CelticWomanForum.com

Hey guys,

I'm going to post each question and it's answer in it's own post. This thread will be sticked for the foreseeable future so that you all can search to see if your question has already been asked and answered.

Also, for whatever reason, the database didn't make it all in one piece. It went through 3 people so there's no telling where the stuff got lost. Most of what was missing are the posts with questions in them. From Órlagh's response we've guessed at the question and filled in the blanks. Anytime that we had to guess, we put our guesses in [ ].

aislin

Joe W: Orlagh,

After seeing the Skating special, I just have to know. How did you all (esp. Mairead) keep from cracking up and rolling on the floor laughing when they did the "kilted" routine?  It was obvious that Mairead was smiling a lot while playing, but c'mon, that was hilarious.  I don't know if I'll ever be able to forget that when I kilt up!!!

Cheers,

Joe W

Órlagh: Hi Joe,
We all had great fun recording the skating spectacular. We were totally blown away by the skaters.They were amazing. I think Mairead did a fantastic job during her solo. We all watched it during the run-through earlier in the day. She was her usual brilliant self and I think she really enjoyed it.

Chava: Hello Orla,
I too am anxiously waiting to see you perform, in Little Rock.  It is a long trip but well worth it.  I did have a question.  I read that you sang a solo on the Duggan's new album Rubicon.  What was that like?  Are they excited about Celtic Woman bringing their songs to a new audience?

Chava

Órlagh: I sang a few solos on The Rubicon album. The first was called Memories, another was called Hughie, another was called Fanann na cnoic and I also sang The Silent Spring.

Dianne: Hi Orla,

I was wondering if you were going to make a new CD sometime soon? I know that you've been busy with the two new CW CDs as well as the DVD, not to mention the tour. However, is there a chance that my wish might be granted?

Thanks,
Dianne

Órlagh: Hi Dianne,
I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to answer your query but it's taken me a while to get the hang of posting on the forum. At long last I think I finally have it sorted. Thank-you for your enquiry about a new album.
I would dearly love to record a new cd and hope to do so in the future.However we are extremely busy with the forthcoming launch of the new Celtic Woman album, (which is on Wednesday by the way) and the forthcoming tour. It isn't likely that there will be a new  solo album for a while but I hope very much to get into the studio in the future.

Maureen: Hi Orlagh, what is the best venue you have played at? Carnegie Hall, Radio City, perhaps Red Rocks or maybe another one?

You are the best by the way

Hugs,
Maureen

Órlagh: Hello Maureen,
I think Carnegie Hall will always stand out as one of the most special nights of my life as playing there was the realization of a life-long dream.I actually had to pinch myself to realize I was really there. It was so wonderful to sing and play on that stage and it was really special to have my family in the audience.
The other venue that really stood out for me was Red Rocks. It was the most glorious venue.We ended our Summer tour there last year and what a way to end the tour!! We all came home on a high.I felt that there was something very sacred about red rocks. Everything about it was magical.
These are two nights that I will never forget but I genuinely feel that every single venue has it's own bit of magic and we always carry something away with us from each show.

Elizabeth: Hello dear Orlagh!

We are absolutely beside ourselves with excitement over the upcoming tour!! WE'VE MISSED YOU! Cheesy

Here are my questions:

-How many people can comfortably be accommodated on just one bus? (I realize that the words "comfortably" and "bus" should probably not even be used in the same sentence. Cheesy) How many people can travel in "relative comfort" on one bus?

-Are you able to have any privacy at all on a bus when you share it with that many people?

