The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #32214   Message #3841540
Posted By: Lighter
25-Feb-17 - 04:08 PM
Thread Name: Tune Req: Drimoleague Fair
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Drimoleague Fair
"Drimoleague Fair" (O'Neill No. 316) is essentially identical to the "Londonderry Air," to which the lyrics of "Danny Boy" were written by composer Fred Weatherley in 1913.

Interestingly enough, O'Neill also gives a "Londonderry Love Song" (No. 188), which is actually just a wee bit different.

O'Neill credits himself with the collection of "Drimoleague," which may suggest that he learned it in Ireland as a young man. Whether the title was traditional or added by O'Neill (who gave titles to tunes that needed them) is unknown.

It is also interesting that Drimoleague and Derry (formerly "Londonderry") are at opposite ends of Ireland.

No lyrics are associated with "Drimoleague Fair," and no other versions under this title seem to have been reported.