‘Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don’t take him even though you can
Jolene, Jolene.’
It’s a balmy Thursday night in Vicarstown and the members of the local ukulele group are enthusiastically keeping it country. Next up is Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire.’
The class will be running for two years in November, and meets every Thursday night at 8pm.
“The chairman of Annanough GAA Club, Cyril Darcy, lets us practice in Vicarstown community hall. It’s nice and cosy, with a lovely atmosphere,” said group teacher Marie Casey.
She recalled that she had always wanted to start a ukulele class but didn’t know how best to get people together.
When she heard about the Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Programme – the GAA’s flagship initiative to promote health and wellbeing in Ireland outside of its official games structures – she decided to get involved.
“I said I would like to teach ukulele in Vicarstown but I didn’t know if there would be enough interest in it to start a class,” Marie said.
“Around ten people joined at first. None of them had played the ukulele or any instrument before, and originally they were all women. We lost a few at the early stages but now we have 31 members and people join and stay to play together,” Marie said.
“New members pay €20, put aside for the small things. Alannah Foley very kindly designed our logo for the parade and the books. I have a few people photocopying sheets for me as well,” she said.
“The ukulele is of Portuguese origin and has only four strings. It’s one of the easiest instruments to learn. Everyone buys their own ukulele and they range in price between €30 and €90.
“It was decided that the class would be for adults only – there are plenty of opportunities for children,” said Marie.
“Last March we all put €20 into a kitty. We bought hats and t-shirts and decorated a float for St Patrick’s Day. It was a great few hours putting it all together,” said Marie.
The group plays together with Stradbally community choir and has entertained residents at Dromineen nursing home, Stradbally, and a local gathering for children last Christmas.
So will they follow in the footsteps of Timahoe men’s choir and perform at Electric Picnic?
“That would be brilliant but we’re nowhere near that standard yet. We’re still just learning. It’s baby steps,” remarked Marie.
The response to the group has been hugely positive. “The ukulele is such a small instrument. You can pick it up and do a lot with it. People also enjoy the social aspect of the classes. It’s something different they can do for themselves,” she said.
Father and son David and Daniel Corcoran enjoy attending the classes.
“Daniel got me involved. It’s just something different to do. It’s great to get out and meet new people,” David said. “I never played a musical instrument but everyone is made feel very welcome and comfortable here.”
Daniel got involved in the group as he knew Marie through her involvement with Stradbally community choir.
“I play banjo and guitar and I decided to give the ukulele a try. I enjoyed the classes so much that I brought my dad along,” he said.
“I like the way everyone plays together and everyone is super encouraging.”
Veronica Moloney is one of the original members who joined the Healthy Club Programme.
“The classes and singsongs are the best things ever. It’s just fantastic,” she said.
Mags Scully was brimful of enthusiasm about the group. “I live down the road and joined during the winter. Marie is amazing and welcomes everyone.”
Richard Miler said he joined out of curiosity. “When I came down to the group, I got such a great welcome, I stayed. It’s a great group, there’s fantastic camaraderie. Everyone is on the one team, it’s not like football.
“I never played a musical instrument but have really enjoyed the classes,” he said.
From a musical family, Mary Heffernan relishes the feel good factor of the gatherings. “Singing is good for the soul. The social side of the classes is brilliant.”
Margaret Buggie said she was left with no excuse but to sign up with the group after her husband bought her a ukulele.
“I had to give him a few hints,” she laughed. “I was dying to come to the classes. It’s a lovely group and I’m really enjoying it.”
Deirdre O’Connor is a member of the Stradbally choir and has played the guitar with Comhaltas since she was a child.
“I’ll involve myself in anything to do with music,” she said. ‘It’s a lovely group and I’ve got to know more people since joining.
Also in Stradbally choir is Anton Bennett. “I used to teach kids in the local youth club to play guitar and I play bass with the group,” he said.
Anne Deegan joined from the Stradbally choir, drawn by the opportunity to get out and meet new people.
She said that she had always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument. “The classes always leave me with a smile on my face.”
Lorraine Cody said local people were keen to see a ukulele group start in the area. “People like both the musical and social side of the group. We chat throughout the night,” she said.
Teresa Kearney said she has found the ukulele easy to learn. “I didn’t play before. My daughter, Lisa, was involved and I just fell in. It’s great craic. They’re a good old bunch.”
Teacher Marie concurs. “It’s a fantastic group and people are so supportive of one another.”
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