Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)

Subject: Frank Hart's 'The Connerys'..lyrics?
From: GUEST,Maninthehat
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 07:52 AM

a great song that I would like some history on and the lyrics if possible

Subject: RE: Frank Hart's 'The Connerys'..lyrics?
From: GUEST,Storyteller
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 06:24 PM

Have a look here to begin with:- Na Connerys .
This is one of the 'big' sean-nos songs , which Frank Harte made into an English language version from a translation by Seamus Ennis.
The classic sean-nos performance is by Nioclas Toibin, but the singing of Frank Harte's English language version by Al O'Donnell is very powerful as well.
Brendan Kiely has written a book about the history of this song, and I am sure that there are a few people here who have a lot to add.

Subject: Lyr Req: Frank Hart's 'the Connerys'
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 09:51 PM

Please help, I can't find them anywhere.

---

Messages from 2 threads have been combined. --JC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Frank Hart's 'the Connerys'
From: GUEST,NSC
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 01:49 PM

Was this not the Comaras (a hill or mountain range in South East Ireland)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Frank Hart's 'the Connerys'
From: Felipa
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 02:34 PM

No,NSC, there is a transportation song The Connerys Translated from Irish, also recorded by Al O'Donnell whose albom notes say
"The Connery brothers having been perjured in court by the man who'd put their sister with child, are transported for life to New South Wales. They lay a powerful family curse on the perpertrators of their misery."

As for the Comeraghs (not Comaras), there is already a relevant song on Mudcat.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE CONNERYS
From: Felipa
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 03:55 PM

posted at Áine Cooke's pages

THE CONNERYS

Oh Kevin, I'm cursing you and praying hurt on you and hate from on high
And on the band that's near you never leaving you close by your side.
You commited perjury to damn us brothers three and you told false tales
And sent the Connerys across the raging seas to New South Wales.

He who was standing doing his thinking clear on our case being tried,
From early seven morn until the day was done, truth was defied.
The ground shook under us as lies came thunderous to decide our fate;
I fear the perjured soul is in the darkest hole, so the holy clergy say.

Oh, Queen of Heaven bright and King of all Worlds might, beg release for us all,
And for our sister young alone now in her home with her child so small.
When mass you're reading, be you pleading that our courage won't fail;
The Connerys to come safe in honour home from New South Wales.

Subject: Tune Add: NA CONNERYS / THE CONNERYS
From: Felipa
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 03:59 PM

Áine's page also has lyrics in Irish. Liam Hart gives the words in Irish and this abc

X:1
T:Na Connerys
M:3/4
L:1/8
Q:60
K:D
DDE|(F>G) E>F GA|B>c (AG) FG|(E2D3) C|D3 z (3ABc|dB (c3B)|(A>B) A/2G/2 (
E E/2 F/2) (G/2A/2)|
(B2c2)B2|A3z(3ABc|dd(c3 B)|(A>BA/2G/2 E (3EGB|B2c2B2|A3DDE|F>G (E>F) GA|
B>c A>G F>G|(E2D3)C|D3||

Subject: Lyr Add: Na Connerys (Na Conneries)
From: Felipa
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 06:28 PM

from Áine Cooke's notes: "This is a traditional song about the three Connery brothers from near Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, who were transported to New South Wales in Australia circa 1836 (although three brothers are mentioned in the song, only two brothers are named in transportation records of the time). They were accused of attempting to murder a clerk of a landlord who was evicting his tenants who could not pay the increased rent."

