Notes on The Northern Fiddler

Most recently updated, September 13, 1999 -- copious new notes from Mick Brown drawing on his extensive experience with the southwest Donegal tradition, particularly the Glencolmcille area; and some notes from Scots musician Nigel Gatherer. Apologies to both gentlemen for taking so long to include their interesting additions. Compiled by Larry Sanger, lsanger@dialup.oar.net.

These are notes intended to supply names, correct perceived errors, and give other information about tune transcriptions in The Northern Fiddler. This list is offered not in order to criticize the book but rather to help the practicing musician and researcher who sometimes refers to the transcriptions. Contributors are as follows: Caoimhín Mac Aoidh (CMA), Mick Brown (MB), Philippe Varlet (PV), Paul de Grae (PdG), Nigel Gatherer (NG), David Greenberg (DG), Ted Hastings (TH), Sally Sommers (SS), and Larry Sanger (LS). You may observe that different commentators appear to disagree; the facts of the matter are left up to the reader's own further research. And of course the contributors are not infallible; many of these comments are guesses (but I hasten to add that many of these are not guesses but known facts). Thanks very much to all of the contributors.

John Doherty

57 (b) Also called "Frank a' Phoill", or what may originally have been "Frank a' Feoil". The man concerned was a butcher (Feoil=meat). (MB)

58 "Kiss the Maid Behind the Byre" is the well known Scottish jig "I Lost my Love" see the first jig in the first volume of Kerr's Merry Melodies. This tune has numerous songs sung to it in both Ireland and Scotland and in both English and Gaelicin each country. (CMA)

61 (b) The first part of this greatly resembles the first part of "Langstrom's Pony" and if that's what John was playing, it's a double jig, not a slip jig. (Which solves the problem the authors note in writing, "The last three notes of bars 2 & 4 are redundant. The player may have had bars 8 & 12 in mind.") However, the second part greatly resembles the second part of "Drops of Brandy," which is a slip jig. I won't speculate about what John truly intended to be playing! (LS)

61 (c) "Untitled Slip Jig" shares its second part with "The Humours of Whiskey" which was passed on dominantly by the Deargs (Byrne Brothers) of Kilcar. This setting by John is called (John always used this name) "Sally Hegarty's" after a 10 ky melodeon player from Teelin. (CMA) High Road to Dublin/Sally Hegarty's: CRE II 97. (PdG)

62 Another tune called "The King of the Pipers." (LS) CRE II 45. (PdG)

65 This is the Donegal version of "Nine Points of Roguery." (LS)

67 "The Cameronian" is not John's Cameronian which can be found on the just released CD on the Claddagh label, "The Floating Bow". The tune transcribed is "The Mother's Delight". (CMA) "Mother's Delight" is a Co. Clare version of this reel. 76a is a version of the same tune. Sean Frank (CRE I, 182) is yet another version, in G. John Doherty played a similar version in G himself. The "Colonel McBain" (also "Johnny's Wedding") found in O'Neill's is similar in first part only. The "Colonel McBain" found in Scottish collections relates more closely to this tune. The title "Cameronian" is used in SW Donegal for 77c. (MB)

68 "The Five Mile Chase" is different entirely to that tune normally played under this name. (CMA) 68b A version of a tune sometimes called "The New Mown Meadow" (Em), (although this title is also used for "The Silver Spear"). A version similar to Doherty's was played in Teelin and Kilcar also. (MB)

69 "The Hare in the Corn" = "The Maid in the Cherry Tree" while "Miss Johnson's Reel" is sometimes called "Miss Thornton's". (CMA) Not "Miss Thornton's". That title is usually given to another reel (CRE II, 172). (MB)

70 This tune is in Ryan's/Cole's as "Our Boys". It was called "Piobaire Mhaire Bhain" in Teelin, where it was associated with a local story. (Lilted by Peadar O'Beirne (Peadar Johnny Johndai), Teelin, for Radio Teilifis Eireann, 1948) (MB)

71 is not "Miss Patterson's Slipper" (though Feldman & O'Doherty are correct in using the title as it is the one John always used). The tune of this title can be found on Ceol na dTéad and The Floating Bow. Parts 1 and 2 of this are a ersion of "Master Crowley's Reel" of Coleman fame and parts 3 and 4 are "The Roscommon Reel." (CMA) The first two parts of this tune are the basis for Doherty's other "Miss Patterson's Slipper" (The Floating Bow), and for Francie Dearg's version. The title is used in Donegal for versions of this tune. (MB)

