The Saw Doctors review: Fans got everything they came for and more
Earlier in the afternoon, who'd have bet on the sun Gods smiling down on us? Not a drop. All we saw was a thunderstorm of emotion for The Saw Doctors from a stadium full of fans who got everything they came for and more.
"It's great to be back in Cork, it's been too long,' says Leo Moran. 'When they asked us to play, we said we'd do it as long as we could have Damien Dempsey here with us. He's celebrating a big birthday this week.' The whole crowd sings Happy Birthday to Damo'.
Davy Carton of The Saw Doctors on stage in concert at Virgin Media Park, (Musgrave park) on Saturday. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
And we're off, wth gems like 'Tommy K' and 'To Win Just Once'. They kick off at 8:30 sharp and we're bouncing from the get-go.
There's a chaotic joy to a Saturday night Saw Docs gig that's really only comparable to, say, a singalong soiree with a mega-hit band like The Pet Shop Boys. Unlikely bedfellows perhaps, but these two acts have a pair of powerful weapons in common.
They both have around 18 chart-topping hits, coupled with a dedicated army of devotees who love nothing better than an excuse to reach deep into the closet for their most colourful carnival costumes, fizzing up a Rio vibe that explodes like a musical rainbow.
"We came down to Cork last night to get tuned in," says Leo. "So we had a couple of pints in the Castle Inn. We'll have to warn ye about the snuff. Don't do too much of it. It's very addictive stuff altogether.'
Leo Moran of The Saw Doctors on stage in concert at Virgin Media Park, (Musgrave park) on Saturday. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
In the Mecca of rugby that is Musgrave Park, it seems more than a little rock 'n' roll for the Saw Docs fans, many decked out in GAA shirts, singing along to hits like 'What Do Ya Think A That?' and 'The Green and Red of Mayo'.
The emotional fires are also stoked up by the enduring bond between joint lead singers Davy Carton and Leo Moran. It's unusual in a touring band to have two people steering the bus, but these lads never once skid off track.
The Saw Docs have seen their share of lineup changes over the years, but this enduring pair of schoolmates have a Springer-O'Gara rapport that quietly weaves its way through the evening, inspiring a bonhomie that unites the ramshackle and the regal, the Primark and the Canterbury, for a night of bonding as heartwarming as a WWI Christmas ceasefire in the trenches.
They played a bagful of hits. With the classics 'I Useta Love Her', 'N17' and 'Red Cortina', along with gems like 'Joyce Country Ceili Band', 'Clare Island' and 'Howya Julia', our voices were literally gone from singing along.
Fans enjoying The Saw Doctors concert at Virgin Media Park, (Musgrave park) on Saturday. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
The set finished at a little after 10pm. Not one person headed for the gate. Encores galore, rolling on towards 10:30pm when the first droplets of rain threaten to spit, but just about mind their manners.
And, they even cover 'After All' by the Cork legends Frank & Walters. What more could you want?
Tonight the Gods are from Tuam.
Joyfully exhausted, elated, thankfully we have the Sunday off to squeeze out our shirts (thankfully and surprisingly, not our socks), plenty of time to get ready for a fresh dose of reality, with a jukebox of West Coast coolness rattling around in what remains of our sobering minds.
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Irish Post
6 days ago
- Irish Post
Ten Mins With...Leo Moran
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Irish Post
6 days ago
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The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Swap Majorca for these ‘destination dupes' where you can get a beer for under £2 and beaches with no crowds
Plus, many have a mix of history, hiking and great beaches SANDS GREAT Swap Majorca for these 'destination dupes' where you can get a beer for under £2 and beaches with no crowds LOVE Majorca, but want to find somewhere else with less crowds and new spots to explore? Well, here are six pretty alternatives. Majorca is becoming busier and busier each year with tourists. 8 There are many great alternatives to Majorca including Mdina Credit: Getty Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here So, the people at Eurochange have found six lesser-known holiday spots across Europe, that are similar to the popular Balearic destination. Mdina, Malta Mdina is known as Malta's old capital, surrounded by historic walls. If you have a soft spot for Majorca's capital city, Palma, then you are bound to love Mdina in Malta. 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Lassithi, Crete Lassithi is located at one end of the island of Crete, in Greece and features numerous mountainous villages. If you're looking to escape the crowds this summer, then Lassithi is a fantastic holiday spot, offering a peaceful, authentic Greek experience, with very reasonable prices too. Lassithi's coastline is much less developed and often more secluded than those in Majorca, so you won't need to worry about being able to get a secluded sunbathing spot. This region is also a must visit for foodies, some of the best Greek produce is made here including olive oil and honey. You could also visit one of the many olive oil farms in the region as well. 8 Lassithi in Crete is known for its many olive oil farms Credit: Getty Flights from Newcastle to Heraklion on August 15 and returning on August 20 cost £109 with Ryanair. Or you could head from Nottingham on August 15 and return on August 22 for £124 with TUI. Airbnb stays are still available in August from £32 per night. 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