Photographic tribute to Shane
Capturing the magic of Shane MacGowan in imagery made in the late great lyrical songsmith's Tipperary, on three very different occasions, is the basis for Pádraig Ó Flannabhra's forthcoming new book: Séan MacGabhann - Shane MacGowan: Songsmith, a photographer's tribute in picturing the Pogue.
Apart from the obvious definition associated with the late Pogue's lyrical genius, the word ‘songsmith’ is also a play on words, which, when broken down, explores the origin of the surname, Mac Gabhann - son of the Smith.
It is a photographic tribute to the legendary frontman, singer and composer of the Celtic Punk-Rock group, The Pogues. The collection for the most part of the previously unpublished photographs, features imagery from The Pogue's ‘once-in-a-blue-moon’ concert held in Kennedy's Lounge, Pocán, on that Monday night of ‘Little Christmas’, Nollaig na mBan on January 6, 1986. It was the one and only occasion that the Pogues performed in the North Tipperary tourist village, to young and old - many of them, his own relations and friends -from nearby Carney, Borrisokane and Cloughjordan. The Pogues were on a nationwide tour at the time and the long established premises of Kennedy's as an entertainment venue for the best exponents of Irish singers and entertainment groups was secured, through the good offices and endeavours of Gerard Kennedy and Seán Fay. The group would later spend the night relaxing and staying in the Thatch Cottages of the village.
The middle section of the book is a series of 12 portraits, made at the photographer's studio in Silver Street, Nenagh, towards the end of 2003, aptly titled ‘The Twelve Shanes of Christmas’, where Shane MacGowan in relaxed form plays to the camera lens, one of which is depicted - with fingers in his ears - on the standard cover of the hardback book. It is good news for the many fans of The Pogues and particularly for fans of Shane MacGowan, whose fan base is not only local but global.
The third and final section of the book is from Shane's funeral service and farewell at St Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh on December 8, 2023, where many, including the world's media descended on the town, to witness the church ceremony and pay their respects in a final farewell. The book’s foreword is by Spider Stacy, founding member of The Pogues.
The book is in support of UNICEF and its work in helping Palestinian children in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, who are battling hunger and devastation every waking minute. All profits derived from sales of the book will go to the charity.
The 136-page book will be launched on Tuesday, September 10, from 6-9pm, at Nenagh Arts Centre, Banba Square, Nenagh by Shane's sister and author, Siobhán MacGowan. Commenting ahead of the launch, Pádraig the photographer said: “My wish through these photographs is to help relive and revive the memories of those who were present on the occasions and to convey a sense of what happened to all who weren't there.”
There has been a rapid uptake for the book on its website www.buythebook.ie, where preordered copies are still available, listed under ‘Irish interest’. People are asked to come as early as possible for 6pm-all are welcome to this free event. Refreshments served.