Murphy's Lore Too
'Murphy's Lore Too' previously known as '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!
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
... 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
14 Jun 2025
Afternoon - Corfe Mullen - Private -Birthday Barn Dance
Evening - Woodgreen - Private - Wedding ceilidh
21 Jun 2025
Afternoon Murphy's Lore Trio 1-3 pm at The Lord Nelson, Poole Quay as part of a revived Folk On The Quay- Other acts throughout the day
Evening - Bournemouth - Private - Birthday Barn Dance.
28 Jun 2025
Public Ceilidh Pavillion, Bournemouth. Hosted by PDSW, in The Ocean Room. As part of their series of ceilidhs. Ticketed . more details next year.
Thank you all for such a fab evening last night, we absolutely loved it. It was so much fun, so inclusive and really infectious fun. You are all very talented and amazing at what you do.
We’d definitely love to go to one of your events again!
Enjoy the holidays,
"
Catherine, after her birtday ceilidh, April 2025
It was a fabulous evening! Thank you so much for the wonderful joyful music. Noeleen’s excellent calling skills resulted in lots of people keen to get up and dance! It was such a fun night. Looking forward to doing it again!
It was such a great night and we were both touched that you remembered our wedding reception!
Thank you to all the band and especially managing us all in such a tight space. We hadn't anticipated so many dancers up on the floor! Look forward to seeing you again sometime 😀
"
Jane and Anna, after St.Jame's PFA Ceilidh fundraiser evening barn dance for the school, March 2025
Thank you so much for a great evening. Thoroughly enjoyed a good fun night. Hope to see you at 'The Soldier' and of course Wimborne Folk Fest. You were amazing 👏 ❤️ xx
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Michelle, after her celebration, March 2025
"Thank you so much, what a fabulous evening! Well done everyone!!! ❤️ x Until next time!!!!!……. 🤗 "
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Friends of St
.Andrew's after a fundraising barn dance for the school,February 2025
What a great evening, we all enjoyed ourselves.. Big shout to everyone
Involved for putting on a lovely evening👏👏🤩
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Leon Devereux after Burns Night celidh in Woodgreen. January 2025
"I can’t thank you all enough! What a wonderful evening."
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Aileen after her birthday ceilidh. January 2025
"Thankyou so much for last night. You guys were literally incredible and my husband Will was over the moon.
Beautiful playing and the instruction of the dances was perfect and so clear too. Will definitely be booking you guys for my 40th in 1.5 years! "
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Gina after her husband Will's Birthday celebration,December 2024
Thank you so much for making my 60th birthday absolutely wonderful for me and all my family and friends. I'm quite glad loads didn't turn up as we would have had to go out of the fire doors into the carpark!! It was just great to see almost everyone getting up and dancing and as you've undoubtedly heard a thousand times - even those who never dance, got up and enjoyed themselves.
I have had messages this morning from people saying what a wonderful evening it was and that I should hold an annual event!!! ....Once again, thank you so much you were fantastic.
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Sarah after her Birthday celebration,November 2024
Another great fun night with Murphy's Lore Ceilidh , very busy dance floor!
....Thankyou so much for an incredible night! Such fun as always, it was great dancing with my Niece too as she had so much fun! .
Great cause, amazing night. well done all that organised Murphy's Lore Ceilidh you are fabulous, second time I've been to an event with you guys, each time I have laughed and danced so much, also great excuse to get the cowboy hats out .. see you again soon !
..A fabulous evening as always thankyou! Nearly as amazing as my wedding you did in 2004! The highlight was seeing my youngest daughter have so much fun dancing nearly every dance! Always a pleasure and so many laughs! Until next time!"
Alison, Louisa, Dawn and Rachel after a fundraising barn dance for Ukraine Relief, November 2024
A Brilliant evening,Thank you ..A great evening "
Sally and Christine after a barn dance at Boscombe Salvation Army, October 2024
Murphy's Lore Ceilidh you are amazing and I had the best party ever
Thank you so much for making my retirement party so much fun
Everyone who was there said it was fantastic..Thank you so much "
June after her retirement party, October 2024
It was fantastic!! Loved every minute x
....Brilliant as usual and such great fun. Smiles and laughter all around. Thanks again! "
Gjald and Renate after Drop the Anchor Barn Dance, September 2024
You gave us a brilliant night! My Mum & Dad (Jennifer and Peter) loved every minute, as did all our little ones! Thank you for being so great at including everyone! Your band are fantastic too, Joanna x"
Joanne after her Mum and Dad's Anniversary ceilidh,September 2024
Hi Alex - thank you and the band and Noeleen SO much for the most fabulous evening on Saturday. Everyone really enjoyed it and thought you were all great! We saw the great piece you put in FB and insta - please feel free to tag me :-) Til the next time! Cx "
Catherine after her Birthday ceilidh, August 2024