Seán ‘ac Dhonncha influenced him greatly. He earned 1999 (Cló Iar-Chonnacht CICD140 a reputation as one of Ireland’s Rogha Amhrán). The references (Johnny Joe Pheaitsín – 1919-1996) finest traditional singers, and had to Loughrea, Portumna and a wide repertoire of songs in both the Shannon, however, would Irish and English. He won the suggest that the song might have Oireachtas Sean-Nós Competition originated in the east of County in 1953 and was awarded the . One story tells that the ‘Gradam Shean-Nós Cois Life’ lovers’ plan to marry was opposed in 1995. He was the first singer by the girl’s family and that the to be recorded by on young couple eloped. Her family their series of 78rpm recordings pursued them and the poet made in 1957: these recordings are good his escape by swimming now available on Seoltaí Séide the Shannon river, leaving his (Gael Linn CEFCD184). Other beloved behind. He emigrated recordings include An Aill Bháin - to America and in his chagrin he The White Rock (Claddagh CC9) vowed to marry the first woman he and An Spailpín Fánach (Cló Iar- encountered there and so wound Chonnachta CICD006), plus tracks up marrying a ‘street woman’. on various compilations including, Grand Airs Of Connemara (Topic Seán sings a ‘macaronic’ 12T177), More Grand Airs Of version of the song, a version Connemara (Topic 12T202) and that is in both the Irish and A recent and important release on the Veteran Amhráin Ar An Sean-Nós (RTÉ CD English languages. Macaronic 185). songs seem to have gained label featuring the sean-nós singing of several currency during the 19th key singers from around Co. Galway. Seán opens the collection on this century as knowledge of the Veteran CD by singing Mná Bán’ English language became more Photo: Pádraig Mac Donnchadha Deas’ Bhaile Locha Riach (The widespread. The publishing Fair Lasses Of Loughrea). Several of macaronic songs on by Éamonn Ó Bróithe and John Howson different versions of this love song broadsheets seems to have Seán was born in An Aird Thiar, teaching in County Cavan from are found in Connemara in the played an important role in their Carna. The son of a fisherman, 1947 and later spending 25 years Irish language and are known by dissemination and indeed a his collection of songs influenced by Irish sean-nós impressed upon their memories contacts and continued to visit he had three brothers and seven as principal of Ahascragh national different titles (Neilí Bhán, Mná macaronic version of this song, was recorded in Galway singing. Then he joined the and other aspects of a lifestyle the area on holiday on numerous sisters. He married Bríd Ní Eidhin school in East Galway. Bána Bhaile Locha Riach). A similar to Seán’s version, was Tby Terry Yarnell during the London based study group that contrasted with their own other occasions. At least that was in 1956 and they had five children. neighbour of Seán ‘ac Dhonncha, published in in the 19th He spent most of his working Music and singing were always Dara Bán Mac Donnchadha, century: A Much Admired Song early 1970s. Born in 1939 in east known as the Critics under the experience as Londoners. the official family reason; Terry life as a primary school teacher, in the family and his mother recorded a very fine version in Called The Loughrea Lasses. London, his father, also Terry, leadership of Ewan MacColl and always had his tape recorder with was married to Nora (née Coote) Peggy Seeger. They were very The 1960s and 1970s however him! who was of Irish ancestry. Terry aware that the Irish traditional was a period of great economic attended a Catholic school with music scene was still vibrant while and social change for Connemara The particular contacts they Pádraic Ó Conghaile competitions for the first time in Such is the general plot of the lots of Irish pupils including his MacColl described the English and . The singers made included Pat Phádraic Tom 1954, after winning a local sean- 12th century French Pastourelle best friend, whose house he often one as moribund. At this time, whom the Yarnells met were from Ó Conghaile and Tom Pháidín (Pat Phádraic Tom – 1922-2010) nós competition. He won second which seems to have been visited, and as he remembered, Galway singer Joe Heaney was a the first generation of Irish people Tom Ó Coisdealbha (or as Terry place in Comórtas na bhFear introduced into Ireland by the “There was Irish music playing all regular participant at MacColl and since independence and had lived would know him - Tom Costello). (the men’s competition) in 1955 French-speaking Anglo-Normans. of the time.” Still in east London, Seeger’s Singers’ Club in London. through decades of economic Terry got on with him very well and he was awarded first place Many of these themes can be Terry met his wife Mary who was stagnation and continuing in 1956. Later he taught sean-nós found in English-language song born in Cork city, through her It was suggested that a recording emigration, when social networks and remembered him as a lovely gentle man, who often regretted singing to young children in an however it is in the Irish-language brother. Terry was a member of field trip to Connemara should be in rural areas tended to be very Gaelacadamh in An Spidéal