Christmas came early this year for me. Never did I think that Me First and the Gimme Gimmes would be playing Dublin, and never did I ever think I'd get to shoot one of their shows! Well, that all changed last week when they played the Academy in Dublin on a cold, damp, Monday night! I've been a fan since 1997, when one of the lads I worked with, brought in a copy of Have a Ball . It was love at first listen! I did manage to catch them live back in 2019 when they played the O2 Forum in Kentish Town , London, and it was every bit as good as I'd hoped, but it paled in comparison to Monday night in Dublin. So, how did it come about? Well, back in 2013, I interviewed the band for a now defunct Irish website called Chunk.ie . Over the years, I've stayed on their PR roster, so I took a chance and emailed my contact there. Lo and behold, a few emails later and all was sorted, I was down to photograph the show. How was it? Brilliant, amazing, fantastic,...
Another night of song, food and fun in Dublin, whilst those we are raising money for, are dying in the streets of Palestine. It feels a little perverse, but we do what we can so that people are reminded of the abuse the people of Palestine are being out through on a daily basis, whilst those that should know better, watch one from behind their ministerial desks.
The Fumbally is a beautiful venue in the heart of Dublin 8. Apart from being a venue, it's also a café, a shop, a bakery and offers classes in everything from yoga and meditation to talks, film screenings, food event series and fermentation workshops. It's a busy place!!
And tonight was certainly busy, with a large crowd in attendance to see some fantastic musicians and artists perform.
So, just who did we get to see perform? Let me list them out for you!
Kyla Belle, Jane McNamara, Laura Ann Brady, Leen, Lisa McLaughlin, Sive, Caz9, Naoise Roo, Clara Tracey, Brona Keogh, Andi, Saoirse Duane, Lea W and Wise Wolf. If I missed out on anyone, I do apologise!
In between all the music, we were treated to some wonderful Palestine desserts such as Orange and Olive Oil cake and Tamarind Cup Cakes. Now, considering I'm diabetic, I probably shouldn't have ate them, but it was for a a good cause (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it...).
To close out the night, there was a fantastic raffle with some superb prizes, and, in a strange turn of events, I actually won something, some beautiful cards celebrating St. Brigid. I must send them off around the world soon, just to make sure they're received by St. Brigid's Day!
If you're not from Ireland, you might be surprised to find out that fundraisers like tonight are happening every night of the week all over Ireland. If you are curious about the history of Irelands support for Palestine, take a read of this Al Jazeera article.
One day, hopefully, there will be peace in Palestine, one day.