72 "The Nine Pint Cogie" is not the same as the Scottish tune of the same name. (CMA) It appears to be a version of Scott Skinner's strathspey "Davie Work" from "The Scottish Violinist". (TH) This tune is played outside Donegal also. The first part is that of the Scotch tune "The Mill Burn". (MB) The first part is nearer to James Fraser's "The Mill Burn" than "Davie Work", but it is the B part which seals it as the latter. (NG)

75 "Stormy Weather" is not the Donegal tune of that name but "Miss Monaghan" (CMA)

75 (b) This appears to be a tune of Scottish origin which appeared in Aird (according to O'Neill) as "Cameron House." O'Neill reproduces it in "Waifs & Strays," but prints it in his other collections under different titles, "The Old Grey Gander," "The Humors of Schull," and the air "George Gubbin's Delight." You'll also find it in Roche as "Mo Ceoil Sibh a Laochra" in the section on marches (its notation, however, makes one think of polka), and in Ceol Rince Vol. 2 transcribed from the playing of Junior Crehan. (PV) Variant of Old Grey Gander (CRE II 222; DMI 600; MOI 1345); compare Highway to Limerick (DMI 644; MOI 1402) and Humours of Schull/Rolling Reel (DMI 699; MOI 1470; WSGM 260). (PdG) This tune is played as a highland in Glencolmcille/Teelin. Known in Teelin as "The Mullach Garbh Highland", after a local place-name. It is related to the Scottish strathspey "Captain Campbell". It appears to be related to the reel "The Flock of Larks" (CRE, 123), as well as others. (MB) The highland version appears under the name "Molly Gharbu" (which translates as "Rough Molly" according to CMA), on Ó Bhun Sliabh Liag (Forge Brae 007), played beautifully by Dermot Byrne and (sounds like) Con Cassidy. (LS)

76 (a) A variant of the "West Wind" according to the liner notes for Bundle and Go. (LS) I'm not sure whether I'd agree with calling it a version of "The West Wind". (CMA) Not "The West Wind". See notes for 67a. (MB) related to "Colonel McBain"/"Mother's Delight" (PV) I have this as "Colonel McBain." (NG)

76 (b) variant of Heather Breeze (CRE II 149; DMI 779). (PdG)

77 (a) Mulloy's Reel: CRE I 138. (PdG)

77 (b) Paddy Ryan's Dream/Tullagh Reel: DMI 461; IFB 151, 154; MOI 1181-2. (PdG) 77b Doherty nearly always called this "Mooney's Favourite". A similar version was played in Glencolmcille. It is generally accepted as a version of "Paddy Ryan's Dream". (MB)

77 (c) Not John's version of Paddy Ryan's Dream which he actually called "Mooney's Reel" and is a version of the Scottish reel "Miss Grant of the Laggan" or "Miss Lyell". (CMA) Old Cameronian: ER 74 (but surely older?); noted in text as "Untitled reel (Paddy Ryan's dreams?)", which should refer to previous tune. (PdG) This tune was called "The Cameronian" in Glencolmcille (slightly differently, as recorded by Ronan Galvin on "The Fiddle Music of Donegal" Vol II). Francie Dearg played a version close to Doherty's version. (MB)

79 "The Cat that Kittled in Jamie's Wig" is an adaptation from the Scottish strathspey "Miss Lyell" or alternatively "Miss Grant of Laggan" which is the basis of the reel "Mooney's Reel (John's name) or more popularly in Ireland "Paddy Ryan's Drem". (CMA) As far as I can make out there are two separate tunes in the Scotttish repertoire called "Miss Lyall", a strathspey and a reel. "The Cat that Kittled in Jamie's Wig" is related to the strathspey, and Paddy Ryan's Dream/Mooney's Favourite" is related to the reel. I'm not totally convinced the two Scottish tunes are related? (MB)

79 (b) This title is used in SW Donegal for both this highland and 174a. There are similarities in structure. One of Doherty's versions of "The Heather Breeze" may be related also. (MB)

80 (a) This highland was associated with Teelin. (MB)

80 (b) James Byrne recorded a Glencolmcille version of this highland on "The Brass Fiddle". A version similar to Doherty's was also associated with Frank Cassidy. (MB) Possibly "The Miller o' Drone"? (NG)

