Last weekend, TF Royal in Castlebar played host to a triumphant showcase of Mayo talent, featuring the stellar performances of Castlebar’s own Ger Staunton and Alan Clarke, alongside Hollymount’s Lisa Canny.
Each artist, a powerhouse in their own right, delivered unforgettable performances – Ger Staunton, celebrated as Mayo’s funnyman and a top comedy writer in Ireland; Lisa Canny, the multi-award-winning traditional Irish musician turned folk-music artist; and Alan Clarke, a social media sensation and the host of a top 10 Irish podcast.
On Friday night, December 22nd, Ger Staunton, Castlebar’s finest comedian, graced the TF Royal stage for what proved to be his most significant show to date. Renowned for his “incredibly funny” style, as praised by The Examiner, and his “immaculately woven anecdotal riffs with a smooth pace and a dark twinkle,” according to The Independent, Staunton’s repertoire of hilarious stories and insightful anecdotes made for an unforgettable night.
Simultaneously, in the Ruby Room at TF Royal, Hollymount native Lisa Canny took the spotlight on Friday night. Recognized as “One to Watch” by SPIN in 2022 and a topper of the “Best of Sofar Sounds” live list, Canny brought a groundbreaking FOLK+ Live Experience to her home country. The unique FOLK+ Screen Show experience, featuring a masterful FOLK+ music short film, left the audience in awe. Following the screening, Lisa Canny and her band delivered an explosive and immersive live set.
The excitement continued on Saturday night, December 23rd, with the return of Alan Clarke and The Big News Coming Soon Podcast. After a sold-out show at TF Royal in September, Clarke’s podcast soared in popularity, earning a nomination as one of the top ten podcasts in Ireland in 2022. In 2023, Alan himself secured the Best Newcomer title at the Gossie Awards. The one-off Christmas Show, featuring special guests and friends from the latest podcast season, guaranteed a festive night of comedy, live music, craic, and banter. The lineup included Garron Noone, Stephen Cowboy Kelly (3 Bucks Left), and more surprise special guests.
Mayo and beyond turned out in full support of these local talents, making the pre-Christmas weekend at TF Royal a celebration of West of Ireland entertainment.
