Pa Joe in Tower
I was just talking to some people from home and listening to them telling me that the craic is gone from the pubs at home, which we all know it is, and why. Then I started thinking about a man by the name of “Pa Joe” who ran (and I hope is still running) a session at The Huntsman bar in Tower every Wednesday night for 25 or 30 years. I had a great time going to these sessions for a couple of years and then, unfortunately, I couldn’t go anymore due to the fact that I played a gig here one Saturday night with a friend of mine. The owner treated my friend in a way that wouldn’t agree with me, and even though I got on well with the owner
myself, I wouldn’t go back into the pub on principle – not because of whatever problem he may have had with my friend in the past, but because of the way he handled it.
I really enjoyed those sessions with Pa Joe and the rest on Wednesday nights. They were so relaxing, easy going, and you never knew who would turn up on any night you went there. Pa Joe himself ran the sessions with great skill from experience, and always encouraged new lads joining in as long as they weren’t a**holes, regardless of their ability. There would be the bit of chat between tunes in the right proportion, again down to the man himself, and we often stayed back for a quiet pint after the sessions, making sure that the world was balanced before we slipped away home to get some lumber, for which I should thank the owner (even if that seems a contradiction, which it isn’t for me!).
Anyway,if anyone reads this that knows Pa Joe, please send him my regards. The last time I met him he was due to go for a hip operation and I hope all went well. One of life´s true gentlemen, and great company always. You know where to find me, Pa Joe, if you´re up for a holiday in the sun. I’ll look after the accomadation and it would be great to meet up with you again over a few pints of the Black.
Cheers, and thanks for the great times and the memories.
Murphy
