Favourite Irish song

Subject: Favourite Irish song
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 07:59 PM

With Paddy's Day fast approaching what is your favourite Irish song? I would have trouble choosing but among them would be; star of the County Down, Carrickfergus, Raglan Road.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Peace
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 08:05 PM

Maggie

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: kendall
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 09:14 PM

Kevin Barry

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: andymac
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 09:23 PM

A favourite of mine would probably be "Green fields of Canada" sung by the late great Paddy Tunney, or possibly "Loch Erne's Shore" either by Paddy Tunney again or the equally wonderful Dick Gaughan

andymac

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Brían
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 09:33 PM

An Sceilpín Draighneach.

Brían

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Padre
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 09:57 PM

The Croppy Boy

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 10:43 PM

"Lady Of Knock" as sung by Tony Kenny.

                                        SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Little Robyn
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 11:01 PM

The Banks of the Bann, sung by my husband, Mitch while I play the Northumbrian pipes!
Robyn

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Swave N. Deboner
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 11:12 PM

I like just about every Irish song I've heard. Grace and The Craic and the Porter Black are at the top of my list. I'm singing them both in my St. Paddy's show.

Slainte

SND

PS I will hunt down and bludgeon anybody who lists The Unicorn on this thread.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Seaking
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 11:25 PM

Too many to have one favourite but would put 'Castle of Dromore' and 'Eileen Aroon' on any list.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 11:42 PM

Can I have a couple of tunes as well as songs?

Tabhair Dom Do Lam (Come give me your hand)

Clare Jig

Dusty Miller

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 04:56 AM

As you say far too many to choose just one

My Auld Killarney Hat by Sister Mary Gertrude (must have been some good stuff floating round in the recording studio, when they came up with that arrangement - pre-dates psychedelia by quite a bit)

Shores of Amerikay sung by Johnny McEvoy

everything sung by christy Moore

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 05:37 AM

good stuff. Forgot to mention Ron Kavanagh's Reconcilliation which is my favourite political love song. The Croppy Boy was one of the first songs i was ever asked to sing on a Paddy's night do and I did not know it. I went and found it in the DT, what a faboulous OTT melodrama it is. Hope we shall all be out singing this week.

As an aside does Christy Moore singing a song make it Irish. He sings a lot of good Scots songs as well, even English and American Songs.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Sooz
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 05:39 AM

Broken Years by Anthony John Clarke

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 05:45 AM

'Tandragee', 'Irish Ways & Irish Laws' and 'Knickers of Corduroy'.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 07:53 AM

Seaking... You named two of my top three! In order! I would add, "The Wind That Shakes the Barley".

I named my camp in the backwoods of New Brunswick, Canada, Blackwater Camp as it is my "castle".

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 08:46 AM

Wild Mountain Thyme sung by Connie Dover (that one might start an origins argument)
Craggen White Hare sung by Andy Irvine
Lakes of Ponchartrain by Paul Brady (an American song)
Thousands are Sailing by the Pogues (The newer version written by Phillip Chevron)
Little Musgrave by Planxty
Marie's Wedding
Cragie Hill sung by Dick Gaughan (is that one Irish).
Pair of Brown Eyes by The Pogues

so many more great ones...

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,van lingle
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 08:48 AM

That was me at 8:46

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 09:31 AM

Galway Shawl and Carrickfergus.

Guest - I think Marie's Wedding is Scottish.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 09:40 AM

Down By the Salley Gardens, Killkellly, There Were Roses, Shall My Soul Pass Thru Old Ireland.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: jimmyt
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 09:44 AM

ROddy Mc Corley, RIsen of the Moon, There were roses (sorcha), Star of the County Down.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,van lingle
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 11:33 AM

I think you're right, jacqui. I couldn't find much specific information on Marie's Wedding but it seems to be included in a lot of Scottish collections. I did find a number of alternate spellings including: Mari's, Mahri's, and Mairi's. vl

And another fine Irish song is Tommy Sands "County Down". Danu does a particularly lovely version of it.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: number 6
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 01:14 PM

"She Moved through the Fair"

On St. Patricks Day, I have to sing "Muldoon, the Solid Man".


sIx

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Puck
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 01:30 PM

I really like 'The Banks of the Lee'

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Little Robyn
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 01:35 PM

Marie's Wedding is also called "Lewis Bridal Song", from the island.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: jaze
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 01:37 PM

Come By The Hills by Fureys and Davey Arthur

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: FG180
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 02:10 PM

I think "A song for Ireland" needs a mention,(I like Gaughan's version).Also Arther McBride by Paul Brady.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: kendall
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 03:22 PM

Song for Ireland, yes.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Cromdubh
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 03:45 PM

"Only the rivers run free" or "the Thinkerman´s daughter" by The bold Mickey McConnell.

