Thanks to all who helped me prep for this mini-lesson!

The programme went like this:

All Around My Hat - to talk about the journy to America and to hint at some of the feelings of those left behind.

Jar of Porter, Seven Drunken Nights, The Wild Rover - to talk about how common drinking was and the commanality of drinking songs. This was took us into a (brief and fairly one-sided) discussion of how happiness and drinking go together. And I mentioned how Seven Drunken Nights also takes a pot shot at the English, which was in a few songs too.

Kilkelly Ireland - to show that in this genre music is a way to keep a history, and though its "modern" it stays true to the idea of telling a story, and keeps to the musical style.

When the Boys Come Rolling Home - to end on a happy note and to stress that so many who came to America had happy dreams for returning to Ireland someday, though very many did not.

Thanks again everyone!!!!!

Rob O