Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin

Subject: Lyr Add: ARD TÍ CHUAIN / QUIET LAND OF ERIN
From: Philippa
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 07:44 AM

Alice requested this song in the macarónachas thread. I used to have a recording of Jean Redpath singing "The Quiet Land of Erin" and here's how I remember it:

By myself I'd be in Ard Ti Chuain*
Where the mountains stand away
And 'tis there I'd let the Sundays pass
In a quiet glen above the bay

(chorus)
agus och och Eire lig is o
Eire leanndubh agus o
The quiet land of Erin

But my heart is weary all alone
And it sends a lonely cry
To the land that sings above my dreams
And the lonely Sundays pass me by.

I would ravel back the twisted years
and the bitter wasted winds
If the Lord above would let me lie
In a quiet place above the whins.

[*í is a long 'e' sound. 'ch' as in 'loch' or 'chanukah', but it's more a 'c' than an'h', I think Redpath sang 'Orshiecoon']

The late Sean Ò Gallochóir of Derry didn't like this version much. He made his own translation. If I see any of his progeny about when next I'm in Derry, I'll ask if they have the words.
I'll add Irish lyrics when I have more time. The original mentions place names in County Antrim; the singer is looking across from Scotland. He's also nostalgic about his 'caman', his hurley stick. They play camogie in Scotland too, but not on Sundays, could that have been a source of the lament?!

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Messages from multiple threads combined.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Ardaigh Cuain /Quiet land of Erin
From: Philippa
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 10:14 AM

Irish lyrics will be found in the next installment. and maybe next week I'll ask Alison for an ABC. If you're trying to fit the English to the tune, you have to use at least 3 notes for the word 'land' in the chorus. I think Mary O'Hara's sister Joan composed the English version above. Mary has recorded the song
I got some discography info. via the internet:
Quiet land of Erin recorded by recorded by Jean Redpath, "Laddie Lie Near Me", Elektra; Roger Nicholson and Jake Walton. "Bygone Days", Front Hall; Rita Connolly - "Valparaiso" ; Grace Notes - "Red Wine & Promises" - Fellside FECD126
tune: Geraldine O'Grady, violin Oonagh Keogh, violin Margaret O'Sullivan, piano Melodies of Ireland - The Lark in the Clear Air Cala CACD0503, 1996;
Aird Uí Chumhaing recorded by Micheál Ó Domhnaill & Kevin Burke on "Portland", Green Linnet
Airde Cuan recorded by Alan Stivell "Renaissance of the Celtic Harp", Phillips
Aird Uí Chumhaing Craobh Rua ."No Matter How Cold & Wet You Are As Long As You're Warm & Dry" - Lochshore CDLDL1237 - ZCLDL1237
yet another version of the spelling/title is Ardaigh Cuain
the song was used in a film. I think it was the one in which Harrison Ford defeats the IRA, title? Patriot Games? or was it Neil Jordan's Crying Game (rather a better film)?

Subject: Lyr Add: AIRD A' CHUMHAING
From: PHILIPPA
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 10:17 AM

Aird a' Chumhaing
Dá mbeinn féin in Aird a' Chumhaing
In aice an tsléibhe 'tá i bhfad uaim
Ba annamh liom gan dul ar cuairt
Go gleann na gcuach dé Domhnaigh

agus och och Eire lig is ó
Eire líonndubh agus ó
'sé mo chroí tá trom agus bronach

Is iomai Nollag a bhí mé féin i mBun Abhainn Doine
Is mé gan chéill
Ag iomainn ar a trá bán
'S mo chaman bán ins mo dhorn liom

Nach tuirseach mise anseo liom féin*
Nach n-airím guth coiligh, lon dubh na traon'?
Gealbhan, smólach, naoscach fhéin,
's chan aithnim féin* an Domhnach!

'S é seo an choraíocht 'tá buan;
Ar a' tsaol go gcuirfeadh sé cluain;
Mheallfadh sé an chaora ón uan -
Agus mheall sé uaimse an óige.

Dá mbeadh agam coite 's rámh
D'iomairfinn liom ar dhroim a' tsnáimh,
'S mé 'dúil as Dia go sroichfinn slán
'S go bhfaighinn bás in éirinn.

