Mundy takes tea with the President

Offaly musician Mundy was one of an elite group invited to Áras an Uachtaráin for an intimate evening with the president last Sunday. The event, attended by approximately 400 from the music and entertainment industry, was scheduled for 7pm to 9pm, but like many parties where a guitar is present it continued past its curfew. Guests eventually left at 11.30pm after many, including Mundy, entertained the crowd with a few songs. "It was more or less a celebration of the people who helped out in his campaign from the music and entertainment industry," the Birr musician said. Mundy, who himself is a supporter of Michael D. Higgins, did his bit by singing a few songs at a benefit concert The Stunning put on for Mr Higgins' presidential campaign in The Village venue in Dublin. Last Sunday in Áras an Uachtaráin Mundy entertained his colleagues in the entertainment industry by singing his own song 'July' before going into Bruce Springteen's 'I'm on Fire'. He was joined by others singing songs including The Stunning, Mary Coughlan and David Kitt. "It went from feeling very official to very loose," Mundy said of the day. Upon arriving he said guests queued up for photos with President Higgins and his wife Sabina, before then being directed into a room for canapés, glasses of Guinness or wine and tea or coffee. President Higgins then circulated amongst his guests before delivering what Mundy described as "a beautiful speech" about the arts. "Then he went on to say usually we're very strict with the curfew, but tonight anyone who wants to sing should," he said. Though Mundy said he had never before met the president, it was a comfortable interaction. "He didn't even shake my hand; he just gave me a hug," he said. He said the president also listened intently while those gathered entertained the room, but didn't perform himself. Honoured to have been invited, Mundy said he suspects he'll appreciate it even more in years to come. The Birr singer is also putting out a call for help to make a video for his song 'July'. "There are loads of live versions out there but I was thinking it'd be great if someone did an animation for it," he said. He said any interested animator should get in touch via his Facebook page. Mundy is right now preparing to travel to Austria and the Czech Republic for a week of gigs including a St Patrick's Day gig in Vienna. He said he's also in the middle of writing his fifth album.