The boys ate lunch and speculated about the performance. Finally, they resolved to take it as it comes and adapt as things changed.
They showered and dressed well in advance of the time to leave and wondered if they should take their suit jackets along, it was quite warm after all. It was decided they would carry them and only wear them at the table with their parents.
The hall had a proper stage and a very nice grand piano. The bride had requested that Danny Boy be sung at the reception, so that was a command performance for Michael and Danny.
A young man in uniform asked for Dan Quickwire. Dan was rounded up and he greeted the groom John McCarrick.
"We have a little help from some expat countrymen tonight, John," Dan announced, gesturing to Liam and Danny. "Nice to meet you both lads, are we all set for the night's entertainment?" John inquired.
"We are," confirmed Dan. "We'll do our hour-and-a-half with a short break halfway through and then the DJ will take over from there."
"That sounds grand, my new father in law will be pleased. It was at his insistence that we book a band like yours for the older guests to enjoy and I believe you'll go over well with the younger set in the bargain. It should be quite the côisir, eh Dan?" John reckoned.
"We'll do our best to make that happen, John," Dan responded.
"You lads can have a drop here and there but don't let any of yas get panned or there'll be murder done, and I don't want to be arresting me new mother-in-law," John grinned.
Danny looked at Liam for an explanation about the last bit.
"He means none of us are to get drunk, but a little champagne won't be amiss," Liam grinned at him.
"Mam would kill us if we got hammered," Danny cringed at the thought.
"Excuse me Sir, do you know an Inspector Royal?" Liam asked.
"No, but I know a Detective Superintendent Royal, he's sitting with my family… he's my uncle. Why do you ask, lad?" John queried.
"I know a Sergeant Royal back home and his family are from Dublin. His name is Bryce Royal," Liam ventured.
"Is that so, I'll want to introduce you to me uncle then. He's well into our genealogy. But I must be off, I'll see you later.
"So they set up tables for us but since your parents are here you can sit with them if you want," Dan explained. "Once all the speechin' is done with, we'll take the stage and start with Michael and Danny for the bride's request."
"Got it, so Michael and I are up first, I'm good to go but he'll need to warm up a bit first, I suppose," Danny acknowledged.
"Right, I found a room where I can do me warm up and I'll do that before our time comes," Michael affirmed.
The boys checked in with Terri and Connor and discovered that another person had joined the table, so they decided to sit with the band for the meal.
"Lovely boys," Anna, the new guest commented.
"Yes they are, they're helping out the band tonight. They were a couple of players short and Maeve here knows the boy who organizes them," Terri shared.
Maeve chimed in with, "This could be the break the lads need to start getting decent bookings. They want to be playing clubs and festivals and there are people here tonight that could help make that happen."
"You must be talking about me," Desmond McClowery chuckled.
Connor inquired, "Are you in talent management?"
"Yes I am, and I'm also Peter and John's mate. When he went looking for a ceilidh band, I called Maeve for a recommendation. Hello, Maeve."
"Hello Dez, did you have a listen this morning?" Maeve prompted.
"I did, and your grandsons really filled these lads out. The apple didn't fall far, eh?" Dez grinned.
Maeve crowed, "Yes, Liam is talented but so is Danny, they're quite the duo."
"So they are, do they perform at home in California?" Dez inquired further.
"They do indeed, Liam has given Danny a taste of busking and Danny's hooked. He really enjoys it," Maeve replied. "You should hear them play together, they're fantastic and they'll both be better than I ever was."
"That's saying a lot Maeve, of course you are a bit biased," Dez chuckled.
"That may be as so, but it doesn't change the facts," Maeve returned.
The boys had all gathered near their assigned table.
"So Liam, who's yer favorite singer?" Dan questioned.
"It varies but it almost always comes back to Richard Thompson, he's really the best singer, songwriter I know of, and me Shan has recorded with him." Liam admitted. "It'd be a hard thing to say which the better guitarist is."