NA CONNERIES/CONNERYS

A Chaoimhín mhallaithe guímse deacair ort agus gráin Mhic Dé
Is ar an ngasra úd athá ceangailte go dlúth le do thaobh
Is iad a dhearbhaigh na leabhartha go humhal sa mbréag
Is a chuir na Connerys thar na farraigí go dtí na New South Wales

Té a bheadh ina sheasamh ann is dhéanfadh machnamh ar ár gcúis dá plé
Mar a sheasaigh sí ón seacht ar maidín go dtí tar éis a naoi
Do chroith an talamh fúinn le linn na leabhartha ann dá dtabhairt sa mbréag
Mo ghreidhin an t-anam bocht nó tá sí damanta má's fíor don chléir

A Bhanríon bheannaithe is a Rí na bhFlaitheas Geal, den trócaire orainn araon
Is ar an mbanaltra atá sa bhaile go dúch inár ndéidh
Le linn an Aifrinn bígí ag agallamh is ag guí chun Dé
Leis na Connerys a thabhairt abhaile chug(h)ainn ó sna New South Wales

--------
Below - a longer song about the Connerys, as sung by Áine Ó Cheallaigh who lives near where the brothers came from in Co. Waterford. Courtesy of Martin Ryan, who says the tune for this song is very like that of Seán Ó Duibhir a Ghleanna

NA CONNERIES/CONNERYS

Neosfaidh mise scéal díbh má sé bhur dtoil liom éisteacht
Ag tagairt dos na séimh-fhir 'tá ag seoladh uainn ar fán
Gur thógadh go béasach le scoil agus le léann iad
Le clú le meas le héifeacht agus le haon-ghean dá gcaí
Dá siúlfainn tír na hÉireann agus Sasana le chéile
Alban, Van Diemen, An Éigipt 's an Spáinn
Geallaimse gan bhréig díbh ní raghad ag insint éithigh
Ná faighinn a neart ná a dtréineacht in aon bheirt driothár

Na Conneries na sár-fhir is iad atá mé ag áireamh
Cé go bhfuilid seal ar fán uainn in áras faoi bhrón
'S í a gcistin a bhíodh buacach go flaithiúil fáiltiúil fuarmach
Geal-chupardach geal-shubhailceach faoi mhór-chuid den bhfeoil
Tógadh iad go buacach gan anacra gan chruatan
Go súgach sultmhar subhailceach gan bhuaireamh gan ghá
Bhí cabhair is cúnamh Dé acu, bhí buíochas óg 's aosta orthu
'S ba mhaith an ceart gan on locht bheith ar a méin ná ar a gcáil

Dá gcasfaí bochta Dé ann nó traibhiléir bocht aonair
Bhí a leaba agus a mbéile ann gach féile le fáil
Ach anois beidh madraí go craosach ag sceamhail ó gach taobh díobh
Tá cosc go dian ar éinne pé méid é a phráinn
Bhíodh cider milis láidir áá riar i dtigh na sár-fhear
'S an Eaglais gach féile acu ar station go hard
Ach anois tá na séimh-fhir fé crosa fallsa an tsaoil seo
Fé tharcaisne ag méirligh á n-éileamh gach lá

A Dhia nach bocht an scéal é iad á gcur amach as Éirinn
Ag grathain ghránna an Bhéarla nár ghéill do Mhac Dáith
Is go bhfuil fhios ag gach éinne ná rabhadar ciontach riamh in aon nidh
Ach ag seasamh dá gceart féineach is gan é acu le fáil
Tá an bhaintreach go brónach is a díleachtaí le deora'nn
Ó chuireadh na hóig-fhir thar a n-eolas chun fáin
A thugadh prátaí, im is feoil dóibh is tine dhearg móna
An fuacht go deimhin ba dhóigh liom nár bhaol dóibh a fháil

Ar chualabhair a dhaoine an plean a cheap an dís úd
Go raibh an scéal ag gabháil timpeall gur chríochnaíodar an gnó
Gur bhailíodar na sála thar na geataí móra arda
'S amach ansan go brách leo gan spleáchas dá namhaid
Chuadar go Port Láirge ag iarraidh dul thar sáile
Siúd nidh ná raibh i ndán dóibh is níor ránga sé dhóibh
Mar bhí fear a mbraite láimh leo a thug timpeall orthu an garda
'S isteach arís gur sáitheadh iad in áras faoi bhrón