Counting the days until you arrive,
Elizabeth  xo

Órlagh: Hello Elizabeth,
As you know we have a few your busses on the road when we're touring and I can really only tell you a few things about our bus as they are all different and they all have different amounts of people on them.
On our bus,there are just the 5 soloists and the kids and Rachael ,our tour manager.
The bus is very comfortable and we sometimes watch a DVD ,play some cd's or just sit and chat for a whle after the show.We always relax and unwind on the bus after each show and we always have great fun chatting together.
If you want to just get away and have a bit of space for yourself,you can relax and read or watch a DVD in your bunk.
To me,the bus is like our little haven away from it all

SusanZ: Hi Orla,

Just wondering ..do you still get a little nervous before a concert? And if so, how do you handle it? I perform as well and opening night jitters never go away no matter how long I've been performing! I always find once I get onstage and get my first lines out I am okay. Everyone is different - some performers pace, some go off to be by themselves,etc. How about you?

Also, does having family and friends out in the audience make a difference in your performance? You seem the consummate professional and,judging by your performance,give 100% to every audience! But, does having people there who are close to you effect your performance any - sometimes,it makes me more nervous because I want to be perfect for them!

Órlagh: I always have butterflies in my tummy before a performance. I think it's good though as I always want to give of my very best to the people who have come along to see us.
Usually the butterflies disappear when you get out on stage and feel the energy and goodwill of the crowd.
I find I do get a bit more nervous when my family are at a show as they know me and my Music better than anyone and there's no one like your family to tell you what they thought of your performance!

Chava: This is more of a silly question, but I am curious.  I just got your The Water is Wide cd, which is absolutely fabulous.  My favorite songs on it are Carrickfergus and Na Buachailli Alainn.  On the cover, your eyes are bright blue.  I also recently bought the dvd of A New Journey,  which I also absolutely love.  My favorites on that are also Carrickfergus and Newgrange.  In the dvd your eyes look green.  Just curious to know which are they?  Keep making wonderful music Orla, you make a lot of people happy around the world.

P.S. I just wanted you to know I teach fourth grade in an inner city school in the Houston area, and when the kids are doing independent work, I play music on the cd player.  I started playing both Celtic Woman cd's and The Water is Wide.  The kids love it (and believe me, half of them didn't know where Ireland was before I told them) and even wanted to learn how to sing Siuil A Run.  So, you ARE making a difference in people's lives.

Órlagh: Hello there,
My eyes are blue. I know that with different make-up they can look a different colour but they are definately blue.
Thank-you so much for your lovely comments about my Music. I was  thrilled to hear that your students liked the songs. I was a teacher in a past life and I was always amazed at the way in which Music touched my students. Even the more lively kids were always so gentle and relaxed when I used to bring my harp into the classroom. It seemed to have a very calming affect on them.

Wicklow: This was posted on lisa's forum a question for her! but i had the need to ask you!
Orla,
Do you Drink Tea or Coffee?

for me its tea..my stomach is tooo sensative to Coffee Grinds..i do enjoy an Iced Coffee once in awhile. but ive been drinking tea my entire life..id much rather it over coffee! ahha!  :D

-Leila "Wickie"

Órlagh: Hi Leila,
I don't drink tea at all and I am not a mad coffee person. I like the odd Starbucks when I'm on the road but I'd never have more than two coffees a week.

Joelyn: Orla,
We lived in England for 3+ years (oh, the countryside whispered to my soul) and I just can't imagine not having a hot drink to warm you through the winters.  Before we moved to England, my husband and I were big hot cocoa fans. Now we drink several cups of herbal, PG Tips and Barry's tea each day.  If you don't drink any tea and are not a big coffee fan (me neither), are there any hot drinks you do enjoy?  With the warmth you send forth when you sing, maybe your soul provides enough warmth to get you through the Irish winters Smiley>?!?!
Joelynxx

Órlagh: Hi Joelyn,
I drink a lot of warm honey and lemon. I find it's good for the voice. If I can get ginger I like to add it to the honey and lemon also.

Irishheart: Orlagh

I think most fans know the story about you selling your pony for a harp and then having the money stolen. Thankfully your dad came to the rescue with funds.

I am left with a few questions.  Hopefully they are not too stupid

I believe you play a lever harp made by Salvi. Andreja, the harpist that performs so often with Celtic Woman plays what I've heard called a Concert harp. What can you tells us about different harps?