"Well, I think Maeve is much more versatile but Thompson is a hell of a writer and performer; he looks goofy as hell but his music is tight," Dan agreed.
"He is a bit odd looking but I'd love to meet him all the same. Maybe Shan can help with that someday. I can play a lot of his songs. We played Dimming of the Day at school and there's a girl there that sounds a lot like Bonnie Rait, everybody seemed to like it," Liam finished.
"Liked it?! The whole feckin' class cheered us standing up," Danny exclaimed.
"Daniel Patrick Dennehy, since when do you use language like that?!" Terri glared.
"Sorry Mam, I was just…." he trailed off.
"My fault Mam, it irritates him when I don't crow loud enough. Please don't be cross at him," Liam apologized.
"Well okay then, but watch the language from here on, okay?" Terri warned, turning to hide the grin on her face.
"Sorry Danny, let me explain." And he did, he told Dan about meeting Danny the first day at a new school and then about Cheri, how they played so well together and also how they roped Cheri into singing at Liam's introduction to the whole guitar class. "It was a grand day and we've been playin' together ever since," grinned Liam.
"Quite a story, so you were mates before you were brothers, eh?" Dan prompted.
"Right, our parents met because of us and now we're a family," Danny put in.
"Well, stay away from the horses, you've probably used up all yer luck," Dan laughed. "Come along lads, they're serving so we better sit down.
As they were eating, two men in uniform approached the table.
"These two here, Mike," the younger man said, pointing at Liam and Danny.
"Hello lads, I'm Detective Superintendent Michael Royal, how are you this evening?"
"Fine Sir, and you?" Liam replied.
"Aside from the monkey suit, I'm grand. I've never liked these stiff dress uniforms but for an occasion such as this, I can manage. I understand you may have a lead on one of our relatives abroad."
"Yes Sir, Bryce Royal. He lives in Claremont same as us and he's a policeman as well," Liam replied.
"Well young man, here's my card, if you would pass it on to Mr. Royal perhaps he and I can chat and I'll be able to add a bit more to our family tree," D.S. Royal requested.
"We'd be happy to, we babysit for his little boy TJ pretty often," Liam agreed.
"You lads should come by the headquarters in Phoenix Park for a tour. Just have your parents call me and I'll set up a tour for you if you're interested," the man offered.
"That sounds interesting, we'll talk to Mam and Da and see if we can make time for it," Liam smiled.
"We'll let you lads finish your dinner, you'll be going on right after my speech, and it will be a short one, I promise," D.S. Royal chuckled.
"Look at you then, personally invited to see the Garda H.Q." Dan grinned.
Danny actually looked a bit pale, "Is he like a big deal in the police?"
"You might say, he's a detective and he works on major cases, murders and that like. Unless yer a right bastard the garda don't bother yas much," Dan answered.
The best man signaled for silence and gave his speech, then the bride's father who went on a bit long extolling the beauty and virtue of his daughter. John's uncle spoke last and he was brief as promised but quite eloquent; the guests all rose to applaud all the speakers. Once that had ended the boys made their way back stage and prepared. The grand piano was positioned center stage with the lid opened toward the audience.
Michael looked a bit green at first but he nodded to Danny and they began with Danny Boy.
Michael paused at the end while the crowd applauded and then he and Danny performed Peggy Gordon. Liam joined them on the last refrain with the pipes.
The singers and musicians took their places while the piano was rolled to the rear of the stage. They played for nearly forty minutes and then took a break while the guests sat and caught their breath from the dancing.
"We're killing it out there," Dan practically shouted. Liam, the pipes are making a hell of a difference, I wish you were local, and you too, Danny."
Danny had choked up a bit while playing the first song, remembering how Liam had sung that song to him that first time.
"Well lads, have a piss or whatever and be back in ten please," Dan commanded cheerfully.
