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
6 Dec 2025
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12 Dec 2025
Murphy's Lore Trio Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay. 8.30 -11pm
13 Dec 2025
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Great night! Never disappointed when Murphy’s Lore bring the party vibes!❤️😘
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Cindy after Dorset Stand Up Paddle Board Ceilidh, November 2025
Dear Alex, Thank you, Noeleen Gill and Andrew for providing such rich entertainment last night. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all the guests who have been effusive in their praise for the richness variety and quality of the music and the excellent instruction and calling. We look forward to our next encounter! "
Nick, Bournemouth and Poole Medical Society's St.Andrew's Evening, November 2025
It was a fabulous evening. Energetic playing, superb calling as always and so responsive to the abilities of the dancers. Everyone went home buzzing. Thanks again Murphy's Lore for such great entertainment and an all round wonderful time! You guys are such a pleasure to work with!
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David, Fordingbridge Folk Ceilidh, November 2025
Thank you for a great night, everyone had a wonderful time - you entertained all the generations 😁
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Gillian after Friends of St.Andrew's Junior School Barn Dance, October 2025
From the very first note, the Murphy's Lore Ceilidh had us all tapping our toes, clapping our hands, and moving our legs with joy – the music filled the barn and the atmosphere was electric. Thank you to the fantastic musicians who gave us not just songs, but memories to treasure.
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Ukraine Relief, Bournemouth, after a fundraiser, September 2025
Was an amazing night! You were absolutely brilliant 🤩 definitely recommend you to play as it got everyone up to dance the night away X
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Tracey,after a birthday do for her husband and daughter, August 2025
Hi Murphy's Lore.
We just wanted to say many thanks to you for providing the music and dance at our 40th wedding anniversary barn dance last Saturday, 19th July. The whole evening was excellent and we keep having friends say how they enjoyed the music and dancing
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Richard and Carolyn after their anniversary ceilidh. July 2025
Just wanted to say thank you to everyone at Murphy's Lore for Saturday night - you were fantastic and absolutely made the day. We had lots of first time ceilidh-ers who were sceptical before it began and they kept telling me how much fun they were having!
"This really was the most fun evening. Great energy and enthusiasm . What happy memories we will all have of all that laughter"
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Heidi and Anna, after Heidi and Alex's wedding ceilidh, June,2025
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,
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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 😀
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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