Nuair a chuala na méirligh go raibh greim acu ar na séimh-fhir
Go deimhin ba mhór an prae leo iad a thraochadh le cnáib
Crocadh nó transporting amach ar fad thar bóchna
I bhfad ó ghaol is ó chomfas gan fóirthint go brách
Ar nós Iúdas gránna an chlampair 'chuir Íosa Críost i dteannta
In Ifreann na ndeamhann thíos go cantalach á dhódh

Má thagann sé chun críche go bhfeicimid arís iad
Is a bpardún scrite ón Rí acu á insint ar só
Baileoimid ina dtimpeall gan spleáchas dos na peelers
'S beidh ár gcornán dí againn go haoibhinn á ól
Beidh againn glór na píbe, ceol, spórt is aoibhneas
Ó mhaidin go dtí an oíche 's ón oíche go dtí an lá
Beidh na barraillí ar a bhfaobhar againn ag fáscadh lámha a chéile
'S a sláinte geal in Éirinn go dtaoscfaimid go brách.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Frank Hart's 'the Connerys'
From: Felipa
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 01:18 PM

Notes in Cuisle an Cheoil, Dublin, 1976:

It appears that there were threee Connery brothers and their mother was a widow. According to one version of the story, the Landlord Holmes tried to evict them from the farm even though they paid their rent regularly. They opposed him and were arrested. According to another version, the Connerys made an attempt on the life of "an Caedach", the landlord's steward. One way or another, they were brought to court and sentenced to a term of 7 years in New South Wales.

The Connerys never returned to na Deise, Co. Waterford. It is said that they became successful farmers and hunters in the vicinity of Sydney.

Th song was also published in M. Ní Annagáin & S. de Chlanndiolúin, Londubh an Chairn; An Sguabh, May 1925, page 376; Béaloideas VI, pages 181-194

Subject: Lyr Add: Na Connerys
From: ciarili
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 01:42 PM

Na Connerys

A Choimín mhallaithe guímse deacair ort agus gráin Mhic Dé
ar an ngasra úd atá ceangailte go dlúth le do thaobh;
Is iad a dhearbhaigh na leabhartha go humhal sa mbréag
do chuir na Connerys thar farraigaibh go dtí na New South Wales.

Té bhéadh ina sheasamh ann is dhéanfadh machnamh ar ár gcúis dá plé
mar do sheasaigh sí ón seacht ar maidin do dtí tar éis an naoi
do chroith an talamh fúinn le linn na leabhartha ann dá dtabhairt sa mbréag.
Mo ghreidhin an t-anam bocht nó tá sí damanta, más fíor don chléir.

A Bhainríon bheannaithe is a Rí na bhFlaitheas Geal, déan trócaire orainn araon
is ar an mbanaltra atá sa bhaile go dúch inár ndiaidh.
Le linn an Aifrinn bígí ag agallamh is ag guí chun Dé
leis na Connerys a thabhairt abhaile chugainn ó sna New South Wales.

from the singing of Áine Ó Cheallaigh:
Neosfaidh mise scéal díbh má sé bhur dtoil liom éisteacht
Ag tagairt dos na séimh-fhir 'tá ag seoladh uainn ar fán
Gur thógadh go béasach le scoil agus le léann iad
Le clú le meas le héifeacht agus le haon-ghean dá gcái
l Dá siúlfainn tír na hÉireann agus Sasana le chéile
Albain, Van Diemen, An Éigipt 's an Spáinn
Geallaimse gan bhréig díbh ní raghad ag insint éithigh
Ná faighinn a neart ná a dtréineacht in aon bheirt driothár

