Historical events behind some irish song

Subject: Historical events behind some irish song
From: paddymac
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 01:18 AM

Many of the Irish songs and ballads so commonly discussed here reflect a vision of particular events in Irish History. Short commentary on some of those events is included in my "Today In Irish History" calendar, gleaned from my readings over the years. A few 'Catters are on the recipient list, but others may have an interest in receiving such notes. I've copied today's notice below, as an example. If you would like to be added to the list, send me a PM with your addy & I'll add you to the list. There is no cost to recipients, and I try to get the notes out on a "nearly daily" basis.

I hope the New Year is kind and gentle to all of you. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's no secret that happy events get far less coverage in contemporary news (and in Today In Irish History) than the more sad and sober kinds of things. Thus, it's a special pleasure to be able to close the year with reference to what must surely have been one of the most positive events in all of Irish history. Here's hoping that the coming year and the coming millenium (or the part of it relevant to you)are happy and helpful to "all ya'll!"

31 Dec 1759 Thirty-four-year old Arthur Guinness paid 100 pounds down and signed a 9000 year/45 pounds per year lease from Mark Rainsford III for the then dormant Rainsford brewery at St. James' Gate. The brewery had been established at an outer defense to the old walled Gity of Dublin by Giles Mee in 1620, and passed down through his son-in-law Mark Rainsford I, to Mark Rainsford II, and thence to lessor Mark Rainsford III. (IE, LXX( ) @ 25) The rest, as the saying goes, is history!

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 01:27 AM

WOW! 9,000 year lease! Talk about confidence!! Thanks, Paddymac! That is indeed a cheery note for the end of this year/millennium!

Happy New Year!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: Haruo
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 02:16 AM

As I noted in my PM to paddymac, seems to me with a lease like that they oughta be able to reduce the price of their stout. ('Course I don't drink, but still just the principle...)

Liland

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 11:35 AM

Liland,

It's okay -- they raised the "kick" instead.

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: GUEST,Sarah
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 11:43 AM

What am I missing here, paddymac? PM you where? St. Patrick's is just ahead, and this is obviously historical info I could use...

Sarah

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: Amergin
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 12:14 PM

Sarah, you can join up here (it's free) and then you could go to the drop menu in the upper right side of the screen, scroll down to send some one a private message...click on that, then type his name into the box....

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 12:45 PM

Murphy's is great stuff too. Either weay "a pint of plain is your only man!

When things go wrong and will not come right,
Though you do the best you can,
When life looks black as the hour of night -
A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

When money's tight and is hard to get,
And your horse has also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt -
A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

When health is bad and your heart feels strange,
And your face is pale and wan,
When doctors say that you need a change -
A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

When food is scarce and your larder bare,
And no rashers grease your pan,
When hunger grows as your meals are rare -
A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

In time of trouble and lousy strife,
You have still got a darlint plan,
You still can turn to a brighter life -
A PINT OF PLAIN IS YOUR ONLY MAN.

Flan O'Brien's tribute to the black stuff - and here is a link to a thread with a bit more about it

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: paddymac
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 03:21 PM

OOPS! I was just reviewing today's message regarding the lease on the St. James Gate brewery in Dublin, and suddenly realized what I think is a typographical error. I can't find a source to check with at the moment, but I believe that the term of the original lease was NOT 9,000 years, but was 900 years. One too many zeros. Still a good deal, but just not "that" good. While I'm at it, let me add that if any reader sees an error in any of the history posts, I would be most happy if you would send me a correction, with a reference source.

Kevin - thanks for posting that "Pint O' Plain" poem. I have heard it before as a recitation. Is there a melody to which it is sung?

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: Nynia
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 04:32 PM

AAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! That means there's only 658 years of Guinness left. (Mass suicide in Dublin).

Happy New Year

Nynia

:-)

-)

)

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 04:49 PM

AS I say in that link, there's a sort of natural tune that is likely to assert itself if you ever sing it in the appropriate circumstances. It's really more of a recitation with a chorus line to sing out on.

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: Jimmy C
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 05:31 PM

Thank God for leases.

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: GUEST,Mickey191
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 10:08 PM

Some of you may know this Guiness Tribute, but for the few who don't: Some Guiness was spilt on the barroom floor when the pub was shut for the night. Wen out of his hole crept a wee brown mouse and sat in the pale moonlight. He lapped up the frothy brew from the floor then back on his haunches he sat, And all night long you could hear him roar, "Bring on the GodDamned cat." Slainte Maithe

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: paddymac
Date: 01 Jan 01 - 01:10 AM

Mickey191 - My band does "the mouse" a capella after an instrumental version of "The Girl I Left Behind Me". If my memory serves correctly, I think the "inspiration" came from Seamus K's rendition of it. A fine fella, and gifted performer. We couldn't have "covered" a better version.

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: paddymac
Date: 02 Jan 01 - 12:04 AM

Sarah - Since Amergin's post regarding joining Mudcat and personal messages, I've been expecting a PM from you. There is a "sarah" who is a member, but not knowing whether it is you, I chose not to send her a PM. I would be happy to add you to the list, but I need your e-mail address. Slan!

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: Brendy
Date: 24 Jan 01 - 06:48 AM

Just got back from the back of beyond, and was delighted to read all the back issues that were waiting in my mailbox.

Good man, Paddy. And keep 'em coming.

B.

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: Brendy
Date: 24 Jan 01 - 06:48 AM

Just got back from the back of beyond, and was delighted to read all the back issues that were waiting in my mailbox.

Good man, Paddy. And keep 'em coming.

B.

Subject: RE: BS: Historical events behind some irish song
From: Brendy
Date: 24 Jan 01 - 06:49 AM

and coming...and coming!

B.