The majority formed a queue at the performers' rest room but it moved quickly. Liam had a sudden twinge about the strange toilet but knew it was just a reaction to what had happened at home. It passed quickly and he stood shoulder to shoulder with three other boys.
The second half of the evening's music went by quickly. They played and sang and the guests all applauded with vigor. While the boys cleared the stage, the DJ was setting up.
"Yas made it right difficult for me tonight, the geezers will want more of the same. I was supposed to program for the younger ones," the oddly dressed man lamented.
"It's hard to be sad about that," Dan grinned as he walked down the steps behind the others.
Danny and Liam washed and dried their faces, combed their hair and donned their suit jackets to join their parents. Most of the other musicians were heading home by cars arranged by the groom. Anna had already left so Liam and Danny joined Terri and Connor at their table.
"This DJ's the pits, nobody's dancing," Terri observed.
"They're all worn out from these lads' performance," Connor grinned.
"Who is he trying to look like in that outfit, I don't like to criticize but he looks like the dog's dinner. There's such a thing as dressing for the venue, it's a feckin' wedding for Christ's sake," Maeve grumbled.
The rest of the table burst out laughing; when that died down Liam pulled the business card from his pocket. "Da, the groom's Uncle Michael gave me his card to give to Bryce but he also invited us to a tour of the Garda headquarters in Phoenix Park. Do yas think we could fit it in?"
"If you lads want to go, we have a very flexible plan for our time here. Aside from the trip up north, nothing is planned down to the minute. There are too many variables to make that work. Our lodging on the road is the one sticking point and even that is planned with plenty of extra time," Connor shared.
Liam chuckled, "That's grand, I'm right keen to see the place. Dan said it was a big deal to get in there as a guest and not a suspect."
Danny said nothing, he was sagging a bit and it was decided that Maeve would take the boys home while Connor and Terri socialized with friends. Liam noticed two patrol cars passing the hall repeatedly. There would be no mischief in the area that evening.
Maeve rounded Liam and Danny up at nine the next morning while Connor and Terri still slept.
"Mam and Da were out late last night, weren't they," Liam grinned at Maeve.
"True, they danced quite a bit. There's been a development and we're going over to the practice hall to hear about it," Maeve shared.
Danny and Liam looked at each other, neither knowing what this was about.
Desmond McClowery met them at the door and shook their hands.
"Sorry we didn't meet last night lads, but I was impressed by your talent. Your contribution gave this band the boost it needed to get some very serious attention. Now I know you're here on vacation and I don't want to interfere with that, but the lads have an opportunity to do a recording session in a few weeks. Would you be agreeable to contributing to that?" Dez questioned.
"I don't know, maybe. We won't take money for it, I have a competition next year and I want to keep my amateur status. That's why we didn't let the band pay us for the gig," Liam insisted.
"Understood, we can make a statement to that effect on the recording notes. We can set up a session for you lads to record against a master which means you'd be playing along with a recording of the band. Our engineers would take your recording and join it up with the master, easy peasy, right lads?" Dez urged.
"Mam and Da would have to agree, what do you think Danny, would you like to do it?" Liam queried.
"It sounds really neat but everything I've heard about the music business makes me nervous," Danny hedged.
"You've no worries there lads, Dez is one of the good ones and he knows what I'd be doin' to him if anyone put a foot wrong with my lads," Maeve smiled.
"No one crosses Maeve, trust me lads, it's more than me life's worth," Dez agreed.
Dan Quickwire had remained silent the whole time and he watched with rapt attention as Liam and Danny thought about the proposition and conferred.
"If our parents allow it, we'll do it. I doubt that Shan would have brought it this far if she didn't think they'd go along," Liam said at last.
"It's true, I think they'd be happy to do anything that might further your music careers if you truly want them," Maeve supplied.
"Wonderful," Dez erupted, "this will make a big difference and once the session is done, Dan can look for a piper and a pianist for their gigs, which should be numerous when we're done."
