Longford Leader columnist Mattie Fox: New single could launch Ultan Conlon to a wider audience

When you enter the precincts of Galway, you are immediately absorbed by a magical, wonderful, elusive manner that makes everyone seem better disposed towards their fellow man.

People who live in Galway are inevitably affected by the creative air that permeates the area like an unseen gold dusting that makes even the most mundane shine.

Ultan Conlon, from Ballinasloe, is a very self deprecating guy, who goes about his business without fuss, but with unannounced ability.

Ultan is a songwriter, and singer, who plays and teaches classical guitar, but manages to squeeze all that into a life lived ordinarily.

Conlon is a true bona fide craftsman in the construction and delivery of songs that strike unerring chords.

Plunging all his money into a new record company a few years ago with the help and support of a loyal friend, his partner has stood by him since and continues to make Ultan’s creative output possible.

So far he’s delivered three terrific albums, quietly applying himself to the task, and when he’s told something that is simply the truth, his face lights up in surprise, because he’s such a reserved and honest man who receives compliments with genuine awe, almost.

His latest single ‘In The Blink of An Eye’ is infectious, sung in natural Galway accent, with the story flowing free.

His father was the first inspiration that affected Ultan, and guitars fascinated him. His father passed away when Ultan was twelve, and his mother who is still alive, is now 71. His dad was a lover of Al Jolson and Elvis was another influence.

When he was at school the nuns taught him the guitar with music like The Fields of Athenry, and the Spinning Wheel.

Sister Bernadette, to whom Ultan still feels gratitude, always insisted that anyone learning the guitar would sing as well.

Thereby forging the unique connection of guitar and voice.

Later on he heard Dire Straits, with Mark Knopfler reigning supreme. Then Thin Lizzy.

After his father died he took to the guitar and found it very cathartic. Losing a parent at such a young age, leaves an indelible mark.

To this day, his Dad features heavily in Ultan’s work and he makes the point gently, that not all the songs are about Jack meets Jane and they part their ways!

Not all the songs are simply love songs. But songs can say many things, and Ultan Conlon respects that.

No two people take the deeper meaning in the same way.

It’s possible that ‘In The Blink of An Eye’ could become the trigger that launches him to a wider audience.

Anyone who is interested in music should listen to ‘In The Blink of An Eye’.

It’s pure magic.