I notice some of your strings are red.  Is that coincidence or is that a mechanism to locate octaves or something?  How often are the strings changed?

In previous tours your harp was shipped ahead by as much as two weeks. When your Salvi is traveling ahead do you use your previous harp (or did you sell it to get a pony)

Last question for now. Although some fans seem to think  your harp case has amazing capabilities, in the real world it looks to be a very substantial and yet vital piece of equipment to move around especially if planes are involved.  Do you have any stories you can share with us about traveling with your instrument?

Thanks so much for taking the time to look these over and hopefully enlighten us about your partner in music.

Le Gra,
irish heart

Órlagh: Hi Jan,
There are a few differences between the Irish harp and the concert harp, the main difference being that an Irish harp has levers and the concert harp has pedals. You may have noticed when I'm playing that I sometimes change the levers and this is how you change key. On the concert harp you change key with the pedal. In this next tour I am very fortunate that Salvi are providing me with a harp and so my own harp is at home at the moment. It used to take a long time to ship the harp home so I used to play my old harp that I had in school.
I've no really funny stories about my harp case except many years ago when I was in college a mouse stowed away into the case and I got such a fright when I was taking out the harp that I dropped the harp on top of the poor mouse and killed it.

Irishheart: Thank so much for taking time to answer my questions. The harp is an instrument I find beautiful, magical, and of course Oh so Irish and I am fascinated by it.

If I were killed by a harp falling on me (like the mouse) I would think it was a case of being in heaven well before the devil knew I was gone.  :D

I play at the guitar (please no one ask for a demo you will not enjoy it) and the thing I dislike is changing out the strings and getting it back in tune - and the guitar only has 6 strings!

* Would you please describe how you manage replacement of the strings on your harp (all at once, as they break, annually, quarterly, new moon, etc.) What about cleaning?

* How long does it take to replace the whole set (and how many is that)

* What, if anything do the red strings denote? (I'm guessing octaves)

* From your previous response it seems you've had your school harp and now your Salvi. Is that accurate?

Speaking of Salvi, Bravo to them for providing you a tour harp this time. I think having to ship your instrument to travel separately from yourself would understandably be grounds for apoplexy during the separation.  And I do admit to having a mental picture of you in a mini cooper buzzing up M5 to Dublin with the top of the case poking out the sun roof.  Grin

Go n-eiri an bothar leat and Failte to America once again

Órlagh: Hi Jan,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your posting.In response to your questions all the red strings on the harp are c strings. When a string breaks it usually takes only a minute to change it. It's another story to re-string the harp though. There are 34 strings on my harp and it's a tedious job to change them all at once. I usually re-string once a year and a harp-maker in Dublin does it for me.
I had another harp that my Dad bought me for Christmas when I was in college. I have really fallen for my new Salvi harp though. It has 36 strings and looks and sounds amazing.

mc521212: Orlagh, have you ever considered recording "May it Be", I know Lisa sings it but I would love to hear you perform it.  Not sure if that would be considered "bad taste" or not.  Just wondering.

Órlagh: Hello there,
I have always loved May It Be and one day I would like to record it. I have to say though that I think Lisa does a great job on her recording of the song.

Alanna: Hi Orla,
I just love visiting this forum everyday even though I might not have anything to say because for some reason this place feels very friendly and relaxing - very much like your music!

Anyway I just had a sudden impulse to say thank you. It's one of those things that happens sometimes, you know... I'm so full of gratitude right now. I'm surprised. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened but I feel very blessed and thankful. This evening I watched ANJ DVD again and I just spent some time thinking about things and it really hit me how much your music has done for me. It hasn't really done anything that would be considered "miraculous," but my life is so much better with your soothing voice in it  :D Ever since I discovered your music it's like a whole new world has been opened up for me to see. I never knew how much music could do to a person; I think it has changed the whole person in my case. It's funny - people around me seem to be able to see the change. I guess the love radiates, and I've been able to help bring peace and relaxation to others around me by introducing your music to them. It's really quite amazing in numerous other ways as well because I'm a quite forgetful girl but whenever I hear Siuil A Run I remember what I was trying to remember, and Carrickfergus is simply indescribable - it's so beautiful, especially with your magical harp. Plus, I never thought I'd be so addicted to music but now I find that I cannot live without it. The right kind brings so much joy and happiness.