Dan let out his breath, "Thanks lads, and thanks to you Dez, we've a chance to get somewhere. It's really hard to break in at their ages but this will help a lot."
Dez turned to Danny, "So Dan, I have to ask, where does the name Quickwire come from? I checked and it doesn't show up as an Irish surname."
"Oh that, I'm sort of my school's media geek; my family name is McGuire and Quickwire McGuire is what they call me at school. So Danny Quickwire is me stage name."
"Fair enough, we enjoyed playin' along with yas and the lads last night and we'd be happy to help yas on yer way." Liam smiled broadly and offered his hand. The two boys shook and then the two Dannys and finally Dez.
"It's really weird being on this side of the road for me Shan, maybe I should have sat in the back," Danny remarked as Maeve shepherded the old Opel down the road.
"You'll get used to it, Danny me sweet. It used to bother me in Germany and France but now I can make the switch without too much thought. The trick isn't the drivin', it's the walkin' that'll get yas killed if yas forget where yas are. So just remember the traffic comes from yer right here. At least in the near lane, got it?" Maeve asked him.
"Yes Shan, that's good to know. I hadn't given it much thought," Danny acknowledged.
"Well now you know and don't forget, there's some shite drivers in this town," Maeve warned.
When they arrived back at Maeve's home, they found Connor and Terri drinking tea and contemplating breakfast.
"Hello dears, have you recovered sufficiently to consider a development?" Maeve asked.
"I believe so, what's up?" Connor quizzed.
Maeve explained the request for the boys to record in a studio in California so their performance could be mixed with the bands.
"I don't see an issue as long as it doesn't interfere with your schoolwork," Connor agreed.
"Imagine that, the two of you in a recording studio at your age, what an exciting experience for you. Those boys must really have been in awe of your abilities, although they were all very good," Terri added.
"We had a pretty good time playing along with them and they were a good group and really talented," Danny put in.
"I have Dan's number so I'll let him know and Shan can call Dez," Liam reported.
Dan was very happy that he didn't have to wait long for news and even happier that Liam and Danny's parents agreed.
"We'll see you around then Dan, we'll be in town here the rest of the week and then up to the north," Liam told him.
"Since Mam and I moved a few streets over you can always give me a bell if you want to jam or just hang out," Dan offered.
"We'll take you up on that," Liam agreed and they disconnected.
"Well, that's done Danny, we'll likely see Dan around while we're here, he doesn't live far," Liam announced.
"I thought he lived behind this house," Danny puzzled.
"He did but there's a Danish family back there now, nice people and adorable children," Maeve offered. "When Danny's da passed he and his mam moved a few lanes west of here, Dan kept his lessons up with me and he became quite a good player."
"That he is, I didn't know about his da, he never mentioned it. But he thinks you play better than Richard Thompson, maybe someday you can introduce me to him," Liam hinted.
"Oh, that would be something, I think he'd like that. I talked his ear off about you last time we had a session," Maeve chuckled. "Perhaps next time you visit we can go and see him either in Hamburg or London, how does that sound"?
"And Danny as well," Liam insisted.
"To be sure," Maeve agreed, "of course Danny wasn't known to me when last I saw Richard."
"Then it sounds grand Shan, I would truly like to meet him," Liam declared.
"You've met plenty of musicians of considerable note, why Richard?" Maeve inquired.
"His music means something to me that I can't easily explain," Liam answered.
"So it's not a matter of celebrity then, I thought not," Maeve allowed. "You never did seem to care how big a name we bumped into as long as they could play guitar," Maeve chuckled.
Liam blushed, "I really didn't understand the concept of bein' famous back then, did I?"
"No, I don't suppose you did, it made it all the more comical and precious to me though," Maeve smiled.
"So, do you lads want to visit the Garda headquarters then?" Connor inquired.
"I think I would Da, how about you Danny?" Liam prodded.
"Sounds cool to me, as long as we can leave when we're ready," Danny grinned.