Also "Dublin you´re breaking my Heart" by the late Aidan Forde I think.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: bazza
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 04:10 PM

Bonny Irish Maid sung by Liam Murphy of Moher

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: kendall
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 05:09 PM

Eileen McManus

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: skarpi
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 05:29 PM

Halló all, It would be " Grace " and being in Kilmainham jail
the song and the lyric broad me there just unforgetable
moment for me, to go and stay there in this historeial place.

And ofcourse there are others ..........

Slán, All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Jimmy C
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 09:36 PM

Song for Ireland definitely also "The 32 counties", and "Let me carry your cross for Ireland"- both Versions of "The Croppy Boy" and my all-time favourite "Henry Joy Mc Cracken".

Non-political ones include "Vale of Avoca" "Homes of Donegal" "Green Glens of Antrim" "(Dublin in) The Rare Ould Times".

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Pauline L
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 01:48 AM

I can't narrow it down to just one song. Some of my favorites are Castle of Dromore, Carrickfergus, The Foggy Dew (the one about the Easter Rebellion), Follow Me down (or up?) to Carlow, and She Moved through the Fair. There sare lots and lots of Irish tunes without words, as far as I know, which I love, including anything by O'Carolan, Farewell to Erin, Dennis Murphy's Polka, John Ryan's Polka, Bill Sullivan's Polka (I hope I got all those polka names right), Kesh Jig, Morrison's Jig, and many, many more.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 03:20 AM

West Coast of Clare and although not a song but a tune O'Neills March.

Elf

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,JamesT
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 06:25 AM

I am new to this site,as I am to the internet, being of an age to be wary of anything more complicated than a tv remote control. I find this site interesting as I have always been interested in Irish folk music. I bought a song book at the weekend called Songs of the County Down, I think it has just been released so some of you may not have come across it.
Quite a few of the songs you have mentioned are in this book and some have the music with the song. I was amazed to find so many songs have come from County Down as I have lived here for about twenty years and have only heard the same half dozen or more all this time.
It was just when Guest van lingle mentioned Tommy Sands I remembered that Tommy did a recording with the author a few weeks ago, Jackie Boyce. A great book of songs, just thought I would let you know as I havent seen it mentioned on Mudcat before.
Great site, keep up the music.
cheers James

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 06:37 AM

THE SASH

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: JulieF
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 06:46 AM

To sing - Slieve Gallen Braes and Down By the Sally Gardens at the moment.   Sung by other people - I would have to think about that. Possibly My Langan love and the Irish langauage version of Women of Ireland as I haven't learnt them yet.

J

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 06:50 AM

"Ace of Spades" by Motorhead. oh..... sorry.... wrong thread!

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: ejsant
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 08:47 AM

Greetings All,

Blackbirds and Thrushes (the most fundamental truth in my humble opinion as with-out it we wouldn't be here to have this discussion), Back Home in Derry, Castle of Dromore to name just a few.

Emigrant songs; Paddy's Lamentation (AKA: By the Hush) and the Richmond version of The Irish Brigade (a not so welcomed song at any Lincoln dinner but the expressions on the faces are priceless and well worth the chance of not getting the gig again)

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all.

Peace,
Ed

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: PoppaGator
Date: 14 Mar 05 - 05:45 PM

Parting Glass

(among others of course, many already mentioned)

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 12:14 AM

Molly Malone. It's such fun to sing. I like to experiment with the words "cockles and mussels" so that they sound like a street cry.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 08:35 AM

'Paddy's Constipation'.

Altogether now: 'And it's by the flush me boys....'

BTW, aren't the Black family talented? Mary, Frances, Shay, Cilla...