Notes: "Abair Amhrán "credits S. Mac Ambróis with authorship verse 2) Bun Abhainn Doinne = cushendall, Co Antrim - northern pronounciation of "abhainn" resembles "Owen" so I hope I'm not mixing it up with "Eoghain"

3) * alternatively, 'péin' or 'fhéin' - same meaning, 'fh' is pronounced 'h' in this case, though it is often silent

rough translation 1) If I were in Aird a' chumhaing, beside that distant mountain, There's seldom a Sunday that I wouldn't visit the cuckoo's glen
2) Many's the Christmas/December I spent in Cushendun, playing hurley on the strand, My white caman (hurley stick) in my fist.
3) I'm so forlorn here alone that I don't even notice the sounds of the cockerel (woodcock?), the blackbird or the corncrake, Not even the swan, the thrush or the snipe; I don't even notice/recognise Sunday
4) This is the eternal struggle with temptation [to seek greener pastures?].
It would entice the lamb from the ewe, and it took from me my youth.
5) If I had a boat and oars , I would row over the crest of the tide, Trusting to God that I would arrive safe and that I would (eventually)die in Ireland.

á = a/= á é = e/= é í = i/ = í ó = o/ = ó ú = u/ = ú [

Subject: RE: Ard Tí Chuain/Quiet land of Erin
From: John Moulden
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 01:07 PM

The place mentioned in the song is given on the Ordnance Survey maps - shades of "Translations" - as Ardicoan. It is just above Knocknacarry; between Cushendall and Cushendun at the north-east corner of County Antrim.

John Moulden

Subject: RE: Ard Tí Chuain/Quiet land of Erin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 02:56 PM

This song is on Rounder CD 11556 called First Flight, a collection of 22 songs from Jean Redpath's early recordings. It's available at Music Boulevard and other merchants. It's a great CD.
-Joe Offer, trying to relay info without sounding commercial-

Subject: RE: Ard Tí Chuain/Quiet land of Erin
From: Alice
Date: 22 Apr 99 - 03:30 PM

That's ok, Joe, I'll follow that up with another Support The Mudcat! You can get The Quiet Land of Erin from the Mudcat through CD Now, on "Song For Ireland".click here.

This is a full discography of the CD:

01. My Lagan Love
02. Kitty Of Coleraine
03. A Soft Day
04. Oro My Little Boat
05. Young Brigid O'Malley
06. Danny Boy
07. The Spanish Lady
08. She Moved Through The Fair
09. The Gartan Mother's Lullaby
10. The Fairy Tree
11. Ailiu Eanai
12. Bring Me A Shawl From Galway
13. Down By The Sally Gardens
14. The Song Of Glendun
15. The Pet Hen
16. The Quiet Land Of Erin

Subject: RE: Aird a' Chumhaing/Quiet land of Erin
From: Philippa
Date: 23 Apr 99 - 06:29 AM

by the way, the last line of the chorus in Irish doesn't mean "the quiet land of Erin", but "my heart is heavy and sad"
the tune very much suits the nostalgia/poignancy of the words; I hope we'll get an abc soon
can anyone confirm which film(s)the song features on?
the reason for the letters and = signs at the bottom of my transcription is as a key in case the accented letters ever go haywire. I used html in the lyrics, so it shouldn't ever happen
the 'eventually'(translation of last verse) is my interpretation. "May you die in Ireland" is used as a blessing, not a curse. But the singer refers to lost youth, so perhaps is dying and therefore urgent to get back to Ireland. I also take it that the journey could be risky but it doesn't matter how much it takes out of him as long as he reaches Ireland before he dies. Probably 'he' because of reference to hurley, but gender isn't of much consequence to this song; we all can get homesick. The wonder of songs is they can even make us feel homesick for places we've never been to. Or for places we're actually in - emigration songs are popular in Ireland. itself.

Subject: RE: Ard Tí Chuain/Quiet land of Erin
From: Roddy
Date: 23 Apr 99 - 08:18 PM

There are two accounts of how the song came to be composed. The one thing that is indisputable is the identity of the poet - the last of the Glens of Antrim poets composing in his native Irish, and interestingly enough ,a Protestant - one Mac Ambróis (Mc Cambridge.) One story has it that he emigrated across the water to Scotland to work, but sitting on a headland looking westwards, he could plainly see his native Antrim Hills. Stricken with "cumhaí" (homesickness / longing for home) he composed the song. The second story has him intending to emigrate, but imagining what exile would be like, he was moved to compose the song, and was so moved by his own lyrics that he stayed at home. They're both good stories. Roddy

Subject: Tune Add: ARDAIDH CUAIN
From: alison
Date: 26 Apr 99 - 11:18 PM

Hi,

Thanks to Philippa for the music ....here it is. I'm not sure if MIDItxt can adjust for time signature changes..... the tune is in 6/8 but changes to 9/8 (bar 10) for 1 bar. so that's what happens if it sounds a bit odd. According to the music it needs played slowly and with feeling so I've taken the tempo down to 50.. hope that's about right.