"I'll make the call Monday and see when it can be done," Connor advised.
The family toured various parts of Dublin on Sunday and returned home late in the evening. Monday morning Connor made the call to D.S. Royal and found his assistant was already up to speed about the tour.
"Yes Sir, the Superintendent briefed me and I can arrange a tour easily. There will have to be an adult in attendance however," Staff Officer Kendall explained in a Belfast lilt.
"That seems reasonable to me, it will be me as comes with them," Connor agreed.
Bridgette Kendall took down the names that were to attend and explained where to park and which entrance to use.
"We're all set for Wednesday lads, you've the day free but we have plans for tomorrow, so be available," Connor advised.
Liam and Danny called and they met up with Dan Quickwire. They played football until older boys took over the pitch for a scheduled match. They watched them play for a bit and went in search of lunch. They took over an empty outside table at a chip shop and had cod and chips. For Danny it was a new experience. It was nothing like the California version and he and Liam savored the tastes and the conversation.
"Have you been to a McDonalds over here yet?" Dan solicited.
"We don't even eat that shite at home. It's rubbish, I doubt there's any genuine food value and it gives me the scoots anyway," Liam replied.
Dan laughed, "I guess I thought all Americans ate there at least a couple of times a week. I'm told what they serve varies from country to country. Or at least what goes into it."
"Many do, but not us. If I have to resort to fast food and there's no place around I trust, I go to a Burger King or Arby's but I don't know if they're over here. We have some nice little hamburger joints in Claremont and they use real potatoes and meat for the chips and burgers. Plus they cook it properly, I hate getting a pink burger. A rare steak is one thing but ground beef is somethin' else," Liam vented.
"I don't eat there either, they make good burgers here and Supermac's is closer than the McD's and the food is better. There's a Burger King in the city but I've never heard of Arby's, what do they serve?" Dan inquired.
"Mostly it's roast beef sandwiches on a hamburger roll. The meat is thin sliced and they have a sauce that adds to the flavor. But there's better food to be had and they're good in a pinch. We have a place nearby that sells French Dips and they are fantastic," Liam sighed, drawing out the syllables.
"We've Matty's down the southern way not far from here, you should try it while you're here. They have both beef and pork dipped sandwiches and they're not stingy with the juice or sauces. Their chips are feckin' stellar too," Dan imparted.
"Better than here?" Danny goggled.
"I think so, nice and crisp is the way I like them, I hate getting a near raw chip in a batch," Dan replied.
"Fair enough, we'll want to try them while we're here, maybe you'll come along, eh?" Liam suggested.
"Ooooh, I'm full and I'm sleepy. Let's go back to Shan's for a nap," Danny requested.
"Let me clear up and we'll walk back," Liam volunteered. Liam bused the table and the three boys ambled back to Maeve's so Danny could get a snooze in.
Liam raided Maeve's collection of guitars and he and Dan played together for a while. When Dan's phone buzzed, it was time for him to be home. They said their goodbyes and Dan sprinted down the street.
"I think he left it a bit late, I hope he doesn't get cracked for it," Liam muttered.
A short laugh sounded, it was Connor. "It didn't take you long to go native, eh lad?"
"You should listen to yerself then, yer as bad as me and all," Liam giggled.
"Both of us have some work to do when we get home I suppose," Connor smiled.
"Be sure and wear comfortable shoes tomorrow, there'll be plenty of walkin'. We'll be givin' Danny an education about the 1916 Revolution. I think it's important that he knows what it took to form the Republic," Connor explained.
Liam smiled thoughtfully, "And yer right, I've taught him some, but there's much he needs to know. I think it will be good all the same Da."
Names like Eamon De Valera, Padraig Pearse and Michael Collins swam in Liam's head. Many had suffered for Irish independence from the Crown and Liam took it seriously.
Liam decided to follow Danny's example and lay down beside him for a snooze.
