The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #34502   Message #466439
Posted By: GUEST,Philippa
19-May-01 - 06:26 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: A Chomaraigh Aoibhinn O
Subject: Lyr Add: A CHUMARAIGH AOIBHINN Ó
Here is the Irish and a summary in English:

A CHUMARAIGH AOIBHINN Ó

Maurus Ó Faoláin (1853-1931)

Beir beannacht óm chroí dod thír is dod' shléibhibh
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó
'S dod' mhuintir shuairc ar dual dóibh féile
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó
Do shrutháin gheala 's do choilte craobhach,
Do ghleannta meala 's do bhánta léire,
Ó grá mo chroí iad súd le chéile
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó

Is fairsing fial do locha taoscach
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó
Fé iasc ná fuil a shamhailt in Éirinn
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó
Loch Com Seangán na hollaphéiste
An dá sciollóg ina mbíonn an méith-bhreac,
Na Coma-locha is Com Fiadh taobh leo
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó

Is breá é an radharc a chím gach taobh díot
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó
Ó thuaidh 's ó dheas is soir in éineacht
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó
Ó Dhroim fhinín i lár na nDéise
Go Corrach Mór i dtír na bPaorach
'S as san ó thuaidh go Sliabh Ban Féinne
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó

Do bhíos thar saile i gcéin uait
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó
I ndúthaigh fáin ag déanamh saothair
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó
Ach b'obair tháir liom cnuasacht gréithre
I bhfad óm áit fé scáil do shléibhte
Is chas mé arís ort, a phlúr na nDéise,
A Chumaraigh Aoibhinn Ó

summary verse 1: Blessings of my heart on your land and mountains and hospitable people, o pleasant Comeraghs [range in County Waterford], your bright streams and lush woodlands, honeyed glens and clear grasslands; The love of my heart to all of them.

verse 2: Your many lakes are abundant with fish. [names a few lakes - can any body tell more about the ollphéist - monster or serpent - of Loch Com Seangán?]

verse 3: There's a wonderful view from every side [names several places]

verse 4: I was working overseas far away from you for a time, far from the shade of your mountains. But I returned to you, flower of na Déise (The Decies, Waterford & S Tipperary), the lovely Comeraghs.

The song was composed by Maurus Ó Faoláin, a Cistercian priest born in Kilrossanty, Co Waterford 1853. He was elected Abbot of Mount Mellery in 1908 and remained there until his death in 1931. He collected poetry as well as composing his own.

I think you can find recordings by Ann Mulqueen, Áine uí Cheallaigh, & Karan Casey (with Solas)