Well, I've probably said all the things that many others have said to you before but I just hope that my heartfelt appreciation for you can be transferred across these words on the computer. I love you and your voice and everything that you're doing, Orla. Thank you for singing - and playing - so gorgeously!

May God's blessings be with you always,
Loni (Alanna)

P.S. How do you prefer your name to be spelled, Orla or Orlagh?  :P

Órlagh: Hello Alanna,
Thank-you for your lovely posting. It really means a lot.
You asked how I like to spell my name. I prefer Orlagh but for professional reasons I use Orla as it is easier for people to pronounce.

Richard: A New Journey is a very Powerful and emotional concert.
Started in Tampa and it only got better in Providence and Pittsburgh.  It was so nice to see you again in Providence and Pittsburgh it was nice to see Meav again and Haley was so nice she does add so much to the show.

My question is what happened to the outfits in "At the Ceili"

I am going to post a like question on Lisa's site not sure which will be read first.

Well two more shows to go Orlando and Wolf Trap.

Love
Richard

Órlagh: Hi Richard,
We decided to change the ceili costumes when we were putting together our New Journey tour and I have to say that I really like the new ones.

Julie: Hello Orla!
I hope all is going well for you and the other girls on the tour. I can't wait for the concert in Cincinnati, Ohio even if I will be coming straight from a softball game Smiley I just wanted to say thanks for rekindling my passion for music. I used to be involved with community music organizations and my school's choir. But over the past few years, I just kinda stopped. When I heard the song The Sky and The Dawn and The Sun, and I saw how much fun you guys were having, it made me want to sing again. So after all my rambling, I just wanted to say thank you so much and that you are amazing Grin

Your fan,
Julie

p.s. What do you do to keep yourself entertained when you are traveling between cities? I know this has been asked on Lisa's forum, but I was curious as to what your answer would be.

Órlagh: Hi julie,
I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your posting. When we're on the road I like to relax by either watching a movie or shopping. Sometimes I just catch up on sleep though.

Kevin: I am interested in finding out about the humorous side of your travels during your tours to America and/or elsewhere.  Are there any funny stories or events that have occurred?

Are one or more of you practical jokers when on tour?

Kevin

Órlagh: We certainly have lots of fun when we're on the road. There is always lots of laughter on the tour bus and in the dressing rooms.

greenfire6: Salvi harps? (mod note: For whatever reason, the database ate all but the words Salvi Harps from this post. aislin)

Órlagh: Hello David,
Thanks so much for your post.
I am delighted and proud that Salvi Harps have sponsored me for the past 3 years. Salvi have given me the use of a beautiful harp that I played in the CW show and I have played it on my new album. It has the most amazing sound and I am so attached to it. On the new album I recorded a set of harp tunes and I'm very happy with the result.
Salvi have been wonderful and always facilitate me with a harp if I am giving a performance at a venue where I can't bring my own harp along. They make the most amazing harps in the world!

greenfire6: Salvi Harps website (clicking directly from your temporary website) and was surprised to see they are located in Anaheim, California, USA. Their harps are all so visually beautiful. I see Salvi does loads of activities to support musicians too.

