Banjo-strumming Galway pooches are a howling success

Date Published: 06-May-2010

By Darragh McDonagh

Who said you can’t teach an old dogs new tricks?

Galway-based trad musician Sharon Shannon has rubbished the old adage in a new music video in which her banjo-strumming pooches demonstrate an array of musical talents.

The multi-platinum selling performer has clearly rubbed off on her pets, who are featured singing and playing a variety of instruments in the video, which was filmed at a number of locations in the city.

I Still Love You Without Your Car is the debut single of the emerging talent Sean Óg, and has been rated among the top 25 Irish music videos on the website YouTube since it was launched last week.

The music video, which has already been viewed more than 4,000 times on the internet, follows the fortunes of a teenager who is speeding in his car with his girlfriend until he is stopped by Gardaí.

Shannon’s leather-clad cocker spaniel sings into a hairbrush throughout, while her four other dogs jam on a range of instruments including a keyboard, a fiddle, a banjo and a pair of maracas as they go walkies through Galway city.

A helping hand from the Galway Girl singer is occasionally visible during the performance by her musical mutts, one of which is actually blind.

The video also features cameos from Inishbofin singer Dessie O’Halloran; as well as John O’Halloran, who shot to fame as one half of the Emma and John act on the All Ireland Talent Show this year.

Read more in this week’s Galway City Tribune