CORK OPERA HOUSE The tour moved on to Cork, a distance of 252 kilometres, where all five of our own mini-group (plus 2 associate members Brenda & Freda) attended. Gilbert's mother, his stepfather Pat and his sister Marie were again in attendance. With prior arrangement with the one and only Kevin, the mini-group arrived at the Opera House at 3.15 p.m. just as Gilbert and Kevin were entering by the stage door.  Gilbert asked us had we just arrived and even though we thought we would have to wait awhile outside, he beckoned us in.  We took our seats in an empty theatre and watched with interest as Gilbert, Mick Parker, Helen and Eve went through their set-up routine, which this time included a full length version of Say Goodbye with backing vocals but no lead vocal. GILBERT'S VIEW When all the technical arrangements had been completed Gilbert played three songs that were not on the current play list: "Out Of The Question" "Doesn't It Make You Sick" "Is It A Crime?" Having finished that Gilbert put on his top, looked out at us and said "that's it, show's over."  And with a big smile and a wave he said "see you tonight". While talking to Kevin backstage , Gilbert appeared at his dressing room and posed for photographs. 1st HALF DISAPPEAR At 8.05 p.m. Gilbert walked on stage and began the show. THE THING IS - [From the album "A STRANGER IN MY OWN BACK YARD"] "It's good to be back in Cork, it's as close as I'll get to Waterford." NOTHING RHYMED - [From the album "HIMSELF"] NO MATTER HOW I TRY BECAUSE OF YOU - [From the album "BY LARRY" / "THE LITTLE ALBUM"] WE WILL Gilbert mentioned that his favourite poets were not Yeats or Shelly but Spike Milligan and he went on to recite a poem he wrote himself due to Spike's influence. Watching Smalltropp's goalie Let in another ball Reminds me of the time When I fell down a waterfall etc..... HAVE IT - [From the album "IRLISH"] "Anybody from Waterford?" Gilbert asked.  There were a few cheers of "yes". Gilbert went on to say that Cork held good memories for him because when he used come home to visit relatives in Waterford, he would get the boat to Cork, spend the day walking around Cork city and then get the train to Waterford.  Gilbert went on to say that he doesn't get to Waterford as much as he used to and how when he played there the last time, he was disappointed that the concert hall was only a third full. MISS MY LOVE TODAY - [From the album "SOUTHPAW"] This is a lovely song performed live, and Gilbert is well supported by Mick Parker (right). STICK IN THE MUD - [From the album "FROBISHER DRIVE / IN THE KEY OF G"] CLAIR - [From the album "BACK TO FRONT"] SOMETIMES - [From the album "SOUNDS OF THE LOOP"] THE WAY THINGS USED TO BE - [From the album "FROBISHER DRIVE / IN THE KEY OF G"] WHAT'S IN A KISS? - [From the album "OFF CENTRE"] FOREVER WONDERING - [From the album "FROBISHER DRIVE"] Gilbert mentioned the possibility of doing a duet with Fats Domino and  how the duet with Peggy Lee was such a wonderful experience. The song Gilbert sent to Fats for his consideration is called Here's Why and Gilbert only realised after sending it, that it is a love song.  Gilbert went on to play the first verse of the song.  It is a ballad with the Fats riff and it went: Here's why I love you Here's why I'll never let you go  Here's why one day you'll be  On an island with me etc..... HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU GOT - [From the album "BY LARRY / THE LITTLE ALBUM"] THUNDER AND LIGHTNING - [From the album "HIMSELF"] THE INTERVAL WAS FROM 9.20 p.m. UNTIL 9.50p.m. 2nd HALF A FRIEND OF MINE - [From the album "I'M A WRITER NOT A FIGHTER"] ME - [From the album "IRLISH"] SAY GOODBYE - [From the album "IRLISH"] WATER MUSIC - [From the album "IRLISH"] WHO WAS IT? - [From the album "BACK TO FRONT"] Sound effects were fine tonight. THE MARRIAGE MACHINE - [From the album "A STRANGER IN MY OWN BACK YARD"] A WOMAN'S PLACE - [From the album "A STRANGER IN MY OWN BACK YARD"] The next two songs returned to their original order.  The Battle of the Sexes ended in a resounding victory for the men. MR. MOODY'S GARDEN The b-side of Gilbert's second single.  WHAT COULD BE NICER (MUM THE KETTLE'S BOILING) - [From the album "BACK TO FRONT"] OOH-WAKKA-DOO-WAKKA-DAY This evening there were five traditional Irish dancers, three girls and two boys.  The girls were dressed in colourful traditional Irish dancing costumes.  The appearance of these local dancers was arranged by our own Hugh Miller.  Once again this item was very well received.  Gilbert mentioned that when he moved to Swindon, his mother wanted all the family to learn Irish dancing but that he was never keen, but had it been of the River Dance variety he would have been. ALONE AGAIN (NATURALLY) ENCORE MATRIMONY - [From the album "HIMSELF"] GET DOWN - [From the album "I'M A WRITER NOT A FIGHTER"] THE SHOW ENDED AT 11.00p.m. After the show Kevin brought us back stage to meet Gilbert.  When it was my turn to meet him, I sat down next to him.  He said "Hello Brian" straight away.  Am I dreaming?  My hero of 29 years knows me by name.  When I gave him a photograph to sign he said "the usual" meaning: To Brian A Friend of Mine (a reference to my web site) Gilbert O'Sullivan Wow, after a week of dreams coming through for me, this was the pinnacle. After the show the mini-group (+2) retired to Hugh & Freda's house for refreshments.  At 1.15 a.m. the telephone rang to signal the imminent arrival of our special guest.  The man that helped to make our week so memorable, the one, the only, the never to be forgotten, Kevin O'Sullivan. For the next three hours we all sat together, talked, laughed and had a wonderful time.  Kevin answered questions and told us stories about touring Japan, Australia and Europe.  We were all enthralled. Linda and Jane were staying at Hugh and Freda's house so at 4.30 a.m. when it was time to go, Kevin offered myself and Brenda a lift back to our hotel. Here we were having met Gilbert four or five times in the one week, getting a lift from Kevin, his brother in Gilbert's own Jeep.  Life does not get any better that this. Kevin, if you are out there, "THANKS MATE".