80 (c) "The Teelin Highland" is also known as "Tom Tailor's Highland" and is attributed to Johnnie Cassidy -- Frank's older brother -- as composer. (CMA) Tom "Tailor" was a Teelin man with surname Donegan. He would not go onto the floor at dances until this tune was played. (MB)

81 (a) "21 Highland" was composed by Paddy McDyer of Kilraine (between Ardara & Glenties) in 1921. (CMA) There is a simple old highland (D) played in Glencolmcille which is quite similar to this. Perhaps it is an older tune refashioned? (MB)

81 (b) Known throughout Donegal as "John Simi's (the latter being John's family nickname) Highland". (CMA) A version of this highland was played in Glencolmcille (as recorded by James Byrne on "The Fiddle Music of Donegal" Vol. II). Micheal Carr played it in A. A quite different version of this tune is played in West/Northwest Donegal. (MB)

81 (c) This untitled highland is a version of the Scottish strathspey "Niel Gow's Wife" which can be found played by Danny O'Donnell in its original Scottish key as another "Untitled" on page 194. (CMA)

82 (a) This highland was played in Glencolmcille in the keys of D and G. In D, the first part is essentially the same as 109a. (MB)

82 (b) "Untitled Highland" is the Scottish "Miss Drummond of Perth" and is commonly called "The Sinking of the Titanic" or "The Titanic Highland" here in Donegal. (CMA) Gurren's Castle (PV)

82 (c) "Untitled Highland" is the same as "The Ladies of Gormond Highland" whichappears on the top of pg 80; both are versions of the Scottish strathspey "Miss Rose" in Kerr's Collection. (CMA)

83 (a) This "Untitled Highland" is in fact the reel "The Mermaid of Mullaghmore" see Ceol Rince 2 number 134. Tommy Peoples has also recorded it as as "John Doherty's Reel" I think on The Iron Man recording. (CMA) Mermaid of Mullaghmore/Maid(s) of Mullagh(more)/John Doherty's*: CRE II 134; CRE III 149; compare Plaid Mantle (DMI 663; MOI 1426); classified as highland in NF. (PdG) I always heard this as a reel. The tune title always referred to a "Maid" rather than a "Mermaid", even though the associated story was about a Mermaid. (MB)

83 (b) "Atlantic Roar" = "Tuam na Fairraige" trans. (CMA) This tune is attributed to Anthony O'Helferty (from Lifford, but spent much time in Glencolmcille - he was married to a sister of John Mhosai). However, there is at least one similar hornpipe in today's southern repertoire. Frank Cassidy had a wonderful version of this tune. Burke and Daly recorded Frank's version on "Eavesdropper". (MB)

85 (b) "Hiudai Gallagher's" is also called "Murphy's Delight." (LS) This title is associated elsewhere with the jig "The Creel of Turf" (CRE II, 52). (MB)

86 "Grainne's Welcome Home" = "Failte Romhat in do Bhaile a' Ghrainne" (trans) (CMA) The Jig part of this piece is in O'Neill's as "Johnny the Jumper" (DMI, 297). (MB)

87 "The March of the Meenatoitin Bull" is in fact "The Inverness Gathering". (CMA) Always called "The Drunken Piper" in Donegal, though associated with the story of the Meenatoiteen Bull. (MB)

89 I thought this was "Johnny Cope." (NG)

91 (a) "The Ghost of Bunglass" is more commonly known as "Taibhse Chonaill" (English trans = Conall's Ghost) (CMA) Played exactly like this by some players in Glencolmcille, and also in a slightly different highland version sometimes called "Casey's Pig" (as recorded by Roisin McGrory and Damian Harrigan on "The Fiddle Music of Donegal" Vol. II). Con Cassidy's "Taibhse Chonaill" (D) is the same tune. (MB)

92 (b) "Untitled Barndance" is actually a highland and known throughout Donegal as "A Sheamuis Bhig a bhfuil Ocras Ort?" (English trans = "Are you hungry little Seamus?") and appears in Cole's / Ryan's Mammoth Collections as "The Roving Bachelor" (CMA) The rhythm of this tune is not that normally associated with a barndance. (MB)

93 Compare the second part of Con Cassidy's Jig p 151 and you'll see they are variations in 4/4 and 6/8 time. (CMA) The rhythm of this tune is not that normally associated with a barndance. The tune was played for the last part of the quadrille. John played the related jig also, but as far as I know associated it with Con Cassidy. The title "Kitty in the Lane" is usually reserved for a reel. (MB)