Good to know you have recorded a number of harp tunes on Guide You Home

Donny: Hello Orlagh, forgive me because I'm sure this post is going to be mainly me blabbering about things until I get to the actual question I would like to ask. *laughs*

First of all, I just wanted to let you know how much of an inspiring musician you have been for me. I know that a lot of your music was inspired by your Grandmother---which is pretty much the same story as my own. My Grandmother inspired me to get into music (I sing and play the saxophone), and every time I play/sing I feel her presence almost. I went to the Celtic Woman performance at Auburn Hills, Michigan last May and after reading your biography in the book---I was astounded and inspired by how you feel toward things. It was such a stunning experience for me, and I was so gratified to see you on stage. =]

Now then...the question. When I see you performing on the DVDs, especially in the song "Newgrange", you seem so inspired and passionate as you sing/play. This is a very odd question---but what were you feeling the first time you performed "Newgrange" in front of a live audience? (Obviously that is currently my favorite song haha)

<3

Donny =]

Órlagh: Hello Donny,

I'm so delighted to hear that your Grandmother is your inspiration in your Music too!! Where would we be without grandparents!

I can remember the first time I performed Newgrange in Slane for the DVD filming. I had butterflies in my tummy before I went on stage and then once the music started and I began to walk out on the stage, I just got lost in the song. I was thinking of how mystical the words were and tried to capture the mysticism in my singing. I just went into another world.

bpea55: Dear Orlagh, Since you are now doing the Solo CD and are now on your own, will you have the same booking agent or a new one? If so, do you know who yet?

I think it would be a great experience for students in my area to see you perform and maybe do a Master Class on Harp as well as sing.
A number of my students Love your voice and are intrigued by the Irish Harp.
So I just thought if you'd had any touring thoughts, perhaps I could start planning.
Just curious... I wouldn't want to let the cat out of the bag or anything...so to speak  ;D
Bruce

Hello Bruce,

Thanks for your post.

At the moment I am in talks with someone about coming back to America to do some concerts. I will make an announcement here on the web-site as soon as I receive any confirmation of any forthcoming events.

Binti: Hi, Orlagh.  I was so touched by your story of having to choose between your pony and the harp. I was wondering if you now have both.  Binti

Órlagh: Hello Binti,

I still have the harp that my Dad bought me when I was in school after my money was stolen when I sold my pony.

I don't have any horses here at the moment as I wouldn't have time to look after them and exercise them properly.

Binti: Thank you so much, Orlagh, for taking the time to visit us on the forum and to answer questions.  It is so exciting to know you really do check in with us. You are so special and I hope you are having a great day in your magical winterland.

zankoku: I read somewhere that you did not really have comuter access and used the local library computers.

Do you still head to the library or do you now have your own internet access? Do you use a PC or a laptop?

Jim

Órlagh: Hi Jim,

I use a lap-top. We found it very difficult to get broadband connection here in the house as we're out in the country  and I used to have to go into the library to check my e-mails.
Thankfully we have broadband in the house now and it's a lifesaver!!

Dianne: Hi Orla,

I was wondering if you attended any of the rehearsals for the new CW show? I thought that perhaps you had done so since you were part of the group for so long.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Dianne

Órlagh: Hello Dianne,

I'm afraid I didn't get to see any of the Celtic Woman rehearsals as they took place in America and I'm over here in Ireland.

I've heard the first few shows were stunning though and I wish the girls, David and all the gang all the very best with the tour. I know it will be amazing!!

Jim M.: Hi Orlagh -

As you traveled many miles by bus in the US, I was wondering if you had any favorite places you visited or scenery that you enjoyed.

Thank you.
Jim

Órlagh: I have to say that I love America and we visited so many different towns and cities and each place had it's own magic and charm.

I have to say though that I particularly loved Boston and New York is my favourite city in the world!!

bpea55: Dear Orlagh,
When you tune your Harp, do you have to set the temperment, as with a Piano?
It seems that you would have to align the harmonics to make it speak consistantly.
I was just curious.  
Bp

Órlagh: Hi Bruce,

People say that all harpists spend 99% of their time tuning their harp and 1% playing!!

Because there are quite a lot of strings, tuning does tend to take up quite a bit of time.

I tune my harp in the key of e flat and I use an electronic tuner for accuracy. I't's also much faster than using the old tuning fork!!
 

Kelli: [When you taught school, what did you teach?]

Órlagh: Hi Kells,

I taught in a secondary school here for 5 years. I was just 22 when I qualified as a teacher. A secondary school is the equivalent of your high school.

