Seeing any artist perform in a small venue is always a treat, but when it happens to be folk legend Ronnie Drew, he of 'The Dubliners' fame, it's going to be a little bit special.

Accompanied by Mike Hanrahan, formerly of Stockon's Wing, on guitar and bodhran duties, its very much an intimate gig in an intimate venue. With a full house of around 100 people the live lounge seems to be designed with these sort of nights in mind

Ronnie's rich Dublin drawl reverberates around the wood panelled walls and low ceiling. Before each song we get an anecdote, some of them about Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan, others about his own life in Dublin. Some of the songs performed include 'Mc Alpines Fusileers' and 'The Auld Triangle'. It's great to hear the context of a song, its place in time and history; it enriches the whole experience. 'Raglan Road' is particulary memorable, evoking the memory of Luke Kelly for many people.

When Ronnie takes a short break we're treated to the sublime guitar skills of Mike Hanrahan as he performs some of his own compositions, which are well received by a knowledgeable and appreciative audience. Ronnie returns with more stories and songs, and we get more classics, such as the plaintive 'Two Swans', Sean O Casey's 'Nora' and 'Dicey Riley'. Clocking in at around two hours its superb entertainment from a man approaching 70. His comic timing, his delivery of ballads and his superb skills as a story teller make him an essential performer, a man who's skills have been honed at venues up and down the country and who brings all his experience to the stage. The crowd bay for more and the night finishes with, well, what else, but 'Dirty Oul Town.'

The nights a big success because of the talent of the artists involved, the appreciative crowd and the venue, which provides a perfect setting for performers and crowd alike. Its good for both parties, as everyone feels involved. But perhaps the biggest reason for its success is that special ingredient of craic. It's impossible to define or replicate, but it's something to do with music, laughter, place and crowd. Ronnie Drew with Mike Hanrahan performing in Arthur's pub, Keady, provided the perfect nights craic.

words: Adrian Mc Gahan