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Bio:
Blues band formed ca 1983 by Fiacre Gaffney and Kevin McConville, both ex Face Value.
The band opened for the Robert Cray Band on two occasions circa 1985, the first at the Olympia,
the second at the National Stadium. They played to a full house at the Stadium and were well received.
Phil Myatt was on bass, John Glynn on keyboards, Eamonn Murray on sax.
Kevin McConville left in 1986 and was replaced by Eamon Troy, who was playing in a short-lived band
called Second City. Troy introduced Fiacre and the band to his Second City bandmate
Rory Ferguson, who subsequently joined Fat Chance ca September 1986. This 1986 lineup was
often augmented by Eamon Murray (sax/harmonica/vocals) or Benny Rice (sax).
Fat Chance played residencies at the Anglers Rest (October 1986 - early 1987), the Waterfront,
and a Sunday residency at J.J.Smyths, and then took over the Friday night slot from the Gripewater
Blues Band who were changing direction.
Kevin Malone was replaced by Barry Schweppe (ex Face Value,
Rob Strong Band ) ca 1989, and Philip Myatt by John Downey.
Downey did shift work and shared bass duties with Vinnie Kilcullen.
Rory Ferguson left in 1994 and was replaced by Mark Penny. The band split in 1996.
Fiacre set up a transport business with his brother Peader, ferrying musicians around the country
and further afield. This developed into a successful tour management business.
The band reformed for special occasions including John Downey's wedding with Vinnie Kilcullen
(ex Junior, Face Value) on bass.
From 2001 Fiacre began playing a regular Monday night acoustic set at the Straw Hall in Dublin
under the Fat Chance name with Vinnie Kilcullen and John McLoughlin. Rory Ferguson
joined them soon after. This regular Monday
night date which
drew many famous names. Rory emigrated to Scotland in 2008 and his place was
taken as before by Mark Penny. John McLoughlin's place was taken by Johnny Marr.
Fat Chance appear occasionally at J.J.Smyths under the name Rag Mama Rag.
As of 2017, the band was playing under the name of The Straw Hall House Band with
an album "Six Days In May" planned for release on 1st May 2017. The lineup is
Fiacre Gaffney, Jack Maher, Mark Penny, Vinnie Kilcullen, John McLoughlin and Barry Sweppe.
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