This Is an Ode Which I've Owed

This Saturday past, I was, for the third consecutive year, ear and eye witness to the live, on-stage artistic brilliance and optic beauty of Celtic Woman.  Despite their world renown, these young women are as open to and accepting of their fans' fervor as any artist ever.  After their superlative performance, they graced a group of us waiting by the stage door to sign autographs, pose for pictures and engage in conversation.  I wish that I had had the courage and conviction to say what was truly on my mind and in my heart.  Though I know that writing it here will not truly impart the emotion by which I know that I would have been overwhelmed, I shall pen it anyway. 😂 I shall attempt to convey it through punctuation and font, but it shall lose some in the translation from verbal to written form, including a beleaguered Irish brogue overtaking my deep Southern drawl.   And I shall hope beyond hope that they may see this. 

"Ladies, I know that you must be on your way to New Jersey, but I beg and beseech you for a few moments of your valued time to share with you what you mean to me, as I am sure that you do for so many others.  For much of the past decade and a half, Celtic Woman has provided promise of Heaven for me, through your voices of angels.  I believe that Heaven is as the individual perceives it to be and my perception is of a place of a bright and temperate clime, where beautiful women make beautiful music.  

  Mairead Carlin...I was angry when you joined the group.  I felt that the producers picked you for the usurpation of your name, to placate silly old fools like myself, in preparation for the inevitable departure of Mairead Nesbitt.     

Such is obviously not the case.  All of the women of Celtic Woman are top tier talents and breathtaking beauties.  And for me, you are the purely prettiest with the best high range soprano, at least since Maev.    

But as I loved Lisa and Lisa together , I loved Mairead and Mairead together.    As a foolish old chauvinist, I see it as just short of sin for a woman to cut her hair, but I do adore the new do, Mairead.  It suits you so.

 Eabha McMahon...for reasons inexplicable, even to myself, you are my heroess; my absolute heroess.  I don't have to see you sing to know that it is you singing.  Yours is the most distinctive voice of all of the Celtic Women's.  And now, along with being perfect performer, you are most competent and accomplished composer.   You are truly a goddess gift from God. 

  And you; newcomer; Meagan Walsh.  You are epitome proof that Ireland shall forever produce beautiful women to make beautiful music.  Your duet with Mairead of Over the Rainbow was audially astonishing.  It let me know that it will be okay to go over that rainbow some day soon.  Your vocalization of Shenandoah', which is how we pronounce it here in the South, where the river flows, was as moving and magical as Mairead's instrumental version at Slane Castle.  My deepest gratitude to you is for your presentation of what has long been a touchstone song for me for reasons into which I shan't now go: Fields of Gold.  Your performance was as personal and powerful as Lisa Kelly's at Powerscourt.  Thank you SO many!

   Finally, though first in my heart....Tara McNeill.  I was CRUSHED beyond consolation and heartbroken beyond healing when I learned of Mairead's departure from Celtic Woman. 😭 💔  I KNEW that NO one could EVER take her spot.  Then, I learned that it was to be you and I so fondly remembered you and your harp from Destiny.  And I said okay, as I still say okay.  You have healed my wounded heart, Tara.  Your beheld beauty and violin virtuosity, along with your heavenly harp have made me joyously happy.  It has been my privilege and pleasure to witness your maturation and matriculation in becoming the polished, professional performer whom you are.  You continue to twirl, girl.  As there can never be another Mairead Nesbitt, there is no other Tara McNeill.  You are the most Irish of all of the Celtic Women...at least since Lisa Lambe.

As I loved Chloe, Lisa, Orla, Maev and Mairead ; as I absolutely adored Chloe, Lisa, Lynn Hillary, my beautiful cousin Alex and Mairead ; as my spirit soared for Chloe, Lisa, Lisa and Mairead ; Chloe, Lisa, Susan and Mairead , you four touch my soul as no combination of Celtic Woman has accomplished.   If you continue to come to North Carolina and I continue to draw breath, I shall be sitting in the best seat available to buy.

Now, godspeed to New Jersey and God bless you in all of your journeys.  And thank you for liking my bow tie 😁"   ----Kenneth, of the family Sharpe and the clan McNair.