The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #77631 Message #2284132
Posted By: Big Tim
10-Mar-08 - 04:08 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Cliffs of Dooneen. WHERE?
Subject: RE: Origins: Cliffs of Dooneen. WHERE?
I've never been in Kerry but I can read a map (and watch a DVD)!
Re Barr na Sráide, it's just a coincidence that there is both a Dooneen and a Letter in the Beal area. The song isn't set there. The two place names in Barr na Sráide are in fact both just outside Cahirsiveen, definitely. Cahersiveen was home to Sigerson Clifford who wrote that song and he was writing about his home town. Since 'letter' means 'hillside' there are hundreds of them in Ireland (and Scotland). I have checked the background of Barr na Sráide with the great Kerry singer Tim Dennehy who is from Cahersiveen and who knew Clifford personally and who has made a CD of his songs. Tim's a fine singer but an even better songwriter, check his website).
The Peggy Sweeney DVD also includes Boys of Barr na Sráide and shows nice footage of Cahersiveen, including the street nameplate Barr na Sráide, the street where Sigerson Clifford grew up.