The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #72376 Message #1247109
Posted By: David Ingerson
13-Aug-04 - 05:45 PM
Thread Name: Tune Req: An Irish Song (Kilkelly)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: An Irish Song
Well, George, I'm sure you're aware that what's thrown in their faces (and ours) every March is an instant mashed potatoes version of their roots--after it's been wrung dry by Madison Ave.
There were two Irish immigration centers in Oregon during the 19th century--Lakeview and Harney Counties--where Irish sheep hearders gathered. Now there is nothing of Irish culture there--no language, no music, no customs--other than family names and maybe a Danny Boy sung on March 17.
I'm sure glad it's been preserved elsewhere!
BTW, when I perform Kilkelly, Ireland, I have to sing it 3 or 4 times right before I perform or I can't get through the last verse--especially the last line--without tears.