By Melissa Turtinen
The Irish Emigrant
December 11, 2009
Known around New York for his musical talents, The McCabes’ frontman Sean McCabe will soon be known for his literary work with his first book of fiction.
‘A Good Deed & Other Stories’ is a collection of short stories that detail the adventures of young Eoin Grady as he grows up in the fictional town of Baile, Ireland.
‘It’s seventeen stories interconnected all about the same character when he’s six to thirteen,’ McCabe said. ‘It’s about small episodes in his life then at the end hatches the big picture – growing up in a small Irish town. It’s just small, ordinary events that make up the book.’
The stories of Eoin – told in the first person – range from his first confession, travels to see his relatives, asking permission to stay at his friend’s house for tea, GAA football events and learning to play the piano. In just over 140 pages. McCabe entertains the reader with humorous yet touching stories that describe life growing up in Ireland.
‘I had a break from music. I had a few months on my hands and I started writing stories. The first one in the book was published in Ireland,’ McCabe said. ‘Then I decided to write a whole book on that character over about a year.’
‘Coffin Nails’ is my favourite,’ McCabe said. ‘It’s a story I remember from my own childhood.’
The story is a humorous tale about one of Eoin’s classmates who was sent off to buy coffin nails during the school day – a very rare and exciting event for a student – but, after a while the teacher was worried because the student hadn’t returned. The teacher sends Eoin out to find him and they return empty handed to discover they had misunderstood the meaning of coffin nails.
McCabe was born in County Meath, Ireland in 1968 and in the mid nineties he arrived in New York to start his musical career. He began by playing at local Irish pubs with Gregory Grene of The Prodigals – contributing two songs to their first album.
Shortly after, McCabe formed his own band The McCabes, for lack of a better name. In 2001 The McCabes became the Saturday house band at Paddy Reilly’s Irish music club, replacing Black 47. Owner Steve Duggan named The McCabes one of the best bands to play at Paddy Reillys’. They were invited to record a live album, Live at Paddy Reillys’ – the first and only album ever to be recorded at the club- in March 2001. The album produced two well known hits – Sheilaand HaveA Guinness Every Day.
The McCabes hit the Irish festival circuit performing around the United States, followed up by two albums, Whatever Makes You Tick and Dark Before The Dawn.
These albums include country music, Americana and Irish ceili music – all of McCabes’ favourites. And in 2004 The McCabes made it big with a performance at Shea Stadium – the only Irish folk/rock band besides Black 47 to do so.
With his Master’s degree in English Literature from Trinity College, McCabe will not only be known for his music, but his writing ability with his new book. Before the release of A Good Deed & Other Stories in August 2009, he had published several stories in Ireland’s Own and Ireland’s Eye magazines.
McCabe’s book is available for purchase or for download on his website. For more information on McCabe, his book or The McCabes, visit www.fastirishmusic.com.
On Wednesday, Dec 9, McCabe will be doing a reading from A Good Deed & otherStoriesat the New York Irish Center (10-40 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City).
Not only will he read from his book, he’ll include a few poems from his upcoming collection, sing a few Irish songs, his own songs and play the guitar and mandolin.
‘I’ll talk about Irish literature, especially short stories. They are very common in Irish literature,’ McCabe said. ‘Come out. It’s free. It should be good fun!’
Beer and wine will be served and it’s free for all. Doors open at 7pm.
