This article is from page 47 of the 2007-11-13 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 47 JPG
THERE was music in the air on Sat- urday night when one of the finest and most passionate musicians ever to grace a session in Clare had hisa cheivements of 80 years recognised.
The Ennis Trad Festival Graddam Award, sponsered by The Clare People, was presented to Stephan ‘Sonny’ Murphy at a gathering of friends, family and fellow musi- Eke
Among the guests at Cois na hAbhna were a whole generation of
Ennis musicians who came to play and to pay tribute to the great con- certina player and the influence he had on their musical development.
Among the now celebrated musi- cians who owe much to Sonny as a mentor were the Hanrahans, Paul Roche — who is married to Sonnny’s daughter, Helen — John and Seamus McMahon, John Rynne and Eamon and Geraldine Cotter.
On the night, the 87-year old was presented with a pewter statuette by John Rynne and The Clare People’s Joe O’Muircheartaigh, while Kieran
Hnrahan of RTE’s Ceili House was the presenter.
The great man himself treated the gathering to a musical performance as did his daughter Helen and his son, Kevin.
Robbie McMahon of Spancill Hill fame was in strong voice on the night.
A native of Kilmihill, Sonny has been playing music sunce he was a small child and has been mentor to countless young musicians over the years, particularly the members of Stockton’s Wing.