94 Francie Walsh's Mazurka (PV)

95 The Jig part of this piece is in O'Neill's (DMI, 254). (MB) The first strain is "The Hare Among the Corn",  probably Scottish. (NG)

99 (a) Martin Hayes plays two parts of this jig as "Kitty Come Down to Limerick" (on "Under the Moon"). I have heard him introduce the tune as a Donegal tune, "learnt from the fairies". (MB) Can also be heard on the James Kelly/Paddy O'Brien double-length CD, "Traditional Music of Ireland" where the version played is described as a "Donegal setting." (LS)

100 (b) Idle Road: DMI 101; MOI 839. (PdG)

100 (c) Kitty's Rambles (variant); compare CRE II 36; DMI 5; MOI 1043; and The Heart of my Kitty for me, WSGM 65. (PdG) The "1" and "2" above the end of the A part is over one measure too far. Just play the measure under the "1" as the ending of the second time through the A part and it works. (LS) A somewhat different two-part version of this tune was played by John Doherty. (MB)

101 five-part jig: 1st two parts are Shandon Bells (DMI 1, MOI 814); last two parts are Young Tim Murphy or Paddy's Return in reverse order (DMI 134, MOI 883); 3rd part is variant of the latter. (PdG)

103 "The Harvest Moon" (trans = "Gealach na gCoinnleach") is not this tune at all. All of the older lads play a different tune entirely for it. It was composed by John Mhosai McGinley and appears on Paddy Glackin's second Gael Linn CD under the ttle John McGinley's Reel". (CMA) A version of Sportin' Paddy (CRE, 133). Not "The Harvest Moon"/"John McGinley's Reel". This is a similar version in a different key to that found in the southern repertoire. It is played as a highland in this version, although there is also a distinctive "Donegal" version of the reel. (MB)

103 (b) Not the reel usually called "The Ivy Leaf". (MB)

104 "Miss Percy's Reel" is the 3rd & 4th parts of "The Gravel Walks" (What is played as the latter, 4 part reel is a marriage of formerly two separate reels). (CMA) There was a tune very like this one, before it was married to the old two part reel "The Gravel Walks to Granie". The tune was called "Sisti Dhuin Ailt" in Glencolmcille (Sisti=kind of waves - not sure of spelling; Dun Alt=local place-name). (MB) I thought this was "The Heilanman Kissed His Mother" or some such. (NG)

104 (b) "Last House in Connacht" is a well known pipers reel whose name escapes me at preset. (CMA) This is the Paddy O'Brien composition "Dinny O'Brien's Reel", apparently his very first composition. (MB)

104 (c) The "Untitled Reel" at the bottom of this page is the same tune as the "Untitled Reel" in the middle of page 105. (CMA) Cup of Tea: CRE II 278; DMI 792. (PdG)

105 (b) "The Beauty Spot" (PV)

106 (a) Yellow Tinker. (PdG)

106 "The Wild Irishman" The parts are reversed as always played. (CMA)

107 Probably an older version of 155b [which see, below]. (MB)

108a I don't think this is a highland in the strictest sense. It is possibly related to the tune the Dohertys played for the dance "The Corn Riggs" (as recorded by Mickey Doherty on "The Gravel Walks"). The rhythm would seem appropriate for that dance. (MB)

108 (b) The Scottish "Cameron's Got His Wife Again" which is very regularly played in west Donegal. (CMA) I don't think this is related to "Cameron's Got his Wife Again"? The second part is a variant of the first part, and not the one usually played in West(in G) and SW(in D) Donegal. (MB)

109 (a) "All the Way to Galway" (related to reel) (PV) The first part of this tune is the same as that of 82a. (MB) I think this is "Big Kirsty", aka "Coirsdan Mhor" or "Miss Stewart Bun Rannoch". (NG)

109 (b) This is a version of the Scottish strathspey "The Miller O' Hirn", composed by Scott-Skinner. It was played in a different version in SW Donegal, in the key of A. These days it is often called "Jimmy Lyon's Highland". Interestingly, some of the older players in Glencolmcille played the first bar similarly to Simon Doherty. (MB)

109 (c) "Untitled Barndance" is "Connolly's Barndance". (CMA) John Doherty played the first part of this barndance in G. (MB)

110 (a) Coleman's "Mrs Kenny's Barndance"!!! (CMA) This is "Woodland Flowers" by Felix Burns. (NG)

