Matthew! From the small world department, I was just working on learning this song this morning!

The recording I have is by a wonderful group from San Francisco group called Orla and The Gasmen. They played most recently at the Guinness Fleadh along with Van Morrison, Solas, John Lee Hooker, and Elvis Costello. Cormac Gannon in the group is my bodhrán teacher, and Orla Morrison (lead vocals) is a real powerhouse. Check out their website if you like, at www.cronico.com/orla

Sliante!
PJ

AR EIRINN NI NEOSFAINN CE HI

There's a home by the wide Avonmode
That would sweep o'er the broad open sea
And wide rivers where waves wash ashore
Whilst bulrushes they wave to the breeze.

Where the green ivy clings 'round the door
And the birds sweetly sing from each tree
O me darlin' they're tunin' their notes,
Is ar Eireann ni neosfainn ce hi.

Like a sick man that longs for the dawn
I do long for the light of her smile
And I do pray for me own cailin fan
While I'm waiting for her by the Stile.

O I'd climb all the hills of this land
And I'd swim all the depths of the sea
To get one kiss from her lily-white hand
Is ar Eireann ni neosfainn ce hi.

I've toiled sore these years of my life
Through storm, through sunshine and rain
And I surely would venture my life
For to shield her one moment from pain.

For she me being my comfort in life
Though my comfort and joy she may be
She's my own, she is my promised wife
Is ar Eireann ni neosfainn ce hi.

O but when I will call her my own
And it's married we both then shall be
Like the King and the Queen on their throne
We'll be livin' in sweet unity.

O it's then I'll have a home of my own
And I'll rear up a nice family
O it's then that her name will be known
Is ar Eireann ni neosfainn ce hi.