Local musicians
support Lough Swilly RNLI
17.11.20
LOCAL Inishowen musicians,
SwillySound, have recorded a song by Phil Coulter in aid
of Lough Swilly RNLI.
The powerful song ‘Shores of the Swilly’, written by the
multi-award winning songwriter and pianist, is a
haunting lament that will strike a chord with all who
have loved and lost. Brilliant in its simplicity and
deeply personal to all involved, it holds many moments
of a happy childhood and tragic loss. Phil Coulter lost
his sister Cyd and brother Brian in separate incidents
on Lough Swilly. |
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In the early stages of
lockdown, singer Maria Fitzpatrick approached pianist
Louise Doherty with the idea of recording one of her
father’s favourite songs ‘Shores of the Swilly’ as a
fundraiser for the Lough Swilly RNLI. The project
quickly developed when they were joined by percussionist
Gary Raymond, who recorded the song in his Gleneely
studio, followed by Mick McGrath who contributed the
haunting whistle playing to the track. It began to grow
into a real community project. |
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SwillySound recording
‘Shores of the Swilly’ by Phil Coulter.
Please support Lough
Swilly RNLI at
www.gofundme.com . |
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A local Buncrana man and
friend of the group, John Cutliffe, (now living in
Myanmar in SE Asia) stepped in and offered to master the
track. Inish Media came on board and created the
stunning video that accompanies the track. Tank and
Skinny’s restaurant provided socially distanced
rehearsal space, the location for the video shoot (and
endless coffee) and local tour company Reel Irish Music
Tours contributed to the CD production. Local artist
Gillian Burke volunteered and did the CD design work.
Offers came thick and fast for transport, photographs,
archived videos and the project came to life. |
The RNLI is a charity which
saves lives at sea, and is totally reliant on donations
from the public for its operations. Lough Swilly RNLI
based at Ned’s Point and Buncrana Pier opened in 1988,
spearheaded by Pat and Kate Heaney, who worked
tirelessly with many others to help prevent further loss
of life in the water. To date, Lough Swilly RNLI have
launched 675 times, rescued 775 people and saved 57
lives. We are privileged to have these brave men and
women, who selflessly risk their lives in all weather
and atrocious conditions, to save the lives of others.
Please support your local lifeboat at
www.gofundme.com/shoresoftheswilly . Every single
donation, large or small, will go directly to Lough
Swilly RNLI and help them continue their invaluable work
on our seas. |
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