Nanci Griffith's Shinrone gigs celebrated in TV documentary

A new RTÉ documentary about the life and music of country star Nanci Griffith celebrated two memorable gigs she performed in Shinrone in 1988.

Nanci Griffith - From a Distance aired on RTÉ One on December 29 and is currently available on the RTÉ Player.

During the documentary, Tom Stapleton spoke about promoting performances by American folk musician Arlo Guthrie and then Nanci Griffith in Shinrone in the late 1980s.

"There was a big hinterland. We were bringing people from Kilkenny, Tullamore, Nenagh, Tipperary, and all around. So we were able to get an audience," Tom recalled.

"After the Arlo (Guthrie) gig, everybody wanted to play Shinrone. Nanci came to Shinrone - twice."

The Texas-born singer was hugely popular in Ireland, and Tom said this was evident during her performances in Shinrone.

"There was a warmth in the hall towards Nanci Griffith. And (people) wouldn't have known her personally, other than from the songs," he said.

"The songs are so evocative. There was a certain thing about Nanci Griffith that would not have come across if you were talking to her, but came across in the songs... That's real artistry."

Nanci Griffith died in 2021 at the age of 68. Sadly, she struggled with alcoholism and led an increasingly isolated life in her later years.

But Marie Maher, community employment supervisor at Shinrone Community Hall, said the memories of her performances in Offaly are still cherished by many.

"It was very special," said Marie, as she reflected on the seeing Nanci Griffith in the local hall.

"It was a great night, and it was great to see this place full.

"It was like being in a bubble. It was just like she was singing to you. You were in a full hall, but it was like as if there was nobody there but you," said Marie.