As well as being a busy senator, Frances Black’s solo singing career is still going strong. She spoke to All About Cork ahead of her concert in Mitchelstown this weekend, and told us why Cork is so special to her.
Do you have a connection to Cork?
My husband Brian is from Cobh and I love it there. We’ve been together 40 years and I’ve been travelling up and down to Cork regularly to visit Brian’s family. His parents have sadly passed away now but his brother Jack is still in Cobh. We’ll stay in Cobh this weekend after my gig in Mitchelstown.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
My favourite restaurant is Izz Café on George’s Quay, It’s a Palestinian restaurant and the food is absolutely incredible. It’s run by Izzeddeen and Eman Alkarajeh and it’s really divine. It can be hard to get into as it’s so busy but I sneaked in one day and there were no tables so I sat in the corner and Izz brought me out the Taster’s Mix. Oh my God, it was really divine – there was nothing else like it on earth.
What’s your favourite hotel?
I’m going to choose the Metropole because it was where myself and Brian had our first date 40 years ago. I met him in Dublin and we kind of connected, and my sister Mary was doing a gig in the Everyman the following weekend. I told him I was going to the gig, so he said he’d meet me off the train and we’d go for something to eat. I was a separated mammy with two small children and I hadn’t got a bob at the time, and I barely had the train fare.
Brian brought me to the Metropole hotel and it was the poshest hotel I’d ever been in in my life. I was thinking, ‘Oh my God, I shouldn’t be here’. But it was very romantic and we’re still together.
What’s your favourite venue to perform in?
There are two. I love St George’s Arts and Heritage Centre in Mitchelstown, where I’ll be performing on Saturday. We had such a great night the last time I was there and I’m thrilled to be returning there this weekend. I really love performing in the church there.
I also love St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Youghal, which is the oldest church in Ireland still in continuous use. I love singing in church venues as something magical happens for me when I’m performing in them.
Do you like performing in Cork?
I love performing in Cork. I love the audiences. They’re gorgeous – just so lovely and warm and they always sing along with me. They’re just amazing.
Do you have a favourite walk in Cork?
Oh, it has to be about Cliff Walk in Ballycotton. A friend of ours has a house there and every time we go down to stay, we do the walk. I’ve done it thousands of times now with my dog.
Which beach do you love to visit?
Probably Inch Beach in Whitegate. It’s so beautiful and while I’m not one for getting in to swim, I love walking on it.
What’s your favourite Cork saying?
‘I will, yeah’, which means no, or I will in me arse! You don’t really hear it in Dublin but everyone says it in Cork and I love it.
Do you have a favourite village?
Cobh and Ballycotton are my favourites. We have friends and family there and Brian’s mam was from Ballycotton. They’re both beautiful and I have a soft spot in my heart for both of them. I think St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh is one of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve ever been in. It’s huge and it’s very intricate, and when you come out of it, you’re looking right over the bay, and it’s just stunningly beautiful.
Frances Black returns to St Georges Arts and Heritage Centre in Mitchelstown for another intimate performance of her much-loved music this Saturday February 21st at 8pm. Tickets on Eventbrite here.