Na Conneries na sár-fhir is iad atá mé ag áireamh
Cé go bhfuilid seal ar fán uainn in áras faoi bhrón
'Sí a gcisitin a bhíodh buacach go flaithiúil fáiltiúil fuaarmach
Geal-chupardach geal-shubhailceach faoi mhór-chuid del bhfeoil
Tógadh iad go buacach gan anacra gan chruatan
Go súgach sultmhar subhailceach gan bhuaireamh gan ghá
Bhí cabhair is cúnamh Dé acu, bhí buíochas óg 's aosta orthu
'S ba mhaith an ceart gan on locht bheith ar a méin ná ar a gcáil

Dá gcasfaí bochta Dé ann nó traibhiléir bocht aonair
Bhí a leaba agus a mbéile ann gach féile le fáil
Ach anois beidh madraí go craosach ag sceamhail ó gach taobh díobh
Tá cosc go dian ar éinne pé méid é a phráinn
Bhíodh cider milis láidir á riar I dtigh na sár-fhear
'S an Eagalis gach féile acu ar station go hard
Ach anois tá na séimh-fhir fé crosa fallsa an tsaoil seo
Fé tharcaisne ag méirligh á n-éileamh gach lá

A Dhia nach bocht an scéal é iad á gcur amach as Éirinn
Ag grathain ghránna an Bhéarla nár ghéill do Mhac Dáith
Is go bhfuil fhios ag gach éinne ná rabhadar ciontach riamh in aon nidh
Ach ag seasamh dá gceart féineach is gan é acu le fáil
Tá an bhaintreach go brónach is a díleachtaí le deorann
Ó chuireadh na hóig-fhir thar a n-eolas chun fáin
A ythugadh prátaí im is feoil dóibh is tine dhearg móna
An fuacht go deimhin ba dhóigh liom nár bhaol dóibh a fháil

Ar chualabhair a dhaoine an plean a cheap an dís úd
Go raibh an scéal ag gabháil timpeall gur chríochnaíodar an gnó
Gur bhailíodar na sála thar na geataí móra arda
'S amach ansan go brách leo gan spleáchas dá namhaid
Chuadar go Portláirge ag iarraidh dul thar sáile
Siúd nidh ná raibh I ndán dóíbh is níor ránga sé dhóíbh
Mar bhí fear a mbraite láimh leo a thug timpeall orthu an garda
'S isteach arís gur sáitheadh iad in áras faoi bhrón

Nuair a chuala na méirligh go raibh greim acu ar na séimh-fhir
Go deimhin ba mhór an prae leo iad a thraochadh le cnáib
Crocadh nó transporting amach ar fad thar bóchna
I bhfad ó ghaol is ó chomfas gan fóirthint go brách
Ar nós Iúdas gránna an chlampair 'chuir íosa Críost I dteannta
In Ifreann na ndeamhann thíos go cantlach á dhódh

Má thagann sé chun críche go bhfeicimid arís iad
Is a bpardún scrite ón Rí acu á insint ar só
Baileoimid ina dtimpeall gan spleáchas dos na peelers
'S beidh ár gcornán dí againn go haoibhinn á ól
Beidh againn glór na píbe ceol spórt is aoibhneas
Ó mhaidin go dtí an oíche 's ón oíche go dtí an lá
Beidh na barraillí ar a bhfaobhar againn ag fáscadh lámha a chéile
'S a sláinte geal in Éirinn go dtaoscfaimid go brách.

Subject: RE: Frank Harte's 'The Connerys'..lyrics?
From: Felipa
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 03:07 PM

Frank Harte would sing an English-language translation; probably the same one as given at Áine's page - storyteller's link
I spent a lot of time just yesterday answering this query! You need to learn to refresh pages and to do archive searches! If you follow my link you will get more information about this song.

