Tune Req: Dirges-Specifically celtic/Gaelic

Subject: Tune Req: Dirges-Specifically celtic/Gaelic
From: GUEST,Caitrin
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 08:15 AM

Not to be too personal, but my son's funeral didn't fill what I needed, too public, too American, too...not my family. Done for others.
I want to hold a private ceremony for him, and as we are roughly 75% Irish Gaelic, that has been a huge part of our lives. (His name was Phelim). Can you help me out here? I don't mind if the lyrics are in Gaelic, I would love both, there is simply something about Irish funerary songs that just moves me. Thank you!

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Dirges-Specifically celtic/Gaelic
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 08:49 AM

Hi Caitrín. I'm sorry to hear about your loss and appreciate your need for a more private expression of your feelings.

One song which springs to mind immediately is 'tis Pretty to be in Ballinderry, which has a girl mourning over her dead lover. He is actually called Phelím, so it's particularly appropriate. The words are below, and you can find the tune at
http://www.contemplator.com/tunebook/ireland/ballind.htm

'Twas Pretty To Be In Ballinderry

'Twas pretty to be in Ballinderry,
'Twas pretty to be in Aghalee
Still prettier to be on bonny Ram's Island
Sitting forever beneath a tree.

For often I sailed to bonny Ram's Island,
Arm in arm with Phelim, my diamond
And he would whistle and I would sing,
And we would make the whole island ring.

"I'm going," he said, "from bonny Ram's Island
Out and across the deep blue sea,
And if in your heart you love me, Mary,
Open your arms at last to me."

'Twas pretty to be in Ballinderry
But now it's as sad as sad can be,
For the ship that sailed with Phelim, my diamond,
Is sunk forever beneath the sea.

'Twas pretty to be in Ballinderry,
'Twas pretty to be in Aghalee
Still prettier to be on bonny Ram's Island
Sitting forever beneath a tree.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Dirges-Specifically celtic/Gaelic
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 10:47 AM

Here's what I have so far-
Ride On-Christy Moore
'Twas Pretty To Be In Ballinderry (Ballinderry)-Bok/Muir/Trickett
Lyke Wake Dirge-The Young Tradition
Carrickfergus-The Irish Rovers
A Stor Mo Chroi-Voice Squad
I'd still like to add to the list...

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Dirges-Specifically celtic/Gaelic
From: Charmion
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 10:56 AM

Aignish on the Machair springs to mind. It's in Scots Gaelic.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: Dirges-Specifically celtic/Gaelic
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 11:04 AM

Charmion, any idea who performs a version of it? I can't find it anywhere...