Yeah, the song is indeed by Phil Coulter. He wrote for the Furey Brothers in memory of their Da, Ted Furey.

Funny how this goes. Tomorrow night in the wee Village of Parnell, my band is performing for the Parish Festival at St. Patricks. This village is named for Charles Stuart Parnell and holds an important place in the hearts of the children of Ireland in Michigan. Three of my band members are descended from the original Plat holders for the area. They have many ancestors buried in the cemetary, including two of the fathers of my band members. The third father is buried not far away in another cemetary. Tomorrow night, after we sing The Parting Glass to close our performance, I am going to send the band members off stage to be with their spouses, and sing this very touching song for them. I will sing it within earshot of and in memory of the men who gave them the gift of music, from which I benefit so very much. It is a surprise, so don't tell, OK? **grin** I hope I can sing it without too many tears.

So to Gerry Scott, Frank Goldsmith and Clare Verlin,.......this one is for you, and your boys, Mike, Jim and Tom.

All the best,

Mick