Pádraig was fine today – he was sitting out in the Thekla, viva-la-Thekla, and, at least for the time being, he seems to be stable, no fever, no infections, great breathing. Hopefully that will give him the time and the energy to deal with his main injury. There are loads of people helping him, and we all do what we can to get him back into action.
Some time ago, I asked you to send in Pádraig’s favourite music. I am putting together a CD with the music and we’ll see what the music therapist can do with it. Here are the songs and their stories. By the way, what you wrote about Pádraig’s music, how he listened to it (nonstop), how he introduced it to you (you really didn’t have a choice), how he couldn’t believe that you had never listened to these brilliant lyrics before (a bit impatient and surprised at the ignorance surrounding him, in a nice way) – all of this sounds so familiar!
On Top of the World (Imagine Dragons)
Little Talks (Monsters and Men)
I remember well from last May when we finished our finals from college ‘Little Talks’ by Monsters and Men was the song Pádraig was always requesting.
Wagon wheel (Old Crow Medicine)
I remember Pádraig claiming ‘Wagon wheel’ by Old Crow Medicine to “probably”(!) be one of his favourite songs ever.
Time to Pretend (MGMT)
Also another one that comes to mind is ‘Time to Pretend’ by MGMT. In 1st year of college, we were talking one night about how much we both really liked the song and then one morning a while after this i awoke to see that I had a voice message from Pádraig consisting solely of this song being performed live at their concert!
Crossfire (Brandon Flowers)
Ní Tú Mo Ghrá (Mo Hat Mo Gheansaí)
I’m sure you’re well aware of these tunes Pádraig likes, but they are evocative of the year we spent in the Scéim together because he played them all the time. And I mean ALL. THE. TIME!!!!! Anyone in the Scéim would testify to that!
Trailing Skirts of God (Bell X1)
And of course Bell X 1, the upbeat rocky ones of course, but he pointedly sat me down and dissected the lyrics of ‘Trailing Skirts of God’ once, impressing on me how good the lyrics were.
Dream of Flying (Brian Crain)
We listened to this type of thing lying on the floor of the Sceim pondering life.
Starship (Nicki Minaj)
He was obsessed with this in San Diego and played it again and again and again. He got annoyed if anyone tried to change it.
Mexico (Mundy)
Also Mundy’s ‘Mexico’ always makes me laugh because it reminds me of when he told me that he went to Mexico because he liked the song so much.
The Great Defector (Bell X1)
I know some of these have already been mentioned – but Pádraig introduced me to Bell X1 – (Meaning, he asked me how could I NOT know who they were?!?! and then made sure I had listened to their best before leaving Dublin) – in particular the song ‘The Great Defector’, which he had on repeat. He even took the time to break down the lyrics and make sure I knew what a “cornetto” was since we don’t call them that in the States to ensure I understood just how great the lyrics truly are!
Day & Age (The Killers)
Also, The Killers’ ‘Day & Age’ album, which he was obsessed about while at UK back in the day.
Please let me know if there is anything missing!
Hospi-Tales 
Hello, Reinhard. I won’t venture into the great big unknown world of all that music! I’m just very glad to hear that Pádraig is doing well. May it continue. With best wishes, as always, Louise.
Thank you, Louise! We’ll put together that music and listen to it together. In fact, when I told the doctor in the hospital what we are doing, she was afraid (in a nice way) that she’ll be hearing the same music again, and again, and again – and I kind of get the feeling that she’s on the right track (in a nice way). From what his friends are saying, that’s the way Pádraig listens to music:) – Reinhard
The end is nigh – Bellx1. He posted on facebook in May that this was one of the greatest songs he had ever heard
Sweet dispostition – The temper trap. One of his all time favourites. Lovely song alright.
Pompeii – Bastille . He had a great time at Trinity ball watching these. He loves this song in particular.
Coronas – Taibhsí nó Laoch. Not a secret that he has always loved this song. Trinity ball two years ago. Remember being in a crush at the front with Padraig. He was going absolutely mad for it. Loving it.
Kíla – Ón taobh tuathail amach – one of his favourite Kila songs. We had such an incredible time organising a Gig with them and Mo hat mo gheansai when P was reachtaire. It was Pádraig’s first event as reachtaire of the cumann in TCD and it went unbelievably well. Completely packed out Crawdaddy. Crowd went wild for them. An incredible night.
I’ll surely think of lots more in the next day or two!
I remember Pádraig listening to the music of the bands he was going to see again, and again, and again, until he had the lyrics of their songs memorized. In fact, I remember (just about:) having done that myself… Thanks for sharing this, Andrew! – Reinhard
I was up the Pirineos, having a break with friends and the nature. Lots of snow and good humour. And reading through your posts of the last days I am so happy that Pádraig is finding the way to his movement!!!
You were half way up to Hamburg then, Ana! Next time: don’t let the mountains get in your way and keep going! We’ll meet you just before you reach Denmark. – Reinhard
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People. This song always reminds me of him. I remember one time we were at some trad recording thingy with the Cumann G and Pádraig had tickets to Foster the People and went off to see them but there was only one song left by the time he got there, but it was this one so it was alright really. Also I remember him up on stage at the end of some other night out singing it into the microphone…
Hmm, so he had tickets and managed to see one song:) At least he shared it with everyone some other night! Sounds like him, Sophie:) – Reinhard
BellX1-“Careful what you wish for”. He posted this song to the Irish class Facebook page the night before we finished exams, anticipating the post exam fun.
King of Leon -“Sex on Fire”. I remember Pádraig going crazy for this song. He’s a great man for anthems.
Hi Reinhard,
I was just wondering what German address can I send a little package to?
Thanks,
Clíodhna.
Thanks for the music tips, Clíodhna. I emailed you our address – hope the email arrived. – Reinhard
Loads of the songs that have already been mentioned epitimise the year on the Scéim and one more that stands out is The Cure – Boys Don’t Cry. We spent an AWFUL lot of time in Whelans over that year and this song is the quintessential Whelans song for a lot of us – An bhliain is fearr riamh inár saol!
Buíoch gach nóiméad, Clár!
He loved a lot Snow Patrol’s songs, ‘Just Say Yes’ springs to mind, can still picture him dancing to it
Also I remember walking home with him after a night out a couple years ago, I put on the radio on my phone for part of the walk, the 1st song that came on was ‘Velcro’ by Bell X1, as soon as he heard it told me to turn it up and started singing it saying it was one of his favourite songs. Another night we were in his house and I was saying the Killers were good but heard they weren’t so good live, he stopped me there, put on a dvd of them live at The Royal Albert Hall saying they’re incredible, he particularly loved the crowd waving arms during ‘This is Your Life’
Yes, Daire – we watched the DVD for months!!!