DOVER—
For a relatively small city in a very small state in America, Dover, New Hampshire has played a remarkably large role in the world of Irish music and entertainment.
Home of the late and legendary Tommy Makem and two of his sons, Conor and Shane, local musician and Dublin native Eugene Byrne is also proud to call Dover his home, and recently demonstrated his passion for the community through his recent efforts to revive the Seacoast Irish Festival, which he affectionately dubbed “The Biggest Little Irish Festival in the World.”
On Saturday, June 12th, over 1,000 spectators - including Dover Mayor Scott Myers and New Hampshire Governor John Lynch - ignored the weather forecast the way New Englanders so often do, and made their way to the Rotary Arts Pavilion in downtown Dover to enjoy a misty day of music, dancing, nostalgia and celebration. For their efforts, they were treated to a show that will be remembered for many years to come.
“I’m simultaneously humbled and thrilled to have had this opportunity,” comments Eugene. “I love Dover, I love Irish Music, and I love to entertain, and this was a chance to combine all three. I’m also pleased to have been able to play a part in honoring the music and the lives of some very close friends – brothers, really – who’ve passed on in recent years, so the idea of this year’s Festival being billed as a tribute to Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers made it extra special for me.”
What made the event even more special for Eugene was the presence of some close family members. Eugene’s son, Kevin Byrne, took a turn on stage in the afternoon, and returned with the rest of the day’s musicians for the rousing finale that capped off the evening. To top it off, Eugene led the adoring crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to his mother-in-law, Mary, who turned one hundred on Friday.
“She’s my mother-in-law, but I call her my mother,” remarked Eugene from stage, and it was clear to all in attendance that the bond between this particular “mother” and son is one that means a great deal to both of them.
Eugene’s contributions to this year’s Festival were not limited to performing. He worked closely with the Festival Committee to assemble an all-star lineup of entertainers that included not only Byrne himself, but also his son, Kevin Byrne, The Makem & Spain Brothers, Schooner Fare, The Shaw Brothers, Bradigan, Patsy Whelan, Sunday’s Well, The McTeggarts and a host of other prominent musicians, dancers and other entertainment.
“Tommy Makem has often been called ‘The Godfather of Irish Music,’ and Eugene himself is similarly referred to as its Grandfather,” notes Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman. “Given that sort of ‘founding father’ status, it’s truly amazing that Dover has been the home to both of these legendary performers. Eugene’s dedication to the revival of the Festival has been evident from day one of the planning process. We’re very lucky to have someone like Eugene playing such an active role in our community.”
Photo caption: Local Musician Eugene Byrne played an instrumental role in the 2010 revival of the popular Seacoast Irish Festival, which was held on Saturday, June 12th at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in downtown Dover. (Courtesy photo)
For a relatively small city in a very small state in America, Dover, New Hampshire has played a remarkably large role in the world of Irish music and entertainment.
Home of the late and legendary Tommy Makem and two of his sons, Conor and Shane, local musician and Dublin native Eugene Byrne is also proud to call Dover his home, and recently demonstrated his passion for the community through his recent efforts to revive the Seacoast Irish Festival, which he affectionately dubbed “The Biggest Little Irish Festival in the World.”
On Saturday, June 12th, over 1,000 spectators - including Dover Mayor Scott Myers and New Hampshire Governor John Lynch - ignored the weather forecast the way New Englanders so often do, and made their way to the Rotary Arts Pavilion in downtown Dover to enjoy a misty day of music, dancing, nostalgia and celebration. For their efforts, they were treated to a show that will be remembered for many years to come.
“I’m simultaneously humbled and thrilled to have had this opportunity,” comments Eugene. “I love Dover, I love Irish Music, and I love to entertain, and this was a chance to combine all three. I’m also pleased to have been able to play a part in honoring the music and the lives of some very close friends – brothers, really – who’ve passed on in recent years, so the idea of this year’s Festival being billed as a tribute to Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers made it extra special for me.”
What made the event even more special for Eugene was the presence of some close family members. Eugene’s son, Kevin Byrne, took a turn on stage in the afternoon, and returned with the rest of the day’s musicians for the rousing finale that capped off the evening. To top it off, Eugene led the adoring crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to his mother-in-law, Mary, who turned one hundred on Friday.
“She’s my mother-in-law, but I call her my mother,” remarked Eugene from stage, and it was clear to all in attendance that the bond between this particular “mother” and son is one that means a great deal to both of them.
Eugene’s contributions to this year’s Festival were not limited to performing. He worked closely with the Festival Committee to assemble an all-star lineup of entertainers that included not only Byrne himself, but also his son, Kevin Byrne, The Makem & Spain Brothers, Schooner Fare, The Shaw Brothers, Bradigan, Patsy Whelan, Sunday’s Well, The McTeggarts and a host of other prominent musicians, dancers and other entertainment.
“Tommy Makem has often been called ‘The Godfather of Irish Music,’ and Eugene himself is similarly referred to as its Grandfather,” notes Chamber Executive Director Kirt Schuman. “Given that sort of ‘founding father’ status, it’s truly amazing that Dover has been the home to both of these legendary performers. Eugene’s dedication to the revival of the Festival has been evident from day one of the planning process. We’re very lucky to have someone like Eugene playing such an active role in our community.”
Photo caption: Local Musician Eugene Byrne played an instrumental role in the 2010 revival of the popular Seacoast Irish Festival, which was held on Saturday, June 12th at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in downtown Dover. (Courtesy photo)
