The Zambian Hooley

This reminded me of sitting downtown in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, listening to the high energy beat of Zambian and Congolese dance music pulsating through the night. That was back in 1985 when I was travelling overland from North to South Africa.
It seems that more lately the folks in my home area on the east side of Sliabh Beagh sent a volunteer in 2005 to Zambia and that a hooley inclusive of 'a lap dance show' and 'wiggling hips' was organised to collect funding for the trip. Enjoy this cooled down, round the campfire style performance of the 'Zambian Hooley' which records the event.
1st Verse
A hooley it was held - in the Burgess Hall,
The proceeds arising - supporting John Paul.
A courageous and bright - local young fella,
For the Zambian Mission - he took the Slí Eile.
McAnenly's of Blackwater - put on a great spread,
That saved Willie John - from butterin' bread.
For liquid refreshment - a bar had been made,
With it's generous measures - it done a great trade.
2nd Verse
Then all the neighbours - they all gathered in,
To drink whiskey - brandy, stout and gin.
Yeah... Mick Lavery - he did drink his fill,
And when home time came - he rolled down the hill.
The Singleton's came - from just 'round the road,
The Holland's they came - yeah... in two car load.
The McCarey's arrived - with Pat their chief,
And Kathleen kept up - a watching brief.
3rd Verse
The Paddy Peters came - with Mick and Mena,
When many others - were in the arena.
Some local big wigs - from the I. F. A.,
Were just brought in - for to make them pay.
For the clergy too - ‘twas payback time,
To check their envelopes - was ever sublime.
Your man Noel Crush - was chuckin' them out,
Those being contrary - from too much stout.
4th Verse
Craic and entertainment - it was all so fine,
With songs and chat - seduced by wine.
Aul' Seamus Corrigan - was telling lies,
There were dancers there - to plaze the eyes.
Young Mickey Charley - sat there all aglow,
Just awaitin' for - the lap dance show.
The host himself - well he smacked his lips,
As he sat dreamin' - about the wiggling hips.
5th Verse
Musicians Jim McQuaid - and Felix Sherry,
Played and sang - to keep them all merry.
When Peter Tarry - from Emyvale town,
Recited 'Wee Rosie' - there was not a soun(d).
Gerard Fedder likewise - would not be foiled,
And he sang 'Jerusalem' - when he got oiled.
Then James Berns did sing - when he got warmed,
And Noreen Harvey - near the end performed.
6th Verse
Poor Barney Treanor - from Drumlister,
Was spurned there again - by the ugly sister.
Then Burgess himself - he called a halt,
Saying “safe journey home now - and don’t default”.
But the roads being dangerous - that late at night,
They all partied on - ‘til the broad daylight.
Yeah..... safe journey home now - and don’t default.
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