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Click to Play

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ABC format:

X:1
T:Ardaidh Cuain
M:6/8
Q:1/4=50
K:Bb
B11/2c/2|d2dc3/2B/2G/2F/2|G5B/2c/2|df2d2c|
d5B/2c/2|dd2c3/2B/2G/2F/2|D5B/2c/2|d2dc3/2B/2G/2F/2|
GG4F/2G/2|B5/2B/2F3/2F/2D/2F/2|G2B/2c/2dd3/2c/2|
d2B/2c/2d2d|c3/2B/2G/2F/2GG2|-G3||

Slainte

alison

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Messages below are from a new thread.

Subject: the quiet land of erin
From: Rita64
Date: 24 May 99 - 01:45 AM

This is a beautiful old air. I have a copy recorded in English by the harpist Mary O'Hara. Would anyone have the words, both in English and in Gaelic? Could someone shed light on the origin of this song? Thanks again - I'm full of questions today!

Subject: RE: the quiet land of erin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 May 99 - 05:19 AM

Hi - we had a thread on that just last month. It's probably better to post any additional comments to that thread instead of creating a new thread and splitting the information.
The other thread is above (threads combined).
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: the quiet land of erin
From: Rita64
Date: 24 May 99 - 11:24 PM

Thanks for the link Joe - message received. I am only new to this forum so please forgive my inexperience.

Subject: RE: the quiet land of erin
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 May 99 - 11:53 PM

Fair Youngmaid:

Ya did just fine. No need to apologise. Welcome and hope you come back often.

katlaughing

Subject: RE: the quiet land of erin
From: PJ Curtis. Record Producer, Ireland
Date: 25 May 99 - 06:26 PM

Dear Fair young maid,I think I dont know the mary O'hara version, but 'the Q.L.o Erin' was writtenback in the late 1970's by Shawn Davey(The Brendan Voyage etc) and becane famous as a Irish TV ad for Erin Foods. Its still a great melody...orig. sung by Rita Connely. PJC

Subject: RE: the quiet land of erin
From: Alice
Date: 25 May 99 - 07:45 PM

PJ Curtis, the song is older than the '70s.

Mary O'Hara writes in her autobiography, The Scent of The Roses, regarding her recording around the time of her husband's death in 1957..."In those days the Clancy Brothers had not yet become famous. They had started their own recording company: Tradition, and wanted me to make a long playing record for them. Being under contract to Decca, whose records in the USA were issued under the "London" label, I felt I could not do so. But when they persisted, Richard approached Decca and persuaded them to allow me to make the one album for Tradition. By the time I came to make this record, 'Songs of Ireland', Richard had been dead a few weeks.....About a month after Richard's death, I was ready to leave the Long Island apartment. Before doing so I burnt all my letters to Richard.
It was more convenient for me to stay in the city while I was recording 'Songs of Ireland'...
While the Tradition album, 'Songs of Ireland', was available only in the United States, the two Decca albums, 'Songs of Érin' and 'Love Songs of Ireland', were being manufactured and released in half a dozen countries in Europe, as well as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. ...
With plans for going into a monastery firmly established in my own mind, I decided to record a few more long-playing albums before finally giving up singing forever. My repertoire of songs in English and Gaelic was comparatively large and I hoped, if possible, to make one album of Scottish songs because of my attachment to that country..."
She goes on to describe a concert tour of Australia, recording a number of programs on Radio Éireann, an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show with the Clancy Brothers and Brendan O'Dowda, and the final recording of tapes before entering the convent she had chosen at Stanbrook.
..."Towards the end of 1961 Ireland was preparing to set up its own television station. It opened for the New Year on 31 December. I was asked to take part in the opening night, which I did, doing a number of songs accompanying myself on the harp. I never saw that programme, as I was in Africa that night visiting my brother..."
The next time she saw her brother was in 1978, when he appeared in the television studio that surprised her with "This Is Your Life".

