We have just spent a wonderful week here in Coolasnaughta with two of our Grandsons, Kyle and Jay O'Neill, from Newbridge in County Kildare. Kyle and Jay love coming here every Summer to spend some time in the country, and we do all the usual stuff like Fishing and exploring the hills and mountains and rivers. However, of late, the boys have become very involved in making their own little movies, and posting them on YouTube under the title of supertortoisedude.com and they are proving to be very popular indeed. We thought it might be an idea to work on a documentary about my song, William Smith Monroe, which tells some of the life story of the Father Of Bluegrass, and to explain a little of what went in to the writing of the song. Kyle directed and produced, Jay acted as assistant director and wardrobe man, and also played the part of me [ and Bill Monroe ] as a young man. I think that for a first effort from a Thirteen year old director/cameraman, and his eight year old assistant and aspiring actor, this video documentary turned out pretty darn good ! However, you the listening/viewing public will be the ultimate judges, and we urge you to take a look and a listen, and please send us your comments, observations and suggestions. Niall Toner and the story of William Smith Monroe is now available to view on YouTube. Best, Niall, August, 2011.
