MUSIC: Trad legends Stockton’s Wing headline racing festival

STOCKTON’S Wing is one of Ireland’s most prolific and enduring bands, and they are celebrating just over 40 years since forming in 1977.

Seen by many as one of this country’s finest exponents of contemporary traditional Irish music, Stockton’s Wing have released 12 albums, toured the US several times and even supported Michael Jackson for two nights at Pairc Ui Caoimh in Cork.

They headline The Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown Racecourse on Sunday, February 4.

For more info www.leopardstown.com

Track Record with Mike Hanrahan from Stockton’s Wing:

1. Most memorable moment in Dublin?

It has to be sharing the stage with Sammy Davis at Lansdown Road in 1988. Incredible life experience. 

2. First album you bought and last album you bought?

My first album was Tom Jones’ ‘Green Green Grass of Home’. The last album I bought was Declan O Rourke’s chronicles of the great Irish famine. 

3. When you’re not playing music, what else do you do? 

I love cooking. I’m a trained Ballymaloe cook and teacher and that passion grows daily with each dish. 

4. Who are your influences? 

Leonard Cohen. Darina Allen, Nick Cave and lately Declan O Rourke.

5. Who would make up your ideal band with you as lead singer?

Backing vocals Leslie Dowdall, Christy Dignam and Eleanor Shanley. And Fran Breen on drums.

6. Any tips on life?

Keep ‘er going patsy.

7. First person you’d invite to your party? 

Pat Shortt. 

8. Last person you’d invite to your party?

That’s easy. Brian Hayes. FG