The Quiet Land of Erin was recorded in those sessions before entering the convent. It is available on the current CD called 'A Song For Ireland' on Shanachie.

Mary explains how she entered Stanbook in 1962, starting a new chapter of her life, leaving singing behind with no regrets..."Over the next few years, beyond the walls of my sequestered world, the saga of the "Mount Street tapes" dragged quietly on, puncutuated by long intervals of silence. Eventually, it was decided at Stanbrook that I had to listen to the tapes and judge for myself. As they could not be played at the monastery I had to go to London to hear them under proper studio conditions. Sister Raphael accompanied me and the result of the trip was that in 1972 I signed a contract with Emerald Records of Belfast, whose records were manufactured and distributed by Decca. All the songs on the original "Mount Street" master tapes have been included on three albums, now available in many countries."

She spent 12 years in the monastery, and, after illness, in 1974, was advised that she should leave the order so that she could regain her health and vigor. She was then invited to appear on the Late Late Show on Irish Television.
"... I sang 'The Quiet Land of Erin', which had become my theme song before I went into the monastery. I had not planned to return to singing so soon... Several times during the next two or three years I recorded songs for inclusion in his [Ciarín MacMathúna] tremendously popular Sunday morning programme, 'Mo Cheól Thuú'. There is now a long playing album of that title on the Gael-linn label."
--------

alice in montana

Subject: RE: the quiet land of erin
From: John Moulden
Date: 26 May 99 - 06:54 AM

Seán Davey may have arranged the tune of "The quiet land of Erin" for its television presentation but it was published in the Gaelic Journal as early as 1895 and by Sam Henry in the 1930s as Och, och Eire Oh.

Subject: RE: the quiet land of erin
From: Philippa
Date: 26 May 99 - 12:19 PM

I thought Mary O'Hara's sister Joan translated "Aird a' Chumhaing" as "The Quiet Land of Erin"? Both lyrics can be found at the earlier thread (above). Is that really PJ Curtis -- I am very surprised!

Subject: RE:Aird a' Chumhaing/Quiet land of Erin
From: Philippa
Date: 26 May 99 - 01:09 PM

questions about the age of the song arose on the related thread - can Roddy (or John M or Annraoi or anyone else) give us more biographical info. on S Mac Ambróis?

Subject: Aird a' chumhaing/Quiet land of Erin
From: Philippa
Date: 26 May 99 - 01:18 PM

from http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/s.quinn/music/gtrad.htm:

In Northern Ireland terms, this has always been 'a place apart' - indeed the building of the picturesque Coast Road from Glenarm to Ballycastle in the last century was a final attempt to bring the region under effective Government control. In many ways they look towards Scotland as much as the rest of Ireland. The Scottish connection is emphasised in local surnames such as McAlister, McKay, McNeill and common forenames like Alasdair, Randal and Archie. One of the finest ballads in Irish Gaelic, Airde Cuan, written about these Glens, by Sean Mac Ambrois in the middle of the last century. Mac Ambrois' song tells how he left his native Glendun, perhaps to escape the potato famine, and settled in Ayrshire where he ultimately died pining for the hills of home, which he could still see on the western horizon. His song tells of his love for the 'cuckoo glen'; (Glendun) and of playing hurling at Christmas on the 'white strand' (the beach at Cushendun).

Is iomai Nollaig bhi me fein
I mBun Abahnn Doinne is me gan cheill
Ag iomain ar an tra bhan
Mo chaman ban in mo dhorn liom

The other relevant item I found on the internet was a bit of a laugh, a Living Tradition review of a recording by "Anam" saying the album includes a songs by a band member and one "written by Sean Mac Ambrois which sounds more traditional than contemporary"

Subject: RE: Ard Tí Chuain/Quiet land of Erin
From: Alice
Date: 26 May 99 - 01:46 PM

Phillipa, thanks for bringing more info to the surface on this subject. I combed through O'Hara's autobiography and found more on the song, particularly this:

"When I left school, Joan [Mary's sister] was established at the Abbey Theatre as a promising young actress.... While acting at the Abbey Theatre, she also did occasional radio work on commercial programmes (there was no television in Ireland until 1962). One day she mentioned to the radio producer that her youngest sister sang and played the harp. He expressed interest, and it was arranged that Joan should bring me along for an audition. I sang my entire repertoire: a handful of songs which included Joan's "The Quiet Land of Erin"...."