Subject: RE: Frank Hart's 'The Connerys'..lyrics?
From: GUEST,Storyteller
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 06:23 PM

"Na Connerys"
The Connerys of the songs were three brothers - Patrick, Seán, and Séamus from County Waterford whose family had once been prosperous but by 1829 were reduced to a share of a small hill farm, from which they were later evicted. There are three songs which celebrate the brother's resistance to the power of the hated land agents, and curse the informers who betrayed them to the authorities. The Connery brothers became heroic symbols of resistance in pre-Famine Ireland, and the songs about them reflect their status as upholding the rights of the small farmers and tenants against the land agents, police, and the whole system of 'justice' which deprived them of their own land.
The brothers, in various combinations, were involved in disputes with land agents and lesser officials, and in some factional fights, a gun-battle with police; they were tried for various offences, including murder, and on one occasion acquitted when a crown witness 'forgot' his testimony. The brothers escaped from jail more than once, but were betrayed and recaptured.The man who betrayed them was the man who had seduced their younger sister. Their trials were well-attended and nearly led to riots, and in the unsettled state the huge swell of support for their case could have led to some kind of rural revolt.
The 'facts' of the story are inevitably confusing so perhaps it is better to follow John Ford here:- "When the facts become legend, print the legend."

For more information see the book by Brendan Kiely 'The Connerys' - The Making of a Waterford Legend' (Dungarvan, 1989)

Subject: RE: Frank Hart's 'The Connerys'..lyrics?
From: GUEST,jfm
Date: 15 Mar 03 - 08:24 AM

For a fine traditional version of 'Na Connerys' look out for a new CD called 'Téanam Ort' by Muiris "Mossie" Ó Scanláin, an Australian-based Irish traditional singer.

Subject: Lyr Add: NA CONAIRIGH
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 06:56 AM

I have an old album also called Teanam Ort, by Ty Bach!

Tomás Ó Concheanainn,Nua-Dhuanaire III (1981) includes lyrics quite similar to the version Áine Uí Cheallaigh sings:

NA CONAIRIGH

Na Conairigh na sárfhír is iad atáim a dh'áireamh,
a cuireadh uainn thar sáile sna ráigiúin i gcéin;
is danaid dúinne uainn iad san áit ná faighidh siad fuascailt,
is sinn anso faoi bhauireamh i mBoth an Dúin na gcraobh.

'S é a dtigh a bhíodh go buacach, g fáidhiúil fáiltiúil fuarmach,
gealchupordach, mo bhuaireamh, faoi mhuarchuid bhfeoil;
lucht taistil cnoc is sl,eibhte agus straigiléirí aonair,
bheadh a leaba agus a mbéile agus féile ina gcomhair.

Chuadar go Port Láirge a d'iarraidh dul thar sáile,
sin ní ná raibh i ndán dóibh 's níor ránaigh se dhóibh,
mar bhí feaar a mbraite i láthair thug timpeall orthu an garda,
is isteach arís a sáthadh iad in áras faoi bhrón.

Tugadh iad súd laithreach go príosún mór Phort Láirge,
an t-áras daingean láidir úd, gan fáil ar dhul 'na ghaobhar,
ach thugadar a sála dos na fallaí móra arda,
is an tSiúir amach gur shnámhnadar gan spleáchas don séighléir.

Mo mhallacht ort is léir ort, a rascail bhradaigh bhréagaigh!
bara fada an la go n-éagar gan bhaochas Mhic Dé!
is tú ghlac an bhreab go héasca gan bhaochas Mhic Dé!
is tú ghlac an bhreab go héasca is a dhearbhaigh an t-éitheach
a chuir na Conairigh thar tréanmhuir ó Bhoth an Dúin na gcraobh.

sources: Béal 84, 241-2 (=Béalóideas 6 (1936), 181-2)
P.O. Ó Milléadha describes folklore about the Connery brothers in "Seanchas Sliabh gCua" in Béalóideas 6 (1936), 182-4

In his notes, Ó Concheannain also mentions the other song, "Na Connerys" and gives lyrics from Ár gCeól Féinig: "A Chomthain mhallaithe guímse deacair ort..." Much the same lyrics as we had from Áine Uí Cheallaigh, but some lines are different. The "three" men are cited at the end of the third line:
instead of "Is iad a dhearbhaigh na leabhartha go humhal sa mbréag", we have "Mar sibh do dhearbhaigh i láthair Choisdealaigh ar an triúr fear séimh". Ó Concheannáin himself mentions two Connery brothers.