I taught Music and took choirs. I also taught some Gaelic and Irish harp at home.

I used to teach the smaller kids Music and singing at my Mother's school in Knockanna so as you can see, I was pretty busy !
I enjoyed my teaching a lot and always had lots of stories about the different kids I encountered! I had to make the decision whether to remain teaching or concentrate on performance after a time as it just wasn't possible to keep doing the two. I'm glad I chose the latter as while I loved teaching, my real love is performing.

Wickie: Hi Orlagh,

You said you liked to read...

So what's your favorite book, and who's your favorite author? [Mine is Marian Keyes]

Wickie xx

Órlagh: I have to say that Brendan Graham has written some amazing books. I don't think I've ever read any novels that have moved me as much as his.

They are deeply haunting and moving.

Chris: Do you text, and if you do, how full is your inbox? My friends call me a text nut, if that gives you any idea. I currently have -checks- 100 messages in mine.

Órlagh: I do text but I try to delete messages from my in-box every week.

celticdreamer00: [What do you grow in your garden?]


Órlagh: Hi Andi,

I have lots of different kinds of plants here in the garden. I have fruit trees, roses which I adore and an herbaceous border which has many different kinds of plants. It requires a lot of work though.

Jillebeans: Hello Orlagh,

I was curious what kind of fruit trees do you have and what kind of fruit trees can grow in Ireland? Also was kind of roses do you enjoy? My favorite ones are well I don't know their name but, I call them fire and ice. They are white with red around the tops.

Thanks for all that you do,
Jill  :)

Órlagh: Hi Jill,

I have apple trees, both eating and cooking.

I also have a quince and some pear trees.

Craig: Hi Orlagh,

Just wanted to say again tough was in letter to with gift I sent you last November. That I was happy to see you all at the Greek May 2007 and the ACC tapings July 2007 motivated me to go to Ireland for the first time and out of USA. And was very short stay and think about it everyday and have to go back. I have alot of questions but one of them is have traveled to other parts of Ireland?? Where did you go to?

Órlagh: Hi Craig,

Ireland is such a small country in comparison to America and I've pretty got around to seeing most of the country.

I love Wicklow, west Cork, Kerry, Donegal and Galway.

[celticdreamer00: Órlagh, do you believe in or use any kind of natural remedies?
Andi]

Órlagh: Hello Andi,

I'm a great believer in taking some Manuka honey in warm water every morning with some lemon. It's wonderful for building up your immune system.

I also swear by boiled root ginger with honey and lemon for a cold. I used to hate the taste but I've been taking it for so many years now that I like it .

Wickie: Hi Orlagh,

It's so nice to see you on here and myspace.

i wanted to ask you a question about singing.
I'm still trying to develop my range, and at the moment failing miserably.

I was wondering if you had any tips for working on that?

and also, i decided to try my hand at harp again [seeing as last year i had
to stop because of all the craziness that went on]
There's no decent teacher in our area that gives lessons that don't cost an arm and a leg

i was wondering if you knew any good books for beginners? or something along those lines.

Hope all is well,

Wickie xxxx

Órlagh: Hello Wickie,

I'm delighted to hear that you are singing again! That's wonderful news!

I do vocal warm -ups every day, lots of scales and arpeggios .It's not very pleasant for anyone who has to listen to them!! If you could do something similar it would be very good for you. Is there a singing teacher in school who could go through some warm-ups with you? You could perhaps record them and do them at home.

There are some lovely Irish harp books by Cairde Na Cruite and they go through tunes and are great fun. I'm not sure if you can get them in the US though. You could contact Cairde and they might mail them to you.

Good luck with it all!!

Wickie: Thank you so much..
I'll talk with the Choir Director about it today.

Ha-ha i'll for sure look into Cairde Na Cruite, although i'm fairly sure The little music stores in our area won't have them.

Thank you so much Orlagh! It was really helpful!

Craig: Hi Orlagh,
On your first US tour , natrually you nervous yet happy. What did you do? The first show and where?