Apparently, her older sister Joan wrote the English version lyrics to Sean Mac Ambrois' song.

alice

Subject: RE: Ard Tí Chuain/Quiet land of Erin
From: John Moulden
Date: 26 May 99 - 02:03 PM

The trouble about this song is that there is little known about it or its author. Seán Quinn's remarks about Seán MacAmbrois dying in Ayrshire and quoted by Philippa above have no foundation that I know of.

Subject: RE: the quiet land of erin
From: Martin _Ryan
Date: 27 May 99 - 07:04 AM

Philippa

I share your scepticism!

Regards

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Messages below are from a new thread.

Subject: RE: Ard Tí Chuain/Quiet land of Erin
From: Annraoi & Philippa
Date: 05 Jun 99 - 04:49 PM

vis a vis Mac Ambróis. Tá leabhar amuigh ag Derek Bell agus Liam "Ólta le Ceolta" ina ndéantar tagairt don fhile. Ní cuimhneach liom ainm an leabhair, ach tháinig sí amach ar na mallaibh. Tá mé ag déanamh go dtearn Ruairí Ó Bléine tagairt dó fosta ina leabhar "Presbyterians and the Irish Language." Tá dhá scéal i dtaobh an amhráin "Aird a' Chumhaing". 1) Bhí an file in Albain ag obair. Lá amháin, bhí sé ina shuí ar bheanna na hAlban ag amharc siar ar chósta Aontroma abhí le feiceáil ag bun na spéire. Bhuail taom cumhaí é agus scríobh sé an dán fán a áit dhúchais. Bhí sé chomh tógtha sin go dtáinig sé arais 'na' bhaile. 2) Bhí an file ar tí a dhul anonn go hAlbain, ach nuair a smaointigh sé ar an tsaol a bheadh aige thall, i bhfad óna mhuintir is óna áit féin, shocraigh sé ar gan imeacht ar chor ar bith agus scríobh sé an dán.Tá sé mar "amhrán náisiúnta" ag Glinntí Aontroma ó shoin. Annraoi

Annraoi put this message in the wrong thread, so I'm taking the liberty of repasting it here. A translation isn't really necessary because stories 1) and 2) are as Roddy told us on 23 April.

Subject: quiet land of Erin
From: GUEST,T.S. Lewes England
Date: 16 Jan 01 - 03:46 PM

Iwould like the dots for the tune of the song The Quiet Land of Erin (Not by the Hush) a completly different songHope someone can help. T

Subject: RE: Tune Req: quiet land of Erin
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 16 Jan 01 - 03:48 PM

Try for An Ti Cuan, which is the name of the song in Irish.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: quiet land of Erin
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 16 Jan 01 - 04:25 PM

Haven't got the dots , but there is a version by Grace Notes on their CD Red Wine and Promises. I've got the tune off by heart now, but still can't make out all the words; anyone out there know them?

Subject: RE: Tune Req: quiet land of Erin
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 16 Jan 01 - 06:07 PM

click here or words, info, midi and abc on another thread. If you search you can also find info via Mudcat on how to transpose ABCs to sheet music. Also the tune, as Ardaidh Cuain, is published in O hEidhin, "Cás Amhrán" and this book is available from Cló Iar-Chonnachta http://www.cic.ie/

Subject: RE: Tune Req: quiet land of Erin
From:
Date: 17 Jan 01 - 03:58 PM

Try some old recordings of the Fureys from Ireland. They recorded a song called The Quiet Lands of Eirin in the late seventies/early eighties. Hope this can help you a bit.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: quiet land of Erin
From: GUEST,Guest,guest
Date: 18 Jan 01 - 04:15 PM

Thanks for the words; no wonder I couldn't make them out from the recording I have.

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Messages below are from a new thread.

Subject: Quiet Land of Erin
From:
Date: 09 Jun 02 - 08:22 AM

Good Day, Folks: Mary O'Hara sings a beautiful song called: The Quiet Land of Erin. Would anyone have the words? Thanks.

