The Wandering Minstrel's programme for primary schools

In January 2000, at the beginning of the new Millennium, Sean O'Neill gave up the day job and revived an old tradition - that of the traveling bard or, as he soon became known, The Wandering Minstrel.

Sean, a father of three grown up children, had begun writing songs only eighteen months earlier, but had been very prolific, wanted to focus on getting them 'out there'. Running a photography business for almost thirty years had paid the bills and reared the family but Sean found that it was beginning to get in the way of the singing and songwriting. With hardly a backward glance, Sean relocated to Dublin, reduced his outgoings to a bare minimum (no car, mortgage or continental holidays) and, with the first hundred copies of his self-penned 'Losers & Sinners CD pressed, he walked, bussed and Darted around Dublin's suburbs, singing a random track - on the doorstep - from his album for anyone open or curious enough to listen.

In February, he ordered the first 1000 copies and, at the time of writing, is well on the way to achieving Gold status (7500) having sold the 6000th copy in December 2003.

These days, Sean is back in the driving seat and travels in style. He drives an old but good two-seater roadster - mostly with the roof down - and finds this the ideal way of traveling the country's highways and byways. It was in this that Sean succeeded in touring all 32 counties, singing a song and selling a copy of 'Losers & Sinners' in each - in seven days. That was the 'Thunder and Lightening Topless Troubadour Tour'. You may have heard something about this in September 2002 and perhaps you'll get to read the book before the end of 2004

New for 2004 is a programme of school visits where Sean will spend an hour or so with each class. Below are some of the activities which can vary to suit the age group and interests of the children in the class.

The children will also be offered some (optional) homework - write a story or poem or make a picture pertaining to wandering minstrelling and each class will get a copy of Sean's new CD - 'Odds & Sods'

Sean has no desire to give up the door-knocking and will spend two or three days a week (maximum) at schools.

The cost of a visit to your school?

There is no set charge, however there is a suggested amount that the children may donate in return for what will be a memorable hour.

Sean is presently based in West County Limerick but travels widely. If you would like further information, please e-mail to the site and allow a few days for a reply.