That's a question I was going to ask. I've seen the various spellings and have heard several pronounciations. I'd like to know which are the correct ones. With the Reivers, we sang this song, but never publicly as we weren't sure of the pronounciation. As I recall we learned the song from a Planxty recording.

I've figured out the identities of most of the people and places, but "ma cahir Og" or "McCahir Og" still eludes me. Nor have I definitely located "the Fern" or "Ferns" (I've heard it both ways). Any info. on these would be appreciated.

As to whether it was originally Up to Carlow or Down to Carlow, the recordings I've got each list it as "Up." However, "Down to Carlow" seems more appropriate. Feach's main territory and the battle site of Glen Malure were in the mountains, if I'm not mistaken, while Carlow is on the Barrow River, so it would seem logical that O'Byrne would have been exhorting his men to follow him DOWN to Carlow.

Great Song! I'm glad for the information about the author -- the 7' tall Kelly from Killane also makes a great song.

Reiver 2