Whileaways draw inspiration from history on their doorstep

The Whileaways have been one of Galway’s most eminent and prolific folk acts of the last ten years. Based in Headford, the trio have amassed a rich and textured catalogue of music, honed over three albums and a long line of famed live shows.  Their fourth LP, In All Honesty, is set for release on June 3 and it is accompanied by a packed touring schedule that includes four dates around the county.

The group will play Tuam’s Ballyglunin Railway Station on June 4, a home gig in Campbell’s Tavern on June 17, Inishbofin’s Murray’s Hotel on July 21 and the Clifden Arts Festival on September 17.

It marks a return to the road for Noelie McDonnell, Noriana Kennedy and Nicola Joyce, who have been confined to online gigs for the last couple of years.

The latter, a Headford native, is perhaps most looking forward to performing The Whileaways’ latest single Toss the Bobbin, which details a forgotten history of impoverished women in the town.

“We did a Kickstarter campaign for our last album as well as this one,” Nicola reveals.

“You do the pre-orders for the album and all of that, but you also try to be a bit imaginative with other rewards to bring in more. One of the things we came up with was personalised songs.

“We did a limited amount – five initially – and they would be exclusive songs that some people got as wedding presents. They were normally personal gifts or just for themselves. But one of the requests that came in was from the Headford Lace Project.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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