"In 1993, Kirk McLeod invited me to New York to join his new band, One19. This group evolved into an acoustic trio called Clan Na Gael. In 1995 we were joined by Nick Watson, a drummer from Northern Ireland, and soon thereafter changed the name of the group to Seven Nations. I was 7N's original 'piper. I played on and helped produce their first five albums. In November 1998, I left the band, but played one last time with them in Edinburgh, for the city's annual Hogmany (New Year's Eve) street party, December 31, 1998. It was a great way to end that chapter in my life, on a huge concert stage in front of what seemed like everybody in the city on a cold, clear Scottish night. I had some great times in 7N, but, just like the paratroopers, I'm glad I aint doin' it now!"  --Neil

NYC, December 1994: This was an early One19 show, at Ludlow Street Cafe in SoHo. One19 started out as a 5-piece celtic rock band- Kirk McLeod, Struby, me, a drummer, and a lead guitarist. In this shot it's me, Kirk, and one of about 8 drummers we went through before we found Nick- can't remember this dude's name, but we used to call him 'coin-op.' 

Grandfather Mountain, 1995: the original Clan Na Gael trio sound checks before the Friday Night Jam- the gig that started it all! 

Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, 1995: Clan Na Gael's first official publicity shot, taken right after our first appearance at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

NYC, 1995: me, drummer Nick Watson, Struby, and engineer Grant Austin, 'listening back' in the control room during the recording of our second album, "Old Ground." 

Nicky & me layin' it down, old-school style. 

Once again, lads...with feelin'!

Another familiar "Old Ground" pose: Struby, Kirk, and me in the Control Room 'listening back' once again. 

Rosevelt Island, NYC, 1995: Clan Na Gael, shortly after Nick joined us.

NYC, 1995: Clan Na Gael opening for The Corrs on their very first U.S. "in store" appearance, at Sam Goody's in the Village. 

We wish to thank Kristine Hartvigsen, who took all of these photographs, and graciously allowed us to use them on the site. Thanks, Kristine- for everything.

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