110c Incorrectly transcribed. The group of four quavers given before the first bar is the actual start of the tune. Possibly a version of 87b. (MB)

Con Cassidy

151 (a) Related to the quadrille tune, 93. (MB)

151 (b) Rakes of Clonmel: DMI 149; MOI 902. (PdG) Mickey Doherty played a different version (about the same as the Rakes of Clonmel in MOI) of this tune and called it "The Merry Widow." (LS)

152 (b) The second part of this highland is a version of the second part of Alister McAlister. (CMA) Incorrectly transcribed. This is a highland Con called "Paddy Barron's Highland", after a neighbour who played a bit. Con reckoned the tune came to Teelin from Malinbeg. The tune is regarded by some as a composition of John Mhosai. It was played widely in this version in Glencolmcille, and in a second version, as recorded by James Byrne on "The Road to Glenlough" (the second of "Mick Carr's Highlands"). Apart from the above, I wouldn't agree that the second part of the highland is related to the second part of "Alister McAlister? (MB)

152 (a) Basket of Turf/Bundle and Go/Unfortunate Rake*: CRE II 52; DMI 32; MOI 735, 970; compare Winter Garden Quadrille III, WSGM 97. (PdG) This tune was played in this key in Glencolmcille/Kilcar (as recorded by James Byrne on "The Fiddle Music of Donegal" Vol. II). (MB)

153 (a) This tune is a reel-time version in the key of F of the three-part jig (also played by Con) and recorded by James Byrne on "The Brass Fiddle" as "Johnny Boyle's Jig". (MB)

153 (b) This tune is related to "The Sword in Hand" (CRE, 144). The usual name in Glencolmcille for this reel was "An Chailleach sa Chuinneog" (=The Hag in the Churn). It was played in both D and G, and in Teelin also in C. Francie Dearg played a four part version, and called it "Tripping Up the Stairs" (D). Francie Dearg also had a three part version in G, with the second part more akin to that of "The Sword in Hand", which he called "The Maid in the Churn". Danny Meehan plays the tune in G with two parts, his second part being similar to Francie Dearg's third part. ("Kitty in the Lane" is the title usually used for CRE IV, 105) (MB)

154 Incorrectly transcribed. In addition, Con never played this as a reel, always as a highland. The first part begins with the second group of four quavers in the fourth bar of the transcription (and thus also the last four quavers of the thirteenth bar). The second part begins with the second group of four quavers in the fifth bar. A slightly different version was played in Glencolmcille. The tune seems related to the first part of "Miss Butler's Reel" (CRE IV, 153). (MB)

155 (b) Altan also calls this simply "Con Cassidy's" but it looks like it's nearly the same tune as "The Canamine Highland" (107). (LS) "The Canamine" and Con's untitled highland on the middle of page 155 are versions of the first part of Alister McAlister. (CMA)

155 (c) "The Low Highland." (LS) This is as you cite Con's "Low Highland" by which he meant the first part is played on the lower strings. It is more commonly known as "Padai Bhilli na Ropai's Highland" after the famous Padai Bhilli na Ropai O'Boyle of Kiltyfanad, Glencolmille whose fiddle Con inherited and now is owned by Billy O'Connor who secured it originally for Con. The tune is a version of the Scottish "Miss Stewart of Grantully" which, in fact, forms the basis of the well known reel in Ireland as "The Green Groves of Erin". When the latter reel is being played in its normal setting, try playing this highland setting at reel speed and you will find yourself "reversing" (playing in octaves) with the other players. (CMA) Con sometimes played both parts high. (MB) Maybe "The King's Reel"? (NG)

160 (a) "Untitled Jig" is the very well known "Rogaire Dubh" (English trans = "The Black Rogue"). It is known in Scotland as "Johnnie McGill" (this name suggests Donegal connections and it is certainly impossible to figure out whether the tune is Scottish or Donegal -- the point here being irrelevant), but the fact is that it is well known in Scotland an Donegal and appears in the Scottish Atholl and Skye Collections under that title and in various Irish, including O'Neill's collections under the title in Irish. (CMA) Black Rogue*; compare Paddy the Weaver, WSGM 134. (PdG)

