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
22 Aug 2026
Purbeck Valley Folk festival - runs from 20th to 23rd .
28 Aug 2026
Pavilion Dance South West As part of the dancing terraces month, we'll be back hosting the now famous Terrace Ceilidh. From 7 - 9 pm. Outside if the weather is good, inside if wet. Free to all.
The Terrace, overlooking the Lower Gardens, Bournemouth Pavilion. This is an absolutely great night.
29 Aug 2026
Salisbury - Private - Wedding Barn Dance
Hi Alex, We can’t thank you enough for such an excellent evening last Saturday. The music and leading is tremendous and everyone really enjoyed themselves so much. You are firmly in our address book and talk of a future event in the field is already underway. I would also highly recommend you to everyone. How far do you travel for a gig?
Wishing much luck for the future and hope to be enjoying your music again soon.
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Penny, after a family celebration, July 2026
……a HUGE thank you Murphy’s Lore, for an amazing evening of fantastic music great entertainment and wonderful atmosphere !
You matched the dances perfectly to take into account the extreme heat and the great age range …….. just 4 years old to 84 ……
Great calling and encouragement ( in the heat !) Noeleen ….. you are amazing !!! My personal favourite has to be the last dance the coil and processional “wedding dance “ ….. brilliant !!!
I've had loads of great feedback from friends and family re the FUN that they all had …. whether it was dancing themselves or watching others’ varying attempts …. What a laugh !!!
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Pauline, after her Golden Wedding Anniversary celebrations, July 2026
It was a really super evening and no end of guests commented on how enjoyable it was to dance and how good you were. Would you please pass on our thanks to the rest of your group. Needless to say, the younger grandchildren are asking when we are going to do it again!!
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Sarah, after her Golden Wedding Anniversary, June 2026
Thank you for another excellent evening of music and dancing.....A great evening and amazing band!
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Anna and Ann after St.John's anniversary barn dance, May 2026
Always enjoy your barn dances, fantastic group of musicians and Noeleen is a great caller. See you in September!!
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Moira, after May's Drop the Anchor Brewery Barn dance. May 2026
Thank you so much for Saturday, you guys were brilliant and we had the most amazing evening!!
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Rebecca, after her husband's Birthday Barn Dance, May 2026
Many thanks to Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for a fabulously entertaining evening of song and dance… plenty of galloping and skipping and a good time had by all
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Geraldine, after Highclere Village Social, April 2026
Thank you so much for making Emma and Sam's wedding evening such a fantastically fun evening. We had a really great time.
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Anne, after Emma and Sam's wedding ceilidh, April 2026
Thank you so much for the barndance for the youth orchestra on Monday. It was fantastic. The dances were great for our range of students and got them mixing superbly. To see our youngest Y5 student dancing with one of our tallest 6th formers was a sight to behold!
The whole evening was simply brilliant - I don’t think I recall one before when everyone joined in every single dance.
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Gill, after a barn dance for Hampshire Youth Orchestra, March 2026
I was very lucky to attend your Ceilidh at the Allendale in Wimborne recently I’ve attended quite a few, but this one was really special - both in the dance selection, music and the great caller.. "
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Kay, afert the poole Africa Link Ceilidh, Feb 2026
We felt so pleased to be able to book you for our event! Guaranteed to please! Everyone had a brilliant time!
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Cindy, after a Burns celebration with 'Dorset Hash House Harriers', Jan 2026
Thank you so much for a brilliant afternoon/eve!! Xxx
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Mandy, after a joint Birthday celebration for herself and daughter Malaika, Jan 2026
Great night! Never disappointed when Murphy’s Lore bring the party vibes!❤️😘
Thanks Murphy's Lore Ceilidh for such a great night, everyone had the best time at our Dorset SUP Charity Christmas Party 2025 with Murphy's Lore Ceilidh Band
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Cindy and Matt, after Dorset SUP fundraiser for Colourworks, December 2025