Looking ahead to March, we have our regular Sketchbook in Blarney, an extra Sketchbook in Maureen’s and then the launch of  Féile Fearann Rí to top off the month. And Daniel Morden comes to Blarney in April, exciting times ahead! 

    • February Mixtape: Tuesday 17 February 8.30pm Callanan’s George’s Quay
      • Doors open at 8pm, storytelling starts at 8.30pm. Be early if you want a seat! 
    • March Sketchbook: Tuesday 3 March 8.30pm Blarney Castle Hotel
      • Regular Sketchbook in Blarney where we take a deep dive into stories and telling. Please RSVP if you want to take a role or attend. Cover charge is €5 
    • Extra March Sketchbook: Tuesday 10 March 8.30pm Maureen’s 
      • Sketchbooks are now so popular, we’re delighted to be able to have an extra one in town in March in the gorgeous https://www.maureenscork.com/ We will be deep diving into stories and how to tell them. Please RSVP if you want to attend, tell a story or take a role. Cover charge is €5 
    • Féile Fearann Rí festival launch: Wed 25 March Doors 6.30pm Hollyhill Library

    SAVE THE DATE! 

    April Workshop with Daniel Morden: Friday 10 – Sunday 12 April in Church of the Resurrection Blarney

    We are delighted to be bringing one of the best storytellers in the English speaking world to Blarney in April. Daniel Morden has been a professional teller of traditional tales since the 80s. On the evening of Friday 10 April, Daniel will lead a storytelling performance in the COI Blarney. Followed by a 2 day workshop on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April in the same location. See https://danielmorden.org/

  • A lovely way to end the year …

    🎄 The Gab Storytelling Christmas Special: Sunday 28 December Church of the Resurrection, Blarney. Doors 7pm for a 7.30pm start

    We are delighted to be receiving support from Cork City Council’s Night Time Economy fund for a special night of storytelling in the Church of the Resurrection in Blarney. This will be a free event. Hope to see you there

  • October at the Gab

    October Sketchbook: Tuesday 7 October 8.30pm Blarney Castle Hotel

    Regular Sketchbook in Blarney where we take a deep dive into stories and telling. Story slots are full but please email thegabstorytelling@gmail.com if you want to take a role or attend.

    The Gab presents Pat Speight: Thursday 9 October 7.30pm Coughlans Douglas Street €24.20

    Sold out, see you there if you got a ticket!

    October Mixtape: Tuesday 21 October 8.30pm Callanan’s George’s Quay

    We’re back in our Cork City home, Callanan’s. Doors open at 8pm, storytelling starts at 8.30pm. Get in early if you want to get a seat. 

    Storytelling for Leap Scarecrow Festival : Tuesday 28 October 7.30pm Leap Inn Bar & Restaurant

    Looking forward to heading to Leap to tell stories for grown-ups as part of their Scarecrow Festival. Tickets are free but you have to register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/storytelling-music-at-halloween-with-the-gab-15yrs-tickets-1716562166649 and see https://www.leapscarecrowfestival.com/ for more info and events 

  • Great article about Pat Speight and the Gab in today’s Echo

    Thanks to Pat Speight and Aisling Meath for this excellent article about Pat, storytelling in Cork, the Gab and his gig with us in Coughlans next week with photos by Max Bell. Only a handful of tickets left https://tickets.peoplesrepublicofcork.com/11182963/The-Gab-Presents-Pat-Speight/Thu-09-Oct-2025 get one before they’re gone

  • The Gab presents Pat Speight – 9th Oct in Coughlans

    Tickets €24.20 (including booking and venue fee) https://tickets.peoplesrepublicofcork.com/11182963/The-Gab-Presents-Pat-Speight/Thu-09-Oct-2025

    Pat Speight is a master storyteller, known affectionately as “Pat the Hat”. Bringing the Irish and international tradition of storytelling to life, Pat draws on an extensive catalogue of folktales, myths and legends. Known for his quick wit and mischievousness, Pat’s unique storytelling style has delighted audiences at home and abroad for many years.Pat will be supported by Paul O’Sullivan and Colm Ryan who have both been attentively honing their storytelling skills at the Gab in recent years.

    Music on the night will be from Trip the Light, Caroline Sweeney and Wayne McSweeney, a guitar-playing, singing duo from East Cork, covering favourites from the 1960s to present day as well as their own original material.

  • September ’25 Mixtape in Callanan’s

    Photo by Max Bell (not taken on the night!)

    The yellow weather warning neither dampened the spirits or lessened the size of the crowd that turned up in Callanan’s for our first Gab Mixtape of the season last Tuesday evening. 

    BAT, Sharon O’Neill, started us bang on time at 8.30pm and after a brief welcome back and housekeeping introduced the first teller, Brendan O’Sullivan. An old neighbour of Brendan’s said going to the bog was akin to the penal island of Spike. Brendan took us back to the bog and introduced us to Jacob, the stallion donkey with an unmerciful bray and a fondness for the jennets. 

    Trish Burke, with a Chinese story, told us of a prince who brought the best craftspeople and the best materials together to build a palace. They were guided by a small, thin, little man who told them to work with the elements, “the rain and the wind are your allies, and they built a paradise on earth in an atmosphere of comradery and kinship.

    Diarmuid O Drisceoil took us in a very different direction with a folk tale about a misfortunate blacksmith, his mother, his mother-in-law, his horse and a boy who came to visit who changed everything with a silver little hatchet. The listeners were squirming and shrieking with the gore that followed. 

    Just before the break, music man Mo O’Conor, stepped up with his guitar and announced he was running for the Aras and assured us we’d save a fortune because he’d be able to recycle the suits of the man vacating the job. Mo started with a cover of the Dubliner’s Zoological Gardens before giving us his own song inspired by the moving statues called Ballinspittle. 

    After appearing in Waterloo in August and due to popular request, Liam O’Shaughnessy and Paul O’Sullivan were back with two great stories. Liam told us again about Seán Óg de Barra, the young fella from Cork. They called him Seán Óg the Hare because he was stone mad for leaping which came in handy when he declared he would be the last man to ever join the Fianna. 

    While Paul reminded us the original intention of the GAA’s Scór was as a cultural base but was hijacked by clubs to settle old scores from the pitch. They didn’t know what hit them with the 5 piece all-female ensemble in the ballad group competition, as Paul said, you couldn’t make it up! 

    Sharon brought the stories to an end with a personal one about a kerfuffle outside her house, a request for a spin, the girl on each shoulder and a change in names to protect the innocent. There was no innocence left by the end of the story.  

    Mo closed the night with his poem “Silent car trip”, his own song “Homeland” about meeting a Mexican family in Texas in 2004, the Drifters “”Save the Last Dance for Me” and finally showed off his fret acrobatics with his own “The Long Journey Home”. 

    Thanks to Rob and Eileen behind the bar for all the support they give us at the Gab. Thanks to Deirdre O’Mahony for all the work putting the night together. Thanks a million to Colm Ryan for stepping in at the last minute to take photos, see Facebook

    Thanks to the tellers, musicians and most of all those of you who came to listen.