Subject: RE: Quiet Land of Erin
From: Willa
Date: 09 Jun 02 - 08:32 AM

Hi, Ianmacintyre. I agree that it is a beautiful song; I have the CD.
You'll find the words and a discussion on the thread 'Ard ti Chuain/Quiet land of Erin'

Subject: Lyr Add: QUIET LAND OF ERIN
From: Willa
Date: 09 Jun 02 - 08:41 AM

Here you are, just in case you are not used to finding your way around the site.
Alice requested this song in the macarónachas thread. I used to have a recording of Jean Redpath singing "The Quiet Land of Erin" and here's how I remember it:

By myself I'd be in Ard Ti Chuain*
Where the mountains stand away
And 'tis there I'd let the Sundays pass
In a quiet glen above the bay
(chorus)
agus och och Eire lig is o
Eire leanndubh agus o
The quiet land of Erin

But my heart is weary all alone
And it sends a lonely cry
To the land that sings above my dreams
And the lonely Sundays pass me by.

I would ravel back the twisted years
and the bitter wasted winds
If the Lord above would let me lie
In a quiet place above the whins.

[*í is a long 'e' sound. 'ch' as in 'loch' or 'chanukah', but it's more a 'c' than an'h', I think Redpath sang 'Orshiecoon']

The late Sean Ò Gallochóir of Derry didn't like this version much. He made his own translation. If I see any of his progeny about when next I'm in Derry, I'll ask if they have the words.
I'll add Irish lyrics when I have more time. The original mentions place names in County Antrim; the singer is looking across from Scotland. He's also nostalgic about his 'caman', his hurley stick. They play camogie in Scotland too, but not on Sundays, could that have been a source of the lament?!

Subject: RE: Quiet Land of Erin
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 09 Jun 02 - 09:13 AM

What are you at, Willa - quoting me from one of the other threads (for which I see links have been provided), as if you were going to look for the other translation? One of Seán's relatives did write the words out for me, gave them to someone else to give to me ... they got mislaid. so I didn't get that other translation...I think Seán did his translation as a request for singer and media producer Davy Hammond. The translation posted above is by Mary O'Hara's sister Joan. I think 'leanndubh' should be 'lionndubh', a black mood.

Subject: RE: Quiet Land of Erin
From: Willa
Date: 09 Jun 02 - 02:04 PM

Sorry, Philippa; I was dashing out to a singaround when I saw Ian's request. I had the words in my file, but no time to copy them out. I should have put quotes around the piece I cut and pasted!

Subject: RE: Quiet Land of Erin
From: GUEST,archivist
Date: 09 Jun 02 - 03:43 PM

please click on blue links to see more background information

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Messages below are from a new thread.

Subject: Lyr Add: ÁIRD A' CHUAIN / CEOL DÁIBHÍ
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 08:55 AM

In verse 4 above [April 1999], "an choraíocht" – struggle - could be "an churaíocht" – planting, or in this case interment

I never did get a-hold of Seán Ó Gallchobair's translation … a relative did write out the words for me and passed them on to someone else who mislaid the document. I was told Seán did the translation as a request for singer and TV producer Davy Hammond.
According to Éinrí Ó Muirgheasa, writing in the early 1930s, there was an earlier translation published in the "Poem Book of the Gael" (p 208-9 if you have the right edition) … I'd be very interested if someone with good library resources could look that one up.

More information from Ó Muirgheasa's "Dhá Chéad de Cheoltaibh Uladh" (1934):

Ardicoan / Áirdí Chuain is in the parish of the Grange of Inispollen, in the barony of Glenarm, a mile due west of Cushendun (Bun Abhann Duinne). From his description of high ground overlooking the bay, the place name is very appropriate. Ó Muirgheasa would prefer "Áirdí a' Chuain" as the proper place name. Although there is no townland now called "Gleann na gCuach", Ó Muirgheasa is certain that this is the same place as Glendun. Dr Eó in MacNeill wrote the song down from Séamus Mac Amhlaidh of Bun na hAbhanna, Co Antrim and published it in "Irisleabhar na Gaedhilge" , Oct. 1895. According to Dr Mac Neill, the words were the work of Seán Mac Ambrois. If Seán Mac Ambrois was born in Áirdí Chuain, the only glen close to it is Gleann Abhann Duinne / Glendun – and there are plenty of cuckoos (cuach) in that glen.