There is one more verse given as a third verse before "A Bhanríon bheannaithe .."

Tá jacéid dá dhéanamh ó mhaidin dúinn is triús dá réir,
culaithe farragí, ní nár thaithigheamar i dtúis ár saoil,
muireach feabhas ár gcaradais bhí ár muiníl cnagtha is sinn go doimhin san aol,
nó gur casadh sinn chun téarmaí a chaitheadh i sna New South Wales

Subject: RE: Na Connerys
From: Felipa
Date: 17 May 03 - 02:52 PM

Deirdre Ní Fhlionn, singer and harpist whose style is a bit like Mary O'Hara, recorded Na Connerys (in Irish) on a 1958 Folkways album.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 09:23 AM

Re Translation. I don't think it is Kevin - but rather a man called Cummins. The intitial words of the song are as still sung in Ring: "A Chaimín mhallaithe" Not "A Chaoimhín" (Kevin) mhallaithe".

I am looking for an onother version recalling the deportation of the Connerys - the only words that I can recall are "Both a' Dúin na gCraobh". Labhrás O Cadhla used recite it and said that it was well known in the Sliabh gCua area when he was growing up. I saw it in print once. Maybe some kind sould may still have it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: MartinRyan
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 01:46 PM

I think I've heard Aine Ui Cheallaigh sing/talk about it. I'll check.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: MartinRyan
Date: 28 Dec 04 - 02:40 PM

GUEST is correct about Kevin - but I think the original English name was Comyn.

Rereading this thread, it may well have been the "'Neosfaidh mise sceal" song I was thinking of in connection with AIne Ui Cheallaigh.

Regards

Subject: Lyr Add: NA CONAIRIGH
From: GUEST,Com Seangan
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:39 AM

The Irish version I was thinking of with "Both a'Dúin na gcraobh" has in fact already been given courtesy of Phillipa. Thanks so much. In case it may have escaped people, I put it down again below. It is worth it !!

But really the more popular sung version is really strong and venomous stuff and send shivers down my spine when I used hear Nioclas Tóibin and Labhrás Draper and the older crowd sing it (and I'm no sissy!) "I pray hardship on you Cummins and the hatred of the Son of God". I know no stronger in any song. The more "gentle" rendering of the opening lines by some of the modern female singers does not get across the bitterness and malice contained in the bitter words of the opening verse.

I agree with Philippa (or was it Felipa ?) that two brothers only are mentioned in the official records which names them as John and Pat Connery. It is on record that they escaped from Waterford jail (Ballybricken I presume) and were recaptured. Reference is made to the jail escape in the poem below (but no mention of the murder !) The brothers were convicted of murdering the bailiff and in hindsight they got off lightly enough for the times that were in it. Both versions make them out as heroes and the only villian is the informer.

However, to really understand the sentiments of the song - it should be remembered that the greatest crime against humanity in the Irish psyche was to INFORM on a fellow Irishman (even greater than murder, it would seem). With repect to Martin Ryan (and I readily acknowledge his many fine and authoritative contributions)the English version of the informer's name is more likely to be Cummins (called Coimín in the Déise)as the surname is still quite common locally. Both versions have the informer comitting perjury.

There is an Autralian Pat Connole, who has written a film script on the Connerys episode and contends that the convicts later became model and law abiding citizens in New South Wales and did quite well for themselves at sheep farming. One thing is sure, however, their name is immortalised as long as Irish lasts in Co. Waterford.