from tradition one finds the original that he couldn’t remember songs. a skiffle group in the late 1950s, undertaken by someone from the localised. Innovations such 1980 until 1992. themes and motifs of the medieval He’d sing them during the day and from there he followed the Critics group with the possibility as the car and the television French tradition most faithfully then in the evening when he met common route to traditional folk of producing an LP record. It were bringing Irish-speaking There were only two previous adhered to. music. He visited folk clubs, was arranged that Terry would communities into a much more up with Terry he couldn’t recall published recordings of his particularly one in Ilford, east be accompanied by flute player complex involvement with the what he’d sung. Terry and a group singing: on Tógfaidh Mé Mo This song is well known in the London, but most of the music Gabe O’Sullivan, originally from broader English-speaking world of friends tried to help by giving Sheolta (Cló Iar-Chonnachta south where it is assumed that at that time was American Headford, Co. Galway, and that in Ireland and elsewhere that was Tom a small portable cassette CIC088) and Pat Phádraig Tom (a the Eochaill (literally Yew Wood) influenced. they should conduct a two-week to provide a profound challenge recorder, although he was never CD released privately by his family in question is the town of Youghal sortie. Gabe was living in London to the maintenance of Irish as sure if Tom got the hang of using it. in 2013). in County Cork. Pat however It was a BBC radio programme and was very active in the London a vernacular. The appreciation maintained that the Eochaill in presented by English singer and Irish music scene and, even more and social function of traditional During his further trips, particularly Pat sings four songs on the CD, question could well be a place of folklorist A.L Lloyd, The Folk Music importantly, he had a portfolio of song was similarly challenged one in 1972, he recorded Tom one of which is Eochaill (Youghal). that name on the Aran Islands. Virtuoso, that was possibly a contacts in the west of Ireland. So by changes in fashions, tastes Pháidín Tom, Pádraic Ó Conghaile The noble swain describes in the However, the young woman is off they went - Gabe had made and modes of entertainment. In turning point for Terry. During the and Colm Ó Caoidheáin (Colm first person how he wandered out looking for the way to Cappoquinn programme, which featured music the contacts beforehand and in contrast, the work of broadcasters, Keane). He also recorded mainly early on a sunny morning through in County Waterford which would from all corners of the world, 1970 they made the first field trip the Oireachtas festival and the instrumental music further south in the woods or the countryside. seem to locate it in the South East. Lloyd played a recording of Úna and recorded Seán ‘ac Dhonncha, publication of recordings by He chances to meet a country Co. Clare. Bhán (Lament For Úna Bhán) by a Cáit Uí Chonluain and the Keane Gael-Linn did much to promote girl herding, picking rushes or In an Ulster version (Maidin singer from Carna in Co. Galway, family. the prestige of the art at a national engaged in some other rustic Fhómhair) the girl is making Terry has created a remarkable Seán Jeaic mac Dhonncha. Terry level, and the work of Seán Ó Photo: Terry Yarnell chore. He briefly describes her for Feochoill near Forkhill in felt the singing was beautiful with Terry’s memory of this first Riada and others was about to body of recorded performances beauty. A conversation ensues County Armagh. Edward Bunting an almost primitive feel. recording trip to the west of usher in an era of renewed interest which, without his insight, might in which the poet attempts to published the melody of the Ulster Ireland was that the way of life in in Ireland never have been heard. These Pat was born in Leitir Péic, An stories. He became interested in seduce the girl. In this case she song in his first collection in 1796 Terry started performing in folk was still very markedly rural. Mary, and abroad. are now safely deposited in the Spidéal. He married Máire Ní traditional songs from singing at is beguiled by his promise of (A General Collection Of The clubs, with guitar and later five Terry’s wife, vividly recollected British Library Sound Archive, Mhaoilchiaráin in 1959 and they weddings and oícheanta airneáin marriage and economic security, Ancient Irish Music) and a version string banjo accompaniment. the women in Spiddal wearing Gabe only accompanied the and several are in this noteworthy had six children. He worked as (social nights) in his youth. and when he subsequently of it was recorded by Conall Ó He sang mainly English songs, Connemara shawls on Sundays to Yarnells on this first trip, but Terry collection of songs from seven a farmer and always enjoyed He took part in the Oireachtas abandons her, she laments her Domhnaill (Cló Iar-Chonnacht although his style was being go to church. The use of donkeys and Mary were making their own important singers. meeting people and telling na Gaeilge sean-nós singing shame and social ostracisation. CICD045, Ó Ghlúin Go Glúin).