Ó Muirgheasa collected the song about 10 years after Mac Neill did, taking it down from an old woman in Gleann Áirimh (Glenariff, I presume) Co. Antrim. She had a verse which MacNeill had not taken down, the verse that begins with "'S é seo an churaíocht/curaidheacht 'tá buan …". According to Ó Muirgheasa, this line means that the poet had buried his wife; that explains why he is looking lonely across at the view of Antrim from Scotland and wants to return home and die in his native land.

I was interested to see a version published under the title "Ceol Dhá ibhí " in Breandán Ó Buachalla "Nua-Dhuanaire II" (1976). The source is a ms held in Belfast Public Library, XXXI, 56 (1831). In verse 3 the poet says he would get drink, sport and music if he were back in Antrim, in verse 4 he says speaks of the view that he had from Srón Ghearrá in (Garron Point, I believe) to the Moyle, a large ship battling/sailing the wind, and King George's fleet.
I wondered if this could mean King Charles but George IV (1762-1830) seems about right.

Re. "Dam beinn" and "gom beadh mé" - we would now write the 'm' just before the b, "dá mbeinn". I don't know why both "beinn" and "beadh mé" are used for "I would", "bha" is the same as "bhí " in standard Irish, and the verb "ruigsinn" ("ruigean") like "sroicheadh" means "to reach, to arrive at"

CEOL DHÁIBHÍ

Is iomdha Nollaig a bh'agam féin
Nuair a bha mé ar bheagán céill'
Ag rith, ag iomáin chun an trá
Is an camán bán im' dhorn.

Dam beadh agam ach coite is rámh,
Is gom beadh mé ag iomradh ar an rámh,
Dúil leis an Rí agus ruigean slán
Is chan fhaighinn bás in uaigneas.

Is é m'amharc a bh'agam féin
Ó Shró n Ghearráin go dtí an Mhaoil,
Ar loingeas mór ar cáith ar ghaoith,
Agus cabhlach an Rí Seorlaí .

As well as the publications already cited in this posting, Ó Buachalla lists É. Ó Tuathail, "Féil-Sgríbhinn Eó in Mhic Néill" (ed by E Ua Riain, Dublin, 1940) and "Irisleabhar Muighe Nuadhad" 1914, 87.

Subject: RE: ÁIRD A' CHUAIN/Chumhaing & McCambridge
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 05:55 AM

I read an interesting but rather sad tale of McCambridge in an essay about involvement of Protestants in the Irish language revival in the north of Ireland in the 18th and 19th century (when there were still a number of native speakers in northern counties such as Antrim and Down).
from Aodán Mac Póilín, "The Protestant Gaelic Tradition" (part 2: "The Gaelic Revival in the North of Ireland"), published by the Ultach Trust:

"John McCambridge, an ancestor of Major James Chichester-Clarke, was the last Gaelic poet of the Glens of Antrim. 'My mother knew him well', wrote Eoin McNeill, 'and says that on every possible occasion he tried to interest people in the Irish language and would rather talk about it than anything else'. McCambridge wrote the beautiful song, 'Aird a' Chumhaing'. He had been intending to emigrate to Scotland: according to the story, he imagined himself in Kintyre, looking back on the Antrim Coast, and wrote this song of exile. It is said that the song made him so homesick that he decided not to go.

"Unfortunately, McCambridge's religion was a drawback for an Irish enthusiast in the [Antrim] Glens. Before the famine, there had been a sustained attempt to proselytise Irish-speaking Catholics, then numbering about three and a half million. The movement was based on the theory that the Catholic peasantry regarded the Bible in English as the work of Satan, but would read the Irish version, 'believing the devil is dumb in that language'. The teaching of Irish at [Belfast Academical] Inst., which had ceased with the death of William Neilson, was revived again in 1833, largely for proselytising purposes. No church survived this number-crunching Christianity with much dignity; in the Glens, Catholic clergy encouraged their flocks to speak English rather than Irish, and in other parts of the country scribes were forced to burn Gaelic manuscripts. All Protestants promoting Irish in the Glens of Antrim were therefore suspect, and McCambridge's efforts to check the decline of the language failed."

Chichester-Clarke and Eoin McNeill were both important political figures; Unionist Chichester-Clarke was N.Ireland Prime Minister 1969-71 (between O'Neill and Faulker) and Nationalist Eoin McNeill founded the Irish Volunteers in 1913.

Subject: RE: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: Áine
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 07:16 AM

As always, great information from very good sources, Philippa.

Thank you.