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,eoin o'buadhaigh
Date: 15 Mar 05 - 02:59 PM

Banks of the Lee
Bonnie Light Horseman (may not be Irish...but can be sung with a
                                                      brogue)
and anything along with a 'Voice Squad' cd.
oh!... nearly forgot...   The Red Haired Man's Wife.

cheers eoin

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: mooman
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 07:54 AM

Oh heavens above...I have so many!

OK...The Rocks of Bawn (I love Paul Brady's version especially)

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 08:01 AM

Cheers everyone, some brilliant suggestions. Only one more day, are there any we have missed.

What about "The Moorlough shore", or a bit more bright and breezy; Mursheen Durkin, Galway Races, Sally Mclenan

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: DannyC
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 08:12 AM

"The Flower of Magherally-O"

"Moorlough Mary"

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Mal
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 08:28 AM

As said before, there are so many.

The Moutains of Mourne, Galway Bay, Athenry and The Spinning Wheel amoung the popular ones locally

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: DannyC
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 08:32 AM

Oh, and one more...

"Yee Ramblin' Boys of Pleasure"

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Sunga
Date: 16 Mar 05 - 04:19 PM

Current fave is The Parting Glass. I also love The Verdant Braes of Skreen. And Banks of Red Roses. The list goes on and on.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: thespionage
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 11:28 AM

"Whiskey in the Jar"

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Snuffy
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 06:48 PM

Raglan Road
Monto
Croppy Boy
Johnny McEldo

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 07:04 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. Settled on reconcilliation as the song of the moment
love Robbie

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,LeeBee
Date: 17 Mar 05 - 09:09 PM

I'm surprised no-one mentioned 'Danny Boy' or is it too old hat? I always seem to impress every-one when I sing it: it's great to bring a tear to their eyes! I also like 'Achal by the Sea', but I'm not sure if it's trad Irish or not.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Boab
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 03:32 AM

Och!---I like a few of the slow airs---but love hammering away at "Gather up yer Pots and yer Ould Tin Cans"!

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: kendall
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 04:37 AM

London Derriere

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 05:20 AM

Good to see the ideas flowing in preparation for next year. I have a guiness T-shirt from a couple of years ago which says " 1 St Patrick's Day, 364 Practce Days"
love Robbie

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Ron Davies
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 05:34 AM

There's nothing wrong with "Danny Boy" when well sung--though, as everybody here already knows, the text was written by an English barrister.

In addition to lots of the above-cited songs, I'm very partial to quite a few by Thomas Moore-------especially Let Erin Remember, Oft In the Stilly NIght,--and I believe he also wrote The Minstrel Boy (though I'm not sure of it)--all 3 great songs.

I also really like Rose of Tralee, not by Moore, I believe.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Bill the Collie
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 06:47 AM

Mick Hipkiss has a beautiful voice and his recording of "Little skillet pot" (CMCD061) with its very singable chorus, should be a folkie classic, imho.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Clare
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 07:27 AM

Raglan Road
Sonny's Dream
The Parting Glass
Gartan Mother's Lullaby
Song for Ireland
Rare Ol' Times
Boulavogue
Scorn Not His Simplicity
Streets of New York
Ireland's Call!!

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: The Barden of England
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 02:56 PM

It's 'Spancil Hill' for me

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 06:33 PM

Oh well. It's over for another year.

Cracking session on the night, by the way. Three and a half hours of solid tunes. No songs. Not one.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Kaleea
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 08:25 PM

Funny how often people answer this very question by naming a song with a tune known as County Derry Aire--except it is not the tune notated a very long time ago as the County Derry Aire--which came across the pond & with lyrics added which was published in the States as "Danny Boy." Then, they often cite a jig--wasn't it from an English Street Opera ?--called Irish Washerwoman. And, they are likely to name several Tin Pan Alley songs written in the USA. Oh well, I love so many tunes & songs, I don't know how I could narrow it down to ten.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 08:34 PM

One I didnt do when we were 'Plastic Paddies' but did at the Folk Club in the evening ! Tinkermans daughter (Red Headed Ann) which DID get mentioned earlier !

