A Half of Murphy's
'A Half of Murphy's' consists of Noeleen and Alex who are literally half of the band 'Murphy's Lore'. In the band, Noeleen and Alex are the rhythm section, providing a driving force behind the tune players and Noeleen's smooth, clear vocals provide the core of the band's songs. They have been performing regularly as a duo for several years. After a couple of appearances at some local folk clubs were well received, they decided to do more and kept going!
Over the years they have appeared at Wessex, Wimborne, Trowbridge, Purbeck Valley and Bridport Folk Festivals. They are often seen at Milford Folk Club (their favourite local) Ringwood Folk Club and when able, do a stint at Wimborne Folk Club. During 2017 they became co- hosts with Mick Ryan, Kitty and Derek of The Branksome Folk Session at The Branksome Railway Pub, Poole which aims to run weekly sessions for singers and tunesmiths with once a month guest singers.
Noeleen plays guitar, whistle, and bodhran but is best known for her vocal abilities, drawing on her Irish heritage to sing songs learnt as a child at the knee of her accordion playing father, whilst Alex accompanies her on guitar, tenor guitar, some backing vocals and occasionally the mandolin, having returned to his folk roots after a brief fling with rock music in his youth!
As a duo they perform mainly songs, some from the band's repertoire and some of their own choosing, mostly from the folk tradition and a few that have been 'folked up' or 'down' depending on how you look at it!
A Half of Murphys - Alex and Noeleen have delighted Milford on Sea folk club audiences over many appearances. Noeleen’s pure voice is a joy to listen to - bringing such a warmth and a fresh approach with unusual arrangements to old favourites and some less traditional songs. Alex adds lovely guitar work and the occasional vocal accompaniment which combined with the whistle and skilled bodhran playing guarantees a great, entertaining performance.
Sue Whitlock, Milford on Sea Folk Club
With A Half of Murphy's you can be sure that your glass of folk music will always be more than half full. Alex & Noeleen will give you a whole range of mainly traditional songs & tumes delivered in a warm & quality style. We always enjoy having them with us
Karen Laird - Brunny Folk & Wimborne Minster Folk Festival
1 Dec 2023
Salisbury - Church Christmas social- Private.
2 Dec 2023
Murphy's Lore Trio Returning to Steam Town Brewery, Eastleigh - A Saturday again for some folky tunes and songs. Come on down for some Craic - not just Irish but lots of great tunes and songs.
9 Dec 2023
Murphy's Lore Trio The Westbourne, Bournemouth 8.30 start.
"A and L were telling me how it was one of the best nights ever, as they fell asleep! ... Thank you ! What a wonderful evening, MUCH appreciated by everyone !
Helen and Paula after Paula's retiremnt ceiidh.September,2023
"A big thank you for an excellent evening.
We really enjoyed ourselves!
Sandra, after a barn dance for Ferndown RBL.September,2023
"We had a fabulous evening, thank you!...Thank you - it was brilliant....Thank you so much, we absolutely loved it
x
Kay, Lizzie and Laura after Laura and Tom's wedding. September,2023
"Thank you so much! We had such a good time! Everyone said what fun it was!
x
Jody and Simon, after their 'rewedding' barn dance. August,2023
"Thank you for another great night, great music from brilliant musicians and a great crowd..... It was a great night thank you all xxx....A brilliant evening, thank you!
x
Jimmy,Leslie and Nicole after Jimmy and Christina's second family and friemd barn dance. July,2023
" Thank you so much for making our evening such a success, last Saturday! Many people commented on how good you were.
Hopefully, I'll see you again, somewhere, in the not too distant future.
x
Lesley, after a birthday barn dance. July 2023
" A huge thank you for playing at our wedding and helping make it such an incredible evening - You were all brilliant!
x
Jonathan, after his and Mikki's wedding. July 2023
" Thank you so much for last night. I had a wonderful evening and have received lots of lovely comments from my guests. Noeleen did an amazing job, as did you all. Please pass on my thanks and I will look out for you at the Folk Festival.
Carole, after her birthday Barn Dance,May 2023
" just wanted to properly say a huge thank you for a wonderful evening on 5 May. Everyone there thoroughly enjoyed it and so many good comments on the band. Noeleen was brilliant in her calling and got everyone on their feet. Thank you again, your communication and contact prior to the date made it all stress free (apart from weather worries ! which of course all turned out ok) and if we hold another Ceilidh in the future you will be first on the list.
Susan, Tolpuddle Events Committee, after their Coronation Ceilidh. May 2023
" It was terrific! Loved it,as did all our guests. Thanks to Murphy's Lore
Michael, after his and Christina's wedding. April 2023
" It was an amazing evening, laughed and danced so much.. fabulous music/ singing .. looking forward to the next time x
Dawn. After a fundraising ceilidh for MND run by Louise prior to her running a marathon. February 2023
" Had a fantastic night!!! Thoroughly recommend this band
Sam. After her birthday Barn Dance. February 2023
" You were wonderful - what a great band!
Kevin, After Burn's Night Ceilidh, Woodgreen. January 2023
" (Mc)Murphys never let us down either! Brilliant evening - food and music could not have been better. Roll on March!
Shelagh, After Burn's Night Ceilidh,Milford On Sea. January 2023
" Absolutely amazing!!! Thank you so much for an awesome night!....Loved your music, and your patience walking us through the dances beforehand. It was a good fun evening and Theo was full of the Buffalo Gals dance even before he did the "arching" dance
Lorri and Susan after Lorri's surprise Birthday do. October 2022