Le meas is mise Áine

Subject: RE: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: Alice
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 10:43 AM

Philippa, thanks for the additional information about the history of this song.

Alice

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: Felipa
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 02:08 PM

Seminar in Derry, N Ireland 22 Feb 2003
"Swinging Shoulders, Dancing Feet - music traditions among protestant people in Ireland"
organised by Fintan Vallely, Academy for Irish Cultural Heritages, Magee College, University of Ulster.
for details of this and other events see:
www.arts.ulst.ac.uk/academy/events.htmor http://www.arts.ulst.ac.uk/academy/ssdf.htm

Subject: Translation Chorus Quiet Land of Erin
From: Puffenkinty
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 08:44 PM

I have an English translation of the verses of
"Quiet land of Erin" but not of the words
in the refrain, the part that goes:

"agus och och Eire lig is o
Eire leanndubh agus o"...

As a non-speaker of the Irish I'd like to know what
these words mean.

Thanks

---

I moved this message here from another thread on the same topic.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:35 PM

Useless trivia: It might be of interest that the author Of Aird a'Chumhaing wrote the song in Ireland and the writing of it made him so homesick that he decided not to bother emigrating at all. So the story has a happy ending agus fuair se bas in Eirinn.

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From:
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 01:03 PM

Bonjour,

I was looking for the words of this song from long time ago "Airde Cuan". Merci

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 09:47 AM

see the very first message on this thread. Here is Seán Ó Gallochoir's translation for Davy Hammond (Seán and Davy and Joan O'Hara, who did the other English language version, are all departed now). One of Seán's daughters, Siun sang this song at Tinney's monthly singing session in Derry last night, while her partner John McCormack sang the verses in Irish.

I wish I were in Ardti Cuan
Near yon mountain far away.
I would seldom let the Sunday go
From the Cuckoo's glen across the bay.

It is many a Christmas Day I had
In Cushendun while still a lad;
Hurling on the White Shore Strand
With my good ash hurley in my hand.

But the grave is waiting for us all;
The whole wide world must heed its call.
It steals the mother from her brood
As it stole away my boyhood.

If I only had a boat and oar,
I would row to Erin's shore
Trusting God to see me o'er
In time to die in Ireland.

Chorus:

And it's oh dear Ireland, you're my home!
Far from you I had to roam
And so my heart is sore and heavy.

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 11:56 AM

hi Philippa

Looking at the Irish version you gave earlier in the thread, there are 5 verses in that - but in the English you give only 4 verses. Is there one missing?

For anyone interested - here's a link to Micheal Ui Domhnaill singing it:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=P7mkca4e-y4&feature=related

...and apparently someone's about to release a new album by Micheal Ui Domhnaill - I have some details if anyone wants to know.

Sue

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 10:19 AM

verse 3 in the Irish language lyrics I posted at Mudcat 22 Apr 1999 is not translated by Seán, but if you look again at my old message you will see that I did give a rough translation of the verses.

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 08:34 PM

thanks Philippa

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: GUEST,LoL
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 08:15 AM

there's an excelent version here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcOT2s-2A0Q

Thanks to this video i've discovered your forum. Thanks to all for sharing your knowledge

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 01:17 PM

My only experience with this song is on a CD by The Corries. I remember it as a haunting and beautiful tune.


Don

Subject: RE: Origins: Ard Ti Chuain/Quiet Land of Erin
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 06:33 AM

Frank Hall

Philippa on 22 Apr 99 gave the words she remembered from Jean Redpath's English version. Philippa's remembered words are nice, but differ in some points from Jean's actual version. For those who are interested, here are the words Jean sings for this song on her CD, 'First Flight':


THE QUIET LAND OF ERIN

By myself I'd be in Orshiecoon*
Where the mountains stand away
And 'tis there I'd let the Sundays go
In the cuckoo's glen above the bay

(chorus)
agus och och Eire lig is o
Eire leanndubh agus o
Ah, the quiet land of Erin

But my heart is weary all alone
And it sends a lonely cry
To the land that sings beyond my dreams
And the lonely Sundays pass me by.

I would ravel back the twisted years
and the bitter wasted winds
If the God above would let me lie
In a quiet place above the whins.


[* Philippa thinks Jean sings 'Orshiecoon' rather than the original 'Ard Ti Chuain' -- I do not know Gaelic so cannot add to that.]