The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #150251 Message #3508542
Posted By: Jim Carroll
25-Apr-13 - 04:31 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Rose-Briar Motif
Subject: RE: Origins: Rose-Briar Motif
Lighter "If "Abore/O'Bore" is from a place name, where is it?" Rural Ireland is divided into ancient 'Townlands', which don't appear on regular maps - sort-of old postal or zip codes; they are usually bordered by rivers or streams. From Joyce's description in his 'Irish Names of Places' "Bough" is possibly one of these in County Carlow - where Frank Feeney's wife came from - he learned the song from her. 'Townlands' have been in continual use for centuries and still are - our post lady swears by them! We live in Knockliscrane (The hill where corn was burned -according to Joyce) and our next townland is Poulawillan (William's hole - don't ask!) Wherever Mrs Feeney got the song from it is probably a localised rationalisation - it happens all the time and is an indication of the level of involvement and ownership the singers placed on the songs. Jim Carroll