The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #130786 Message #2947316
Posted By: michaelr
18-Jul-10 - 06:26 PM
Thread Name: Is there an Eskydun in Ireland?
Subject: RE: Is there an Eskydun in Ireland?
Thank you very much, John and mayomick!
Am I correct that McWilliams' text looks quite Scottish (perhaps he was an Ulster Scot from Antrim)? Anyway, it's interesting to compare it with Allingham's reworking - a bit like the "Rambling Boys of Pleasure"/"Sally Gardens" relationship.
FWIW, the liner notes to "Heartstring Sessions" say "Learned from Nollaig and Maire's mother's copy of Songs of the Gael, compiled by Padraig Breatnach and published in 1922... Breatnach didn't like Allingham's choice of tune [wonder what that may have been - mr] and suggested that the poem be sung instead to this beautiful air noted by him from the singing of Kate Coakley of Rahalisk, near Macroom, Co. Cork."
It is indeed a lovely air, and the whole CD is quite excellent. A highly recommended recording by some of the best musicians playing Irish music today.
Cheers,
Michael