Órlagh: My first ever show with CW was in Cleveland Ohio and we were all really nervous! It feels like such a long time ago now.

We had over a week of rehearsals and worked really hard. Once we were on the stage however the nerves disappeared and it was the first of many wonderful experiences of performing in The US.

zankoku: Orla

While you do not have horses at the moment, what breed of horse do you like and have you ever ridden Western Style rather than English style?

Jim

Órlagh: I have never ridden western style. I'd love to try it some day though!

Singergirl: Hi Orla!

I've noticed that all of your outfits seem to be really unique and beautiful! How would you define your own clothing style and who/what inspires your outfits?

Also, have you any advice for a student who is taking a difficult class in harmony? I am having numerous problems learning about tonicization of chords...I also keep accidentally writing forbidden parallels and hidden fifths, etc! It is driving me insane :)

Thank you!!!

Órlagh: Hello there,

I'm a real clothes addict!! I have three sisters and all four of us love clothes!

I really like clothes that are quite old-world looking and love vintage prints and fabrics.

Good luck with all the harmony lessons! I used to teach Music as you know and I used to play the harmonies that the students wrote back to them and get them to tell me how they sounded. Remember you are making Music and it's how it sounds that's important. When you get used to hearing things you will visualize them easier.

jawilla: Orla,
  I LOVE Siuil a Run - and recently found out it's one of your favorites also.  I am SO glad you sang it at the concert in Tallahassee, even though it's not part of the New Journey CD.  But I do have a question.  Once I fell in love with the Celtic Woman DVD that my husband introduced me to (he loves DVDs - especially music videos, and tries to find any he thinks I'd enjoy too), I went out and bought the solo CDs of yours, Lisa's, Maev's, Chloe's and Mairead's.  (I like yours best! - I love your voice, it's so warm and friendly).  But anyhow, to my question.  Between your version of Siuil a Run and Lisa's the words seem to be different.  Are they really, or is it just a matter of pronunciation?
  I think it's awesome that your grandmother taught you this song.  I never had the opportunity to have any family traditions or anything that I could teach my own daughter to pass down through the family, and I think that's so special.  I heard you say in the interview that was linked to in one of the other pages that you had lost your grandmother, but I'm sure that every time you sing this song it makes you feel close to her again.  That makes it that much more special, and I feel like I can hear your emotions through this song when you sing it.

Órlagh: Thank-you so much for your lovely comments about Siuil A Run. You were asking about the difference between my version and Lisa's and the words are the same but we pronounce them differently. There are 4 different dialects of Gaelic and my Gaelic is different to Lisa's.

pine tree: Dear Orlagh,
It's a short story why I'm up at 430, and it will probably become a longer story but... I took a quick glance at our own winter wonderland and due to lack of sleep (and parts of the potential longer story) was wondering several things. How much snow do you normally get, now and when you lived in Knockananna ? Have you ever snowshoed or Cross country skied or does anyone in Ireland, I know probably a dumb question but remember the hour here (  I spend most of the winter on one or the other and in about another hour or so will be doing it again not for fun but I digress) ? Lastly what's Knockananna's elevation ?
I apoligize for the questions and any spelling errors, my excuse is again the time and looking at a dispatch page all at the same time. It's time for my own version of outdoor recreation... thanks for your time. Charlie

Órlagh: Hi Charlie,

I hope you got some rest today! 4.30 AM is an early start on a Sunday morning!!

When I lived in Knockananna, we would often get snowed in and get drifts of snow, several feet high.
It's been a long time since we've had heavy snow but back a few weeks ago it was pretty bad and there was several feet of snow on high ground.

I'm not sure what the altitude of Knockananna is but I will check it out.

BlueFawn: Hi Orlagh,

Thanks again for providing us this home on the web where we can all come together in appreciation of your music! :)

I'm a bit of a sports fan (College football is my drug...err, sport of choice  ;) Roll Tide!), anyway, I used to show horses and ran track through college and currently show dogs in various working events.  I know that you used to ride but are there any other sporting events that you have participated in or that you're a fan of and follow on a regular basis?