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Jack Lewin
Date: 18 Mar 05 - 10:59 PM

can't belive we got this far down the thread without Paddy Riely's "Four Green Fields" (with "Grace and "Boulvagoue" (sorry 'bout the spelling) being a close 2nd.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Dean
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 01:25 AM

Damn right on the button Bill the Collie.
I often wonder why Mick Hipkiss did not become an international star.

I nominate everything Mick sings on that same album!

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Boab
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 03:31 AM

There's a Thomas Moore composition which Ilike very much too---"I Saw from the Beach"

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 01:34 PM

Spancil Hill is a very good song made all the more real if you read the thread on its origins.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 21 Mar 05 - 07:35 PM

> Come By The Hills by Fureys and Davey Arthur

Irish tune, Scottish words (by W. Gordon Smith). The Fureys may have recorded it but wrote none of it.

> The Parting Glass

17th century Scottish (Goodnight and Joy Be With You All)

> Wild Mountain Thyme sung by Connie Dover (that one might start an origins argument)

Which would be over rather fast on searching the archives here.

One lovely Irish tune I'm curious about: Apple Praties. It's in Kerr's collection of the 1880s; I don't think I've ever seen it anywhere else. It must be the tune for a song. Nobody but me seems to play it. Anyone here know anything about it?

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,eoin o'buadhaigh
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:34 AM

little bridget flynn. . .
we may and might never all meet here again

there are so many it's difficult to pick one above the others!
I love them all!
            eoin

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 04:05 AM

Follow Me Up To Carlow. Ancient tune newer words.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 16 Mar 12 - 10:39 PM

So seven years on has it changed?
I'd have to add in the flower of Magherally

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 11:25 AM

My favourite to sing and to listen to are different. I have had the pleasure of hearing Tommy Makem live several times singing his great composition Four Green Fields and that I rate as first but there is so much wonderful Irish stuff out there I could spend the day typing a list of favourites. I sing a lot of Irish songs but The Irish Wake is probably the one that I have the most fun with. I also love to sing the rebel songs with The Wearing Of The Green, Kevin Barry, and The Rising Of The Moon being my top three.
All that being said Four Green Fields is tops but nobody but Tommy could do it as well as himself!
Four Green Fields

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 17 Mar 12 - 12:25 PM

Just back from a week in Ireland, where everything was very obviously gearing up for St Patrick's celebrations, which now seem to go on for a week or more!
On another thread I posted words to the tune "Londonderry Air" (same tune as Danny Boy) - as "In Derry Vale".
Then there's "Derry Gaol" - fantastic version by Paul Brady and cara Dillon on one of the Transatlantic Sessions series.
And another Thomas Moore: "The Last Rose of Summer".
And Boulavogue, and The Salley Gardens, and the Verdant Braes of Skreen.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 08:13 AM

"Sweet King Williamstown" - as sung by Cara Dillon on the "Oige" cassette tape.
"Sweet Maid Of Rosses" as recorded by "Malin Head". "Malin Head" were a Scottish/Irish band based around the Hyde brothers Brendan and Kevin. This song is on a recording they made, but I have the cassette but no insert. Does anyone know who the lady singer was who sang the song on that recording ? Her first name may have been Bridget.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Jon Corelis
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 09:55 AM

I believe I've read that the London lawyer who wrote Danny Boy never set foot in Ireland.

I can best express my opinion of that song by paraphrasing Oscar Wilde: it takes a heart of stone to hear Danny Boy without laughing.

My own favorite Irish song, if I had to choose one, would be The summer will come. Ned of the Hill and Dark Rosaleen, though somewhat of old chestnuts, are also good, provided the singer avoids the all too frequent fault of oversentimentalizing them.

Jon Corelis

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 10:42 AM

don't know if it is pure Irish but Kendall singing "the band played waltzing Matilda" does it for me

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: kendall
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 11:48 AM

No, Dan, it was written by Eric Bogle who lives in Australia. I believe he was born in Scotland.
It certainly is sad enough to be Irish though.

Robbie O'Connells Road to Dunmore. Not sure of the spelling. Lovely love song.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Mar 12 - 06:14 PM

Back Home in Derry

Whiskey in the Jar

Step it Out Mary

AD

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Allen in Oz
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 01:00 AM

I was shown as a guest at 6.14pm but I am Allen in Oz ...a member for many years

Allen in oz

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Allan Conn
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 03:34 AM

"I believe he was born in Scotland." You are right Bogle is a Scottish Borderer from the Peebles area. He emigrated to Australia in his 20s. Absolutely nothing Irish about the said song!

