For such a sterling pedigree, though, the scene in Ireland is a little thin on the ground, with "live music" bars booking cover bands most nights. But, when I was in Killarney last Tuesday, I was able to talk my way into Mick Flannery's sold-out show at The Granary. Flannery, a 25-year-old from Cork, has a distinctive, rough-hewn voice developed during some time spent wandering around the States: part Tom Waits, part Kenny Rogers, even a bit of Bullet Bob. Flannery also played piano and guitar, and was supplemented by a six-piece band that included violin, guitars, drums and backup vocals. Apparently, one of the guitarists, Ciaran Foley, was playing his first gig with them. "We picked him up on the way here," Flannery said. As if musicians graze like sheep on the Emerald Isle.