Many Blessings!

Jenna

Hi Jenna,

I'm not that mad into sports but I really enjoy a hurling match. Hurling is a very skilled Irish sport and it's very exciting to watch!

I also love national hunt horse racing. It takes place in the winter and is a wonderful sport!

SusanZ: Hi Orla,

I know that you are busy getting your new CD ready for us! My question is: what do you like to do for relaxation? I know that you love your garden. Do you have any other hobbies/interests that help you to wind down from a busy schedule?

Love,
Susan ("Zee")

Órlagh: Hi Susan,

You know I love the garden and it's a great stress buster for me! I also love long walks and reading.

There's a real feeling of spring in the air here at the moment; the days are getting longer, the weather's getting milder and the birds are singing so it's just wonderful to get outdoors for a lovely walk.

I also love reading so between everything, I'm kept pretty busy!!

SusanZ: Dear Orlagh,

Long walks are the best for combining a little exercise with some stress relief! Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

Love,
Zee

Angie: Orla, I was just wondering if you have any fears - rational  or  irrational, or phobias (like mine is birds)  ?

Órlagh: I'm absolutely terrified of mice!! I turn into a crazy woman in the presence of a mouse!!

Jenny: Orlagh... Is Butler's your favorite chocolate?  Or is it some other brand?  It's definitely mine!  I also heard somewhere that you enjoy ginger candy?  Is that true?  I adore ginger too!  I purchase ginger chews in our local health food store here in Erie. 

After years of trying to swear off chocolate, I finally decided to just incorporate it into my daily diet and eat a little bit at a time. 

If you ever want to try an amazing chocolate covered ginger bar... I know just where to find it! I'm sure I could have you addicted in no time at all!!   

Love, Jens xx

Órlagh: Hi Jens,

I have to say I'm very partial to the old Butler's chocolates!! Too much so I think!!!

I also love Cadbury's chocolate here also. Time Out's are great!!
I'm afraid I don't like ginger bars at all or even ginger biscuits. I think I'm bad enough being addicted to chocolate!!

Irishdreamer: Hi Orlagh,
I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about the village of Knockananna where you are from.

Thank you,
Ann

Órlagh: I went to primary school in Knockananna. It's a small village in Co Wicklow, Ireland. It's the second highest village in Ireland after Roundwood. When I was growing up we used to get a lot of snow there.

My school had only 2 teachers and one of them was my mother! My mother taught me for 4 years. The school eventually got a third teacher.

You can see from this that Knockananna has a small population. There are also 2 pubs in the village and the church. Even though we moved away from the village when I was 14, it still holds a soft spot for me in my heart.

Irishdreamer: Thank you so much Orlagh for answering my question about Knockananna where you grew up.

Thank again,
Ann

Deniz Sarac: Hi Órlagh,
Before I ask my questions, I want to say something:
You are a wonderful woman and mother now and you making my very happy. You touch my heart and soul very deeply with all her songs, meanings and when I'm feeling down, I'm going to listen songs from you and then I feel me better, more happy.  
Since I've met you, I'm inspired by the country you come from and I really love Ireland. And I promiss you that, when I get the chance to come and see your show, I will surely come! Where that may be, here in The Netherlands or in an other country.
So this year going a friend, Linde van Zanten and I to Ireland to see a show of you and I hope that you remmenber me, when I'm there. Further are you the most loveliest person of the world and truely an angel.

- Do you remember me from last December the 15th? I sung to you.
- Could you read my letter I gave you? What did you think about that?
- When this year give you your show in Ireland?
- And can you give me some advize about the singing or what you do as a preparation? Becouse, I love to sing like you or Celtic Woman and when I'm singing, I  take my breathe through my chest and not through my stomach, which actually should and that is the problem with me.

I miss you Órlagh and I hope to see you soon this year.  A big kiss, hug and a lot of love and peace from me, Deniz from The Netherlands