Liberty news

Free night for Michael Mallin House Residents Association

By Malachy Clerkin

On Monday night March 15, members of the Michael Mallin House Resident’s Association were treated to a free night in Vicar Street, compliments of the venue’s owner, Harry Crosbie. Around 200 people were present and all enjoyed a night of craic and Karaoke with the MC Robbie King.

There was no shortage of brave souls willing to sing, with young and old equally eager. Most eager of all was Paddy Albright, who belted out the old Bill Haley hit "Rock Around the Clock." Paddy lost no time informing the Liberty that he was a 70-year-old veteran of cabaret. His show can be caught on a Tuesday night in the Green Lizard pub on Francis Street.

Paddy wasn’t the only elderly member of the crowd to enjoy himself. Also present was Mrs Margaret Farrell (96) of Catherine Street (pictured below, left). She didn’t get up to sing, although it may have been a different story if Robbie King had brought some Noel Purcell records with him!

During the songs, raffle tickets were sold, the proceeds of which are to go to a summer project for the kids of Michael Mallin House. There was a wide range of prizes on offer, from a bottle of wine to a duvet, to an unwanted pair of shoes. The prizes were kindly sponsored by the Thomas St traders. When all the prizes had been given out, Secretary Peter Sherry was quick to thank all the traders who donated.

As the night went on, more and more people sent their names up to the MC hoping that they would be picked to sing their favourite number. Local legend Terry McGarry belted out the old Fats Domino hit "Blueberry Hill," while a group of young ladies calling themselves "The Spiceburgers" entertained the crowd with a stirring rendition of "Oh Carol." Ken Fitzgerald gave the night’s most popular performance with his own version of one of Frank Sinatra’s most famous tunes, "That’s Life."

Afterwards, Mick Troy, the Chairman of the Residents Association, told the Liberty that they were extremely grateful for the generosity of Harry Crosbie. "This has been a great night out and it’s all down to Harry. He also gave us a minibus not so long ago."

Troy also said that the Resident’s Association planned to hold a Race Night soon. That will probably take place in Vicar St also.