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 03:58 PM

I am fond of the ROse of Tralee...about a young woman who died..and of course lots of the rebel songs...Boys of the Old Brigade especially..the other Bold Fenian Men..see who comes over the red blossom heather..

Thinking of singing three grains of corn to Maggie and singing it like a rebel song almost...with lots of editing and cutting..because it is a true story..name and location of boy are known.

Sonny's Dream is a Newfoundalnd song. Went to Ireland and came back as a dirge.

I am also discovering George Millar of Irish Rovers as a songwriter..they just sort of melt into the pot...mg

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 04:05 PM

Yeh Mary,
Someone, and I'm think Hamish Henderson, made a mess of Sonny's Dream!

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 04:15 PM

On second thought maybe I'm wrong about Hamish. Sorry Jim! Christy Moore
certainly messed it up!

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 06:30 PM

I am also very fond of Dan O'Hara..I learned it as a very bouncy song with the most aweful sad story..and it is a true story and he is a true man..but the tune is in such contrast...I think that really helps to make a good Irish song..for some of us at least..wrapping up this awful terrible news in such a pretty tune that we sort of forget what is happening. mg

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Lighter
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 09:22 PM

I'm not speaking for myself, mind you, but when I visited the local "Irish-themed" saloon to hear some live trad music on Saturday, the crowd clamored for "The Unicorn."

Performed with gestures.

Considering the two encores (decently spaced, of course), I'd have to say that was the biggest Irish hit of the evening.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: PHJim
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 10:04 PM

If, by "Maggie" the poster meant, "When You And I Were Young Maggie," that song was written in Mount Hope, Ontario, not Ireland. "The Unicorn" is an American song written by Shel Siverstein. "Sonny's Dream" was written in St John's Newfoundland by Ron Hines.

My favourite has already been mentioned - Arthur McBride sung and played by Paul Brady

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: PHJim
Date: 19 Mar 12 - 10:11 PM

Here's a link - Paul Brady - Arthur McBride

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 06:23 AM

Hamish Imlach used to sing "Sonny's Dream". Whether or not he "made a mess of it" is a personal opinion to which you're perfectly entitled, but others may disagree.
Yes to "Arthur McBride" by Paul Brady - but I always thought "I Am A Youth That's Inclined To Ramble" - on the same LP - was even better.
Reminded of one other - "Shamrock Shore", which Paul Brady sang unaccompanied on the mainly instrumental album where he accompanied Matt Molloy and Tommy Peoples. A fine song , very well sung.
A couple of humourous songs also come to mind :
"Paddy And The Ass" - by a singer who I think deserves to be better known, Donal Maguire.
"The Beauty Spot Glenlee / Glenleigh [ ? ]" - sung by Sean Cannon, or the late, much-missed Seamus Creagh [ RIP ].

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 07:15 AM

Mary From Dungloe.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 20 Mar 12 - 05:03 PM

Yes kenny, Hamish Imlach it was ! I suppose that "mess" is a bit critical and subjective but I learned it from listening to the Wonderful Grand Band with Ron Hynes singing the lead. It was a song full of life but Hamish and Christy Moore sang it as a dirge. They also changed the word "sneakers".

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Rog Peek
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 03:15 PM

'City of Chicago' Luka Bloom.

For me, his older brother's version is the best I've heard.

Rog

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 03:35 PM

here is Ron Hynes and others singing at a festival recently..love the teenagers joining in and dancing..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9v6MrDcyQA

How does a song turn into an anthem? I don't know...but this is a great song...but please do put sneakers back into it..as he has here. mg

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Bert
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 03:42 PM

Bold Robert Emmett
Dear Old Shannon Shore
Noreen Bawn

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 05:55 PM

In different ways ~~

Dick Darby the Cobbler
Verdant Braes of Skreen
The Garden Where The Praties Grow
Eileen Oge
The Star Of The County Down
       ........................................

~M~

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 Mar 12 - 05:57 PM

and Lord Gregory...