When he woke, he found Danny and Connor chatting while Connor sliced a large corned beef roast. Meanwhile, Maeve was tending to another batch of chips in the fryer.
"Would you like me to fry up some onions to go with, eh Da?" Liam asked.
"If you like, I've already sliced them and they're in that covered dish at the end.
Tuesday was indeed a day of learning. Danny picked up a lot about the 1916 Revolution that ultimately resulted in the Republic of Ireland. They started at the Cathal Brugha barracks in Rathmines. They moved on to the Pearse museum with its comprehensive exhibits. By the end of the day, Danny was very somber, as were Liam and Connor. The trip brought home the feudal oppression of the Irish people by the Crown.
"Da, should I hate the British? I thought they were friends but after all this I don't know," Danny muttered.
"No, there's no reason to hate the British people these days or the Crown, a lot of people hung on to that for quite a spell but there's a good relationship with the UK now," Connor answered softly as they rode the tram back to the car park.
"It's always good to learn about yer roots Danny, and you have to take the good with the bad. Our grievance with the Crown goes back centuries, but it's good to know your own history. They were hard times for the people of Ireland but there was actually a lot of support for independence among the British people. Things were hopelessly muddled with so many Irish regiments gone to fight in the Great War," Liam chimed in.
"But what about WWII it says Ireland was neutral?" Danny asked.
"That's true, they had to navigate a narrow path during the war, Britain couldn't defend Ireland from German invasion and the Germans were considering that very thing. Thousands of Irish served in the RAF and the British Army. Ireland played a role in helping the Allied intelligence services. Ireland remains neutral but contributes troops to UN peace keeping efforts," Connor explained.
Danny sighed, "I guess that makes sense, it's a lot to absorb in one day Da."
"That it is lad, but at least you've learned some things they don't teach in American schools," Connor soothed.
Danny remained reserved for the rest of the afternoon, thinking quietly by himself in the back garden of Maeve's cottage.
"Are you okay, Sweetheart?" Terry plied. "You've been sitting out here for a while."
"I'm fine Mom, I was just digesting what I learned today. I had the same feeling that I had when I learned how Native Americans were treated once Europeans landed. There were a lot of Sullivans and Dennehys in the U.S. Cavalry. It's just a lot to take in. I'm fine now, I just needed to think," Danny smiled warmly at his mother.
"What do you fancy for your dinner, Sweety?"
"Whatever's being served I guess, everything I've had here has been good," Danny grinned.
"I think I'll take what's left of the corned beef and make a three bean casserole. That is unless your dad has other ideas. Maeve is on a business call in her office so I'm sort of winging it," Terri explained.
"That sounds good Mom, I'm up for whatever we do, so long as I eat something," Danny laughed.
"Danny took the day to himself, didn't he? I didn't think he'd be so brought down by it. I'm going to go out and check on him Da," Liam declared.
"I think he just needed some time to process what he learned today, This land isn't all harps and leprechauns, it took a great deal to bring about independence. Six years of fighting and negotiation and many killed on both sides. It's a serious matter but every Irishman should know as you do," Connor told Liam quietly.
"That's true Da, I'll just go see how he's doin' then."
Liam met Danny and Terri at the garden door.
"How are yas feelin' Danny?"
"I'm fine, I just needed to get things right in my mind. Some of what I learned today hit pretty hard," Danny smiled.
"I understand, and I can't understand it for yas. Do yas fancy a snack? Shan has some good crisps and biscuits," Liam suggested.
"Wow, you've completely reverted haven't you," Terri chuckled.
"I suppose I have, but I'll be fine once we're home for a while," Liam replied, not curbing his accent.
"Your father is doing only a bit better than you. He'll need lessons when we get home," Terry grinned.
"Nah, he makes the transition much easier than I do," Liam countered.
"Well for the company's sake, I hope so," Terri remarked.
Liam and Danny grabbed a snack and discussed what the next day would bring.