Shaskeen at Village Theatre

Traditional band Shaskeen will be in the Village Theatre, Carrabane, on Saturday, December 17, for a night of music, songs and surprises. It’s the first show in an upcoming nationwide tour.

Shaskeen was formed in 1970 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020, with several appearances planned for Galway’s year as European Capital of Culture.

Founding member Tom Cussen has witnessed the evolution of Shaskeen over the years, managing the business side and staying alert to changes in the music industry.

Other original members include Johnny Minogue, Maureen Minogue, Sean McDonagh and Benny O’Connor. Over the years, they moved on and were replaced with players and singers including Eddie Maloney, Paddy McMahon, PJ Hernon, Connie Murphy, Johnny Walsh, Mark Gregory, Gary Hastings, Mike Fahy, Charlie Harris, Sean Keane and Kevin Rohan.

The current line is Eamonn Cotter, Pat Broderick, Patsy McDonagh, Geraldine Cotter, Tom Cussen, Pat Costello, Johnny Donnellan and Sean Conway.

For 47 years and long before Ryanair or online booking, Shaskeen travelled and played to packed houses all over Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

They have a unique and versatile approach to the music, respectful of tradition, but innovative in what Tom describes as the ‘Shaskeen way.’

This has stood to the band over the years and is evident in their vast repertoire. Shaskeen have made 15 recordings, the most recent being Walking up Town.

■ Tickets for the concert in Carrabane’s Village Theatre are available from Tom Cussen on 087 2485404, shaskeen.net; hello@thevillagetheatre.ie; or from 087-6697357. Early booking is advised.