Legendary singer songwriter Donovan whose hits include  “Catch the Wind”, “Mellow Yellow” and “Hurdy Gurdy Man” paid a visit to the Backyard, Moynehall on Monday 24th June.  Having recently recorded a new album ‘Shadows of Blue’ in Nashville, USA, Donovan is now preparing a documentary tracing the roots of his musical inspiration which has brought him to our county and Cavan Town Comhaltas branch.  Donovan deliberately chose to visit what he calls “the heartland’ of Irish music by choosing smaller towns such as Listowell, Kilkenny, Ballybofey and Cavan to experience grass roots talent.  Making contact with Martin Donohoe who Donovan described as the ‘the godfather’ of traditional music to include young talent in his documentary.  The crew filmed playing of the fiddle, accordion, step dancing, Sean nos dancing and Sean nos singing by our young members.  The link to Donovans life’s work may not be apparent but he traces his interest in Irish trad and Scottish music through its influence on Country music which in turn inspired Rock and Roll.

Well done to our young performers who greatly impressed the veteran performer who was a warm and inspiring person to meet and even took the time to give a short impromptu performance.  We wish Donovan the very best with his new album which is also coming out in vinyl and with the remainder of his documentary tour.