(Here below is the version I have been looking for and kindly given by Phillipa)

NA CONAIRIGH

Na Conairigh na sárfhír is iad atáim a dh'áireamh,
a cuireadh uainn thar sáile sna régiúin i gcéin;
is danaid dúinne uainn iad san áit ná faighidh siad fuascailt,
is sinn anso faoi bhuaireamh i mBoth a' Dúin na gcraobh.

'S é a dtigh a bhíodh go buacach, go fáidhiúil fáiltiúil fuarmach,
gealchupordach, mo bhuaireamh, faoi mhuarchuid bhfeoil;
lucht taistil cnoc is sleibhte agus straigiléirí aonair,
bheadh a leaba agus a mbéile agus féile ina gcomhair.

Chuadar go Port Láirge a d'iarraidh dul thar sáile,
sin ní ná raibh i ndán dóibh 's níor ránaigh se dhóibh,
mar bhí feaar a mbraite i láthair thug timpeall orthu an garda,
is isteach arís a sáthadh iad in áras faoi bhrón.

Tugadh iad súd laithreach go príosún mór Phort Láirge,
an t-áras daingean láidir úd, gan fáil ar dhul 'na ghaobhar,
ach thugadar a sála dos na fallaí móra arda,
is an tSiúir amach gur shnámhnadar gan spleáchas don séighléir.

Mo mhallacht ort is léir ort, a rascail bhradaigh bhréagaigh!
bara fada an la go n-éagar gan bhaochas Mhic Dé!
is tú ghlac an bhreab go héasca gan bhaochas Mhic Dé!
is tú ghlac an bhreab go héasca is a dhearbhaigh an t-éitheach
a chuir na Conairigh thar tréanmhuir ó Bhoth an Dúin na gcraobh.

sources: Béal 84, 241-2 (=Béalóideas 6 (1936), 181-2)
P.O. Ó Milléadha describes folklore about the Connery brothers in "Seanchas Sliabh gCua" in Béalóideas 6 (1936), 182-4

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: GUEST,Com Seangan
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 02:00 PM

Interesting that the version "Na Conaraigh na sár-fir" specifically mentions TWO brothers. This is substantiated in official records at the time naming them as John and Pat Connery:

"Geallaimse gan bhréig díbh ní raghad ag insint éithigh
Ná faighinn a neart ná a dtréineacht in aon BHEIRT DEARTHÁIR".

BUt "A Choimín mahallaithe... " version has three brothers. And Storyteller says the name of the third brother was Séamus. Is there a reliable source for this? NOt a matter of the greatest importance - but I would be inclined to go along with the official record especially when backed up by a comtemporary poem.
Com Seangan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: GUEST,Storyteller
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 03:53 PM

The source of my information was the article by Brendan Kiely on 'The/Na Connerys' in the book The Companion to Irish Traditional Music, ed. Fintan Vallely, Cork University Press, 1999.

James, or Séamus, was transported to New South Wales in 1835 on the evidence of the land agent's brother (who was the grandfather of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle). The other two brothers, John (Séan) and Patrick, were tried in Waterford in 1838 where they were sentenced to transportation for fourteen years.

Their lives in Australia turned out well for them with Patrick and James becoming successful contractors in Sydney. John became a Presbyterian and died in 1851, James died in 1857, while Patrick lived on until 1880.

The link I gave above for Brendan Kiely's book on Na Connerys doesn't work any more, but a good search should yield information about the book and its availabilty.

Who the Connerys actually were and what they did is fascinating, but what is even more fascinating is the transformative process which has made their simple story one of the starkest and most powerful accounts of the suffering of the Irish.   

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: GUEST,Com Seangan
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 03:08 PM

Story teller: Thanks for taking the trouble to reply with detail. I am deeply grteful and I will try and get hold of Kiely's book. I wonder if Séamus convicted for the same crime as the other two? His name is not mentioned in the official State records as far as I can recall. But will check again when I get a chance.

It is a good ending that the brothers prospered in later life.

