Damian Hoban was nice enough to allow us to republish his review of the Irish Magic Convention that was held last month in Limerick. Cheers Damien!

Just a quick note to thank everyone involved in the Irish convention on 27-29th March 2009. Next year’s gathering in Belfast will revert to the May bank holiday weekend.

Jon Allen is a World Close Up champion and Gold Star member of the Inner Magic Circle. Opening the Gala show, Jon performed his excellent new routine, The Pain Game. Have a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2IxiZeV1h0

Alexander De Cova and Dave Allen brought a mixture of creativity and slack-jawed wonder to the proceedings in Cabaret performance and lecture. Dave’s lecture included elements of Vent/puppetry and was well received by a few kids (yes, real kids – not magicians acting up!) in the audience. Alexander de Cova’s lecture contained some stunning rope and silk magic, in addition to demonstrating to Irish magicians his Beer Game. I’m sure some people, at least, tried to get to grips with this one in the bar afterwards. Especially for those of us from Limerick, he demonstrated his effect called “Stab in the Dark”.

Zane (Joe Swing) treated the audience to fabulous renditions of favourite Rat Pack numbers in addition to performing a few quick magical tricks between numbers. Zane (in addition to Kaymar, Pat Fallon & Paddy Clancy) also ran a dealers stall during the convention. Lecturers Dave Allen, Alexander de Cova, Trevor Lewis & Jon Allen also were selling effects/lecture notes.

John Kimmonds had ‘em rolling in the aisles with his award winning Ventiloquism act. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ROWHn1OqA. As a finish, he commandeered Cathal Costelloe from the front row of the audience, stuck a half-face vent mask on him and had Cathal conversing in a falsetto voice reminiscent of the great Alan Ball.

Tom Moloney, dressed as a medical doctor (now ye all know why the A&E departments are short staffed) demonstrated his fantastic comedy juggling routine to much applause. Local talent Lorcan Russell (Harpist) and Kevin Prendergast (Irish Dancing) complimented the international flavour of the event with a touch of some traditional Irish arts.

Trevor Lewis, in his capacity as MC, was thoroughly professional and witty in his role and had to endure many references to Wales’ loss to Ireland in the Grand Slam over the course of the weekend.

Both Stage (Saturday night) and Close Up (Sunday afternoon) competitions were held this year. Congratulations to award winners Leon Andersen (Stage competition), Ruth Andrews (Most Promising Young Magician), Daragh McGrath (Gemini Trophy), Eamonn Murphy and Fred Corveneio (Close Up competition) and the Munster Society of Magicians for the team event

Damian Hoban