There have been several threads lately relating to the 1798 rebellion in Ireland and the songs associated with it (Boolavogue, Kelly from Killane, The Croppy Boy etc. etc.)

Several CD's have appeared to commemorate the bicentenary. By far the best is "1798, The first Year of Liberty, just released by Frank Harte. Frank is one of Ireland's finest traditional singers, with a special interest in the '98 ballads. His CD contains 17 songs (I suspect he only just resisted the temptation to put 98 pages in the accompanying booklet!). They range from near-contemporary, through songs written during the rise of Irish nationalism in the 1840's, to those written for the centenary in 1898. Mostly unaccompanied, but several with unobtrusive guitar accompaniment from Donal Lunny, whom any Irish music fans will know.

The accompanying booklet has the words of the songs, with notes and a good account of the history of the period.

Not to be missed by anyone with an interest in Irish Histroy, traditonal singing and the links between them

Available from Hummingbird Records, who have a Website at www.hummingbird.ie/ (I think! Search on Humingbird.). Alternatively, try Ulstersongs, via the forum's links page.

Regards