The Living Tradition - Page 20 The Living Tradition - Page 21 Cáit Uí Chonluain Cáit was from Baile an tSagairt, An 12T177) and More Grand Airs Of Tomás Ó Coisdealbha There is little of Tomás’s singing set on fire and boundary walls Spidéal and was a cousin of Tom Connemara (Topic 12T202). The available apart from tracks on A levelled. On the morning of 22nd (Ní Choisdealbha / Kate Sheáin Tom – 1886-1973) Pháidín Tom. She married Micheál only recording available of Cáit’s (Tom Pháidín Tom / Tom Costello – 1894-1979) Story I’m Just About To Tell (Topic January 1909, two workmen, Ó Conluain, an Irish-language singing is one track on Amhráin Ar TSCD658) and the Dé Danann Malone and Coady, were repairing teacher from Mullingar, and they An Sean-Nós (RTÉ CD185). LP The Mist Covered Mountain a boundary wall on the farm had 10 children. Over the years, (Gael Linn CEF 087). An LP record protected by an RIC constable many people wishing to learn Here Cáit sings Saighdiúirín Singil was released of his singing by Martin Goldrick. The workmen Irish came to stay in their house. (A Private). We frequently find in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann were fired upon and both were Micheál was also very musical and the Gaelic oral tradition networks in 1977 but is unfortunately no seriously injured. Goldrick played violin, piccolo and piano. of verses that are metrically longer available. pursued the fleeing assailants with In the early 1930s Cáit was taken and thematically compatible, his revolver drawn, when one of One of the songs Tomás sings on the fleeing men turned and shot to University College, Galway and appearing in various combinations this recording is Hynes And Bold him dead. Five local men were recorded on phonograph. Over as love songs or versions of Dermody. This song concerns arrested and two of them, Thomas the ensuing years many RTE love songs. In this case we find a murder committed during Hynes and Michael Dermody, radio producers and presenters songs known by names such as the ‘Land War’ near the village were brought to trial which visited her including Pádraigh Siobhán Ní Dhuibhir, Táilliúir An of Craughwell in south County lasted several months. The main Ó Raghallaigh, Ciarán Mac Mhagaidh, Siobhán Ní Ghaora and Galway and the trial of two men prosecution witness was a migrant Mathúna and Pádraig Dolan, Saighdiúrín Singil. In the version for the crime. Craughwell was farm labourer from Ros Muc, and recordings of her from the that Bríd Uí Chonluain sings, one of the most disturbed areas Bartley Naughton, who claimed archives are still often played on the young poet explains that he in the country during the agitation to have witnessed the incident RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. was discharged from the army, for land reform that began with from a nearby railway bridge. It is destitute and that he parted the foundation of the Land League was widely believed, and asserted During Seamus Ennis’s collecting company with his beloved on the in 1879. The area experienced in the song, that Naughton trips in the 1940s, he collected Curragh of Kildare. The poet’s considerable strife, including was bribed by the police. His material from her daughter offer of marriage, conditional on intimidation, destruction of evidence however was dismissed Gráinne, and her son Feistí a dowry of cattle, is apparently Photo: Terry Yarnell property and even murder. by the judge and the two men gained considerable fame as a rejected with contempt. Militia were released in May 1910 and tin whistle player, particularly for were trained on the great plain of In 1909 a secret society of returned to a hero’s welcome. Tomás was born in Baile an home, although he was known to his playing of slow airs. He was the Curragh during the Napoleonic agitators directed its attention to tSagairt, Spiddal and his family have been invited to play at ‘the recorded by Topic Records whilst Wars and soldiers have been a 13-acre farm in Templemartin. Another song about this Photo: were small farmers. He never big house’, the Bunbury family living in England in the 1960s: permanently stationed there since Lord Clanrickarde rented the incident was written by Susan Terry Yarnell married, but lived in the cottage summer residence in An Spidéal. Grand Airs Of Connemara (Topic the Crimean War in the 1850s. farm to a widow Mary Ryan who Mitchell, who was involved in the where he had been born, and Tom’s songs didn’t come from his had returned from America with Republican movement. It was worked the family farm. He was parents but many came from his her two sons. The society felt, published in the radical women’s a cousin of the singer Cáit Uí cousins in Maigh Cuilinn, while however, that the land should journal Bean na h-Éireann, c.1919 Chonluain. His father, Pádraic Ó others were learned from the have