Subject: RE: Mossie Ó Scanláin
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 02:43 PM

I resurrected this thread by doing a search for Mossie; this is where he is mentioned on Mudcat. There was an interview with him in the Sept (Meán Fómhair) edition of www.beo.ie and I'm interested to read that he sings some indigenous Australian ("aborgine") material along with the natives. I wonder are many of the Australian mudcatters familiar with Mossie, an Irish ex-pat.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: Fliss
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 05:47 PM

There is also an Irish group called Na Connerys. 'The Session' CD by Na Connerys has the tune Na Connerys on it.
fliss

Subject: RE:Mossie Scanlon
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 04:13 PM

Mossie has a website of his own, although I dont think he's updated it for a while 'cause he has a new album out now...

http://www.mossiescanlon.com/english.html

Beir bua,
Be

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 30 Nov 06 - 04:50 PM

I think that Mossie Scanlon is still in Ireland at present, on his annual visit home, although he will be returning to Melbourne I understand. I've heard him singing last year 2005 and he has a beautiful voice . He does sing Irish Sean Nos songs as well as other Irish material and lots of Australian Ballads also.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Hart)
From: GUEST,Joxer
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 05:43 AM

Lots of info about the Connerys but does anyone know anything about who wrote the song? Also, I think the tune is one of the most beautiful Irish airs,I wonder was it taken from an older song from the Deise region?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)
From: MartinRyan
Date: 12 Jun 09 - 06:06 AM

For those who don't know the tune, you   can hear Jim McFarland singing a verse or two in the left-hand sample on THIS PAGE

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)
From: MartinRyan
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 05:22 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)
From: MARINER
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 10:31 AM

Just listening to Al O'Donnell's version of The Connerys and I am certain he sings "Oh Coote I'm cursing you " Not Kevin or Coimin .So, who is right, or does it matter ?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)
From: Fergie
Date: 18 Feb 11 - 11:50 AM

The Connerys were three brothers born in Co Waterford. They were all unmarried, by religion were Catholics and they were classed as 'agricultural laborours'
James the eldest of them was born in 1805, he was tried in Waterford for the crime of "shooting". He was convicted and sentenced in March 1835 to transportation to Australia for Life. He arrived in NSW aboard the ship Hive in December1835.
Patrick was born in 1806 and his younger brother John was born in 1810. They were tried for 'breaking goal and forcible possession' at Waterford in 1838. They were convicted and both sentenced to 14 years transportation. They arrived in NSW together aboard the Elphinstone in December 1838.

Fergus

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 18 Feb 11 - 12:07 PM

Jim McFarland (link from Martin Ryan above) is one of my favourite singers.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)
From: GUEST,Art O’Malley
Date: 27 Apr 20 - 04:05 PM

Frank Harte’s version, sung in English, has the following as its third of four verses:

A jacket short is being sown, and trousers coarse and worn, for us they are being made

A seaman’s suit of blue, the likes we never knew in Both a’Duin na gCraobh

We’re it not for friends at home our lives would not be our own, we’d have lain in quicklime graves

And now we are sent away, to spend our time and stay in the New South Wales.


I take from this that they may have been given death sentences which were commuted following an appeal for clemency.

By the way the Harte version also refers to two brothers (“you spoke those words untrue that damned us brothers two...”).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 27 Apr 20 - 07:07 PM

Song 12 on p.16:

http://www.goilin.com/fhf/2015_singing_and_walking_tour_booklet.pdf

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Connerys (Frank Harte)
From: GUEST,Breandan O'Briain
Date: 27 Mar 23 - 11:02 AM

A chomaoin mhallaithe is a possible version of the first line
To begin mhallaithe has a "h" which suggests it is a feminine adjective attached to a feminine noun. The "m" is aspirated. Comaoin meaning return or recompense is such a noun. This might translate as "Oh cursed return" or "you cursed repayment" referring to the damage that was done. Comments please???