The Hooligans @ Richmond Highland Games (VA – USA)

**Mael Coluim** · 26th October 08, 08:28 PM

What a difference a day makes! Where there was rain, yesterday at the Richmond Highland Games and Celtic Festival there was nothing but sweet sunshine, today! When I first joined this forum and posted my newbie thread, I was welcomed by ThatCelticBand who told me had written a song about the piper ghost of Duntrune Castle. Duntrune is the home of Clan Chief Robin Malcolm. I have had the honor of visiting him there.
The Hooligans were to play this weekend at Richmond and fellow XMarker, ThatCelticBand posted he would play the Warning, the song about the ghost of Duntrune. An offer I was not about to refuse. So, I returned today for the concert and would not be disappointed.

These guys do a superb rendition of The Gael, the theme from the movie, The Last of the Mohicans. If I remember correctly, I believe most of that movie was shot in the Smokey’s near Asheville were the Hooligans hail from.

John Barden really rocked out The Gael.

**Mael Coluim** · 26th October 08, 08:29 PM

Fellow XMarker Jerry recognized piper Liam Davidson as formerly being with Hunting MacLeod. Liam made those pipes scream.

Jerry with wife, Annette.

ThatCelticBand, Shawn Dunham lead singer and bass guitarist didn’t disappoint with the Warning. Listening to it this evening on the CD of the performance as I post this I have a keen appreciation of the words of the song that would cost the piper his life as he warned his chief through his piping of danger that awaited him if he returned to Duntrune.

**Mael Coluim** · 26th October 08, 08:30 PM

The band was joined by these Irish dancing lasses, the Mugguivans that was a great added attraction.

**Mael Coluim** · 26th October 08, 08:31 PM

The show was the highlight of the games and enjoyed a large crowd.

I had earlier found the red Morgan and after the show caught up with another XMarker, MacMillan of Rathdown.

A really great afternoon!

**Chase** · 27th October 08, 02:00 AM

Looked like a really nice day Mael...I haven't had the priveledge of hearing ThatCelticBand yet...Do they have any CD's in production? Also, why were The Mugguivans in jeans, was it cold?

**Jerry** · 27th October 08, 04:48 AM

Originally Posted by Chase

Looked like a really nice day Mael...I haven't had the priveledge of hearing ThatCelticBand yet...Do they have any CD's in production? Also, why were The Mugguivans in jeans, was it cold?

Most of the girls from the different Irish step dancing groups change from their dance costumes back into their regular clothes after their performances and competitions. I would guess it is because they don't want to get them dirty or wrinkled by wearing them all day. I also saw several that were wearing some type of bootie or overshoe over their dancing shoes.

**macdoc451** · 27th October 08, 05:56 AM

Mael, Did the shot from Sat. turn out??? It would be great to post the all the XMarkers that gathered in the mist and rain, as well!!! Sorry I missed Sunday, as it WAS a great day! Family called, though.........
(Great shot of the Morgan, by the way!!)

**ozth3dog** · 27th October 08, 06:07 AM

Looks and sounds like it was a blast.

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 27th October 08, 07:24 AM

Great pictures (and a GREAT band), Mael Coluim-- I was glad I didn't have to head out to the Games on Saturday-- as I posted someplace else, "Misery Is A Morgan In The Rain!" Sorry I didn't get to meet more of you--
Cheers!
Rathdown