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Jon Corelis
Date: 23 Mar 12 - 06:40 PM

I was interested in the book mentioned above by one poster, Songs of the County Down. The only book of that title I can find a reference to is Songs of the County Down by Jackie Boyce, Cottage Publications 2005. Is this the correct book? If so, unfortunately so far as I can tell it is out of print and available used only at high prices (US$ 80 and up,) and seems to be in very few libraries. If anyone knows of a later or cheaper edition, or if this is the wrong book, please post.


Jon Corelis
The summer will come: an Irish song

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Jon Corelis
Date: 23 Mar 12 - 06:42 PM

Oops, just after posting that I came across a reference to another edition publ. Donaghadee, N. Ireland, Ballyhay Books, 2004, which is presumably the same book, but doesn't seem to be any cheaper or more commonly available than the edition I cited above.


Jon Corelis

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Elmore
Date: 23 Mar 12 - 09:35 PM

No One As Irish As Barack Obama by Hardy Drew and the Nancy Boys

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Mar 12 - 07:50 AM

Havent done this for a while , but




                               100

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Mar 12 - 08:00 AM

Don't know that one, LF ~~ how does it go? [If you mean "Wi' a hundred pipers an' a', an' a'", that's Scottish, not Irish!]

~M~

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: DougR
Date: 24 Mar 12 - 02:08 PM

"The Rose of Tralee" sung by the great Irish tenor, Christopher Lynch.

DougR

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Mar 12 - 02:18 PM

Indeed ~~ or that other great Irish tenor, Count John McCormack.

Likewise The Mountains Of Mourne.

And many others by the great Percy French.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Bert
Date: 24 Mar 12 - 05:02 PM

Nice one Doug.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: KHNic
Date: 24 Mar 12 - 05:13 PM

Have we got this far without mentioning Down by the Glenside, or Glory Oh to our bold Fenian men as some would call it.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 24 Mar 12 - 06:26 PM

Ah ~~ now once we get into rebel songs ~~ Foggy Dew, Johnson's Motor Car, My Name is O'Hanlon ...!!!!!

BTW ~ how about The Ould Triangle, then? The Bown & the Yellow Ale?

~M~

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Dug
Date: 25 Mar 12 - 06:01 PM

The Foggy Dew

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: DougR
Date: 26 Mar 12 - 04:14 PM

Bert: Are you a fan of Christopher Lynch? I posted something about him several years ago and his son-in-law posted a reply and mentioned that the the family was working on a CD of his songs to be released sometime in the future. As far as I know, it never was and I wonder why. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the mudcatter who wrote me.

(Apologies for thread creep)

DougR

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 09:19 AM

Cecilia Costello's The Grey Cock.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Robo
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 04:57 PM

Can one actually pick just one? No way. How about . . .

Jimmy Mo Mhile Stor
The Ballad of William Bloat
Green Fields of France and
The Town I loved So Well

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: GUEST,Allan Conn
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 05:13 PM

Green Fields Of France(ie No Man's Land) was written by Eric Bogle a Scottish Borderer who emigrated to Australia in his 20s. Not Irish.

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Robo
Date: 27 Mar 12 - 06:12 PM

Aye, thanks for the correction. Such a wonderful song . . .

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 09:01 PM

And how is "Sonny's Dream" (Ron Hynes) Irish? Ron Hynes is from Newfoundland, which was in Canada last time I looked! And the video shown is from Gander (also Newfoundland)
(See mg 21.03.12.)
I have a set of 4 song-books called "Songs Sung in the pubs of Ireland" which gets round the fact that there are several Scots, English and other songs in them - but some folk end up believing they are all Irish songs! Or because an Irish band has recorded them, they take on Irish identity.
I've absolutely nothing against the Irish or their many fantastic songs but it does annoy me when songs are wrongly attributed by folk who don't trouble to find out their true origins. (OK I exclude from this ones where there is considerable debate or perhaps several alternative versions - I mean those where there is is a 100% known author).

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: raredance
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 12:10 AM

I love Tommy Makem's "Curlew Song"

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: Bert
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 06:54 AM

Hi DougR, I don't know of Christopher Lynch. Who is he?

Subject: RE: Favourite Irish song
From: framus
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 09:40 PM

Long thread, and maybe I missed it ;-
The West's Asleep (Awake?) - best version, Tommy Makem, with The Clancys.