Arranmore Disaster 1935

Subject: Arranmore Disaster 1935
From: Brack&
Date: 21 Jul 98 - 06:48 PM

I'm looking for a song about the Arranmore boat disaster c.1935. I know that the ship was returning to Arranmore from Scotland and it went down with 20 lives lost. Anyone got it?

Subject: RE: Arranmore Disaster 1935
From: Martin Ryan
Date: 22 Jul 98 - 07:22 PM

A quick look in the Irish Traditional Music Archive showed up two quite different songs on this incident. One was collected from (and recorded by?)the great Eddie Butcher. I'll post it when I get a chance.

Regards

Subject: RE: Arranmore Disaster 1935
From: Martin Ryan
Date: 24 Jul 98 - 06:17 AM

Here goes:

Good people dear, pray lend an ear,I'll tell you one and all
About a great disaster that occurred off Donegal
The wild Atlantic ocean has added to its toll
Another nineteen victims, may the Lord receive each soul.

Twas in the year of 35 on a bleak November eve
This awful tragedy occureed, it caused us all to grieve
Those cheerful lads returning from the Scottish harvest field
Unto the stormy ocean their lives were forced to yield

What cheerful thoughts were in their minds when sailing up Lough Foyle
To view the hills of Inishowen, that land of Irish soil
Their little boat came slowly on through Creeslough and Gweedore
Oh God, who'd think they'd never reach their native Arranmore.

Whenn they arrived at Burtonport they were met upon the pier
They laughed and chatted with their friends all in the best of cheer
They set out for the island but they never reached its shore
A cloud of grief and sorrow hangs over homely Arranmore

Their little boat by God's will doomed across the waves did sail
There was only one out of a score survived to tell the tale
He saved two other passengers that perished in the cold
The highest praise must be his due,this hero true and bold

So now kind frieds,there's one request I'll ask of one and all
Pray for the nineteen victims that were lost of Donegal
With St Patrick and St Bridget may they dwell for ever more
IN a land where hardships are unknown, far away from Arranmore

Taken from Hugh Shield's book "Shamrock, Rose and Thistle". He points out that "boat" in verse 3.3. should be "train"!

Regards

Subject: RE: Arranmore Disaster 1935
From: Brack&
Date: 24 Jul 98 - 06:30 AM

Thanks Martin, for the lyrics. Any idea of the air?

Subject: RE: Arranmore Disaster 1935
From: Martin Ryan
Date: 24 Jul 98 - 07:12 AM

I have tadpoles! Lost my old music editor (which ran on a BBC Microcomputer!). I'll get someone to play it for me and decide how best to get it to you. Its probably a pretty standard air.

There was a tape produced with Shield's book and it may be on that. I'll see if I can borrow a copy.

Regards

Subject: RE: Arranmore Disaster 1935
From: alison
Date: 25 Jul 98 - 01:54 AM

Hi Martin,

Yes please figure out the tune.

Slainte

Alison