VINNIE CAPRIANI TRIBUTE
It was with great sadness that we heard on 16th October 2021 of the sad passing of Vinnie RIP. On Saturday 3rd Nov 2012, the local community, supported by Malahide Lions Club, paid tribute to one of their own, Mr Vinnie Caprani. Vinnie, as confirmed by many, is a man of diverse talent; a Dub, a poet, an author, an artist and a local historian of note. Where else could a becapped man be found wandering with a bag on his back, contaminating everyone with his crooked pipe, yet sharing his time and experiences with all and sundry whilst influencing a local enthralled Malahide populace. The evening of the surprise celebration centred on the proverbial Red Book of This Is Your Life fame, and took place in the Malahide Tennis & Croquet Club. Mr.Paul Douglas, Vice President of Malahide Lions, delivered the opening address and introduced Seamus Dooley, Secretary of NUJ, as master of cermonies, narrator and interviewer. Many messages of good will and best wishes were received from some whom Vinnie befriended in his journey of life, including a very special message of support and friendship from our President, Michael D. Higgins. Seamus referred to Vinnie's Rowdy Rhymes and Rec-im-itations , Bawdy Ballads and Ancient Airs and to Dirty Doggerel and Sacred Songs before introducing other friends who entertained and enthralled the large gathering; critics, authors, Joycean scholars like Senator David Norris, Ulick O Connor and Des Geraghty to name some, who showed that Vinnie's contributions had spread beyond the borders of Malahide. |
To Seamus for his entertaining stewardship of proceedings and his fellow Princes of the artistic and literary world, Ulick, David and Des, not to forget the true Dub Prince of Princes, Vinnie Caprani, our profound and sincere thanks.
It is our pleasure and privilege for us in the Malahide Lions Club to know, to befriend and to be associated with such a tribute to one of our own, Menotti Vincent Caprani. (Photo by local photographer Liam Donnelly) |
Having mentioned that Vinnie appeared in many chat shows, such as The Late Late Show, Kenny Live and Hobsons Choice and also had contributed to numerous radio broadcasts, Seamus summed up and brought proceedings of a tremendously entertaining and informative evening to an end, with his following personal composition:
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Stroll around your city's streets
Learn your city's story Chose well your companion I'll walk with The Capper A toast tonight to absent friends Poet, President and comrade To Dublin Shawlies, Ringsend Sailors. And the poor forsaken Maiden And raise a glass to Charlotte Who never was a harlot A transgendered printer of renown The Garlic Pimpernel |