been redistributed and they and later included in Colm O Coisdealbha, who was born in wireless and from magazines such attempted to intimidate Mrs. Ryan Lochlainn’s More Irish Street 1834, played the flute mainly at as Ireland’s Own. off the farm; shots were fired, hay Ballads (Dublin, 1965). Rita Keane (1923-2009) her aunts that she absorbed her until he produces his half of a first songs. Dolores subsequently broken token. It is based on an old Sarah Keane (1918-2010) gained worldwide recognition both story of a half ring story which can as a solo singer and with the band be found throughout European An Aird Mhóir in 1939. He was a sister of Colm Ó Caoidheáin’s Dé Danann. balladry. The broken token Colm Ó Caoidheáin second cousin to the renowned great grandfather. Other singers element seems to have been lost (Colm Keane - 1893-1975) sean-nós singer Seosamh Ó from Iorras Aithneach that have During the late 1960s, the in Rita and Sarah’s version, but hÉanaí (Joe Heaney) and Joe recorded this song include Seán broadcaster Ciarán Mac Mathúna the young lady is nonetheless was said to be very proud of his ‘ac Dhonnacha (Gael-Linn CEFCD made a series of programs for reacquainted with her long- relationship to Colm because of 184, Seolta Séidte) and Josie Raidió Teilifís Éireann which lost sweetheart, who proposes his prodigious repertoire. Sheáin Jeaic Mac Donncha (Cinq featured his recordings of Sarah marriage. Planètes CP 03426, Bruach na and Rita. This eventually led In the 1940s, Séamus Ennis Carra Léith). to them making the seminal The song often appears as The collected over 200 songs, tunes, album, Once I Loved (Claddagh Young And Single Sailor and has and items of folklore from him CC4CD). This was followed in been extremely popular in recent while working for the Irish Folklore 1985 by a family album, Muintir oral tradition. There are 570 entries Commission and later Séamus Chatháin (Gael Linn CEFCD107) in the Roud Folk Song Index and recorded additional material for The complete 22-track collection the BBC. Surprisingly there is little and in 1996 a second album of these are mostly 19th century contains many more songs of Colm’s singing available, with Rita and Sarah, At The Setting Of Broadsides or from sources in from these fine singers, and is The Sun (Demon FIENDCD771). North America. The song was only two tracks on Ireland - World a great tribute to the collecting They gained national, and later widespread in Ireland, with one Library Of Folk And Primitive work of Terry Yarnell as well as Photo: Terry Yarnell international acclaim, and in of the finest performances being Music, Volume II (Rounder CD1742), and a single track on to the singers and songs he 2006 Rita and Sarah received from West Cork singer Elizabeth Amhráin Ar An Sean-Nós (RTÉ encountered on his travels in Co. the TG4 Gradam Saoil, Lifetime Cronin. In Sam Henry’s Songs CD185). Galway. The Keane sisters were from on her passion to her children. Achievement Award for traditional Of The People (Univ. of Georgia the townland of Carragh, In the 1930s, Rita and Sarah song. Press 1990) there are over 20 As part of this collection, Colm Words here taken with kind Caherlistrane in north County played accordion and fiddle with alternative names for the song. In sings Bríd Thomáis Mhurchadha. permission from the sleevenotes of : Galway. The daughters of Matt the family (Keane’s) Céilí Band, Amongst the songs they sing England, versions were collected Photo: Terry Yarnell Here, the young man both Keane and his wife May (née which continued until the 1980s. here is There Was A Maid In Her by all the major 20th century folk addresses and describes his Tabhair Mo Ghrá Go Conamara Costello), they grew up in a They were the paternal aunts of Father’s Garden (Roud 264 / Laws song collectors including Sharp, beloved in most extravagant terms - Bring My Love To Connemara musical household with their six renowned singers, Seán, Matt and N42). This is simple folk song Butterworth, Vaughan Williams, Colm was from Glinsce, a few the island of Inis Ní. Colm was and asserts his love for her above Veteran - VT162CD. brothers and sisters. May was an . Dolores came to about a sailor returning from sea Kidson, Baring-Gould, Gardiner, miles northwest of Carna. His their eldest child. He made his all other young women. Séamus assiduous collector of traditional live with Rita and Sarah when she after seven years to find that his Alfred Williams and in Scotland, father Máirtín was from Glinsce living as a fisherman and farmer Ennis informed us that Bríd, the Available from www.veteran.co.uk songs and tunes, and passed was four years old and it was from true love doesn’t recognise him Greig-Duncan. and his mother Máire was from and married Bairbre Pheaits from object of the poet’s affections, was

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