Unsung heroes: Fab four are honoured for musical impact on Limerick

SWEET sounds flowed on the banks of the Shannon as metropolitan mayor Daniel Butler honoured four of Limerick’s foremost musical ambassadors.

Cllr Butler took time to mark the contribution of some of the unsung heroes of the music scene after putting a call-out for nominees on social media.

Really enjoyed honouring these people last night for their incredible contribution to music in Limerick. With so many in the room sharing great stories of the many people that keep our city alive to the sound of music. #Limerick is a true city of music. pic.twitter.com/EDWzWLM3NI

— Mayor Daniel Butler (@DanielButlerFG) November 23, 2018

He duly recognised Ber Angley for his contribution to the early success of the Cranberries – with Noel Hogan present there to show his support - John Hennessy of Seoda Shows, for his contribution to Dolan’s Warehouse, famed local choral conductor Maire Keary Scanlon and Shane MacCurtain of the Make a Move festival.

Each of the fab quartet had someone paying their own unique tribute to them. Eoin Devereux of UL endorsed the honour for the University’s former entertainments manager Ber. 

He said: “It was at a gig organised for the Cranberries by Ber in the Jetland that 32 A&R men turned up with the view to signing the band.”

Thanks everyone for the kind remarks on my recent award for my contribution to music in Limerick My thanks to Mayor Daniel Butler And to the thousands of UL graduates students and all who supported the thousands of events I organized. Love to hear your memories of events. pic.twitter.com/J0HrYIctVl

— Ber Angley (@BerAngley) November 24, 2018

This is giving me the feels today. @BerAngley organised all the @UL nights out when I was there & @ProfDevereux was my sociology lecturer for 4 years. Good times
Congrats Ber. https://t.co/hGcac7XeFl

— Ruth Scott (@ruthscott) November 23, 2018

Welcoming a huge crowd to City Hall, Cllr Butler said: “Tonight we bring those from backstage to front and centre to celebrate their significant contribution to Limerick music life. From organising gigs, conducting choirs, encouraging young musicians and singers to just putting in the grind these people created an opportunity for us all to experience music in all its glory.”

Accolades poured in for Ber thanking him for his contribution to their student life at UL, with everyone from RTEs Ruth Scott to singers such as Kathleen Turner also present.

Dr Sandra Joyce, director at the Irish World Academy was on hand to endorse Dr Scanlon’s honour, saying she “exudes calmness and has an incredible energy and passion to get everyone involved in the joy of choral singing”.

John Hennessy was honoured for his contribution through Seoda Shows, which has brought some of the best musical acts to the city over the last few years, while Shane MacCurtain was also recognised for his support of the Make a Move Festival.

He advised those present to “seize the moment and support music!”

@seodashows telling us that @shane_serrano & Clare Murphy are legends but we already knew that!! @DanielButlerFG pic.twitter.com/bUQ9fDm7UZ

— Jenny Mc Mahon (@jnnmcmahon) November 22, 2018

@cheebah Hiphop doesn’t have to be urban I’m from a farm! Brilliant. Well done again Shane @DanielButlerFG pic.twitter.com/tmhQ0QkcFZ

— Jenny Mc Mahon (@jnnmcmahon) November 22, 2018

Honoring contributors to music in Limerick with @LimerickCouncil @DanielButlerFG mayoral reception: Maire Keary Scanlon, Shane MacCurtin, @BerAngley and John Hennessy. Keeping our city alive for music. pic.twitter.com/YdWDcwkQeX

— Limerick : Culture : Arts (@LimerickArts) November 22, 2018