160 (b) Con's "Doodley, Doodley, Dank" as can be heard on The Brass Fiddle; bottom is "Mo Chroi 's Mo Bhonnaidh" (English trans = "My Love and My Sweetheart" -- which title in post Divorce Referendum Ireland should be noted inferred to the lder players who used it signaled one and the same person!) (CMA) Called "The Cock and Hen" in Cole's. (LS) "Doodley Doodley Dank" had nonsense words to it. It was lilted in Teelin to put babies to sleep. Francie Dearg himself regarded it as a tune from the lilting tradition. (MB)

160 (c) Hardiman the Fiddler: DMI 412; IFB 137; MOI 1117. (PdG)

161 The placename in the title is "Granny" -- a deserted glen between Ardara and Meenanaery. (CMA) "The Gravel Walks to Granie" was originally a two-part tune with a slightly different ending to the second part. The third and fourth parts originally constituted a separate tune (see 104a). It may have been Francie and Mickey Byrne who put them together. (MB)

162b This tune may be an old lilters version of parts of "The Foxhunter's Reel" (parts II, III and V) - Francie Dearg regarded the two as related. There is a structural resemblance. Alternatively, it's first and third parts are somewhat similar to a two-part composition of John Mhosai "The Rambling Pony". (MB)

163 This is the same tune as JD's "The Black Mare of Fanad" on 65. (LS) Not the reel normally called "The Coillte Fanad Reel". (MB)

164 / 165 The Tune titles "The Mary of the Wisp" (more commonly known in the locality under its Irish title - "Maire na Sop") and "Moll na Tiarna" (note Tiarna is a single word and not 2 as printed) are reversed on the two tunes. They should be titled the other way around. (CMA)

165 "Moll Tiarna" is played in Donegal in several different versions, at least in the keys of C, G (see CRE II, 268) and A. There is a similar reel played in the south, mainly Cork/Kerry. "Mary of the Wisp" (D) and "Moll Tiarna" (C) are correctly titled in my edition of NF. As far as I know, "Mary of the Wisp" is played in some shape or form in Scotland. (MB)

167 aka "On the Road from Glen to Carrick" or "The Glen Road to Carrick." (LS) Probably fashioned by Francie Dearg from "The Chorus Jig". It seems likely that John Doherty got the tune from Francie Dearg, although his version is slightly different. The two met on "the Glen road to Carrick" on a particular day in the 1920s or early 1930s, and there and then John Doherty learned the tune from Francie Dearg. It was that meeting that produced the title for the tune. (MB)

168b A similar version of this tune was played in Glencolmcille by John McGinley (Connchubhair). (MB)

169 (a) Greig's Pipes: CRE I 96; WSGM 288. (PdG)

169 (b) This tune was played in Teelin and Glencolmcille also (in D and G). Mick Carr called it "Biddy na gCloch" (=Biddy of the Stones). (MB)

170 Lads of Leith/Laois: CRE I 192. (PdG)

171 These are Ed Reavy tunes: "Never Was Piping So Gay" and "Maudabawn Chapel." (LS) ER 3 and ER 27. (PdG)

172 four-part reel; 1st two parts Flora McDonald's (NF 187); 3rd part from Sleepy Maggie (DMI 661; MOI 1424; NF 240); 4th part from Master Crowley's/Miss Patterson('s slipper) (CRE II 227; CREIII 180; IFB 152; MOI 1407; NF 71 - played with Roscommon reel as one tune). (PdG) Note that Flora McDonald is in fact the basis of the Coleman masterpiece "The Morning Dew", otherwise known as "The Hare in the Heather". (CMA)

173b "Tom Tailors Highland" (MB)

174 (a) The Scottish "The Ewe With the Crooked Horn" which appears earlier in the text in its reel version. (CMA) This tune is related to "The Marquis of Huntley", composed by William Marshall. Played as a reel in the South (CRE II, 145). The title is also used for another highland of similar structure (see 79b). The Scottish tune "The Ewe with the Crooked Horn" is a different tune. (MB)

174 (b) "The Brown Sailed Boat" played as a strathspey in a slightly different version on Ceol Aduaidh. (LS) John's "The Brown Sailed Boat" derives from the Scottish "Peter Baillie's Strathspey" taking its title from the renowned Scottish fiddler. (CMA)

175a The first, and to a lesser extent, third part of this march are similar to an old jig that was played in Glencolmcille. The tune was recorded by Roisin McGrory and Damian Harrigan on "The Fiddle Music of Donegal" Vol. II. (MB)

176 Seems to contain elements of the jig part of "Welcome Home Grainne" (see 86), and also of the jig "Langstrom's Pony" (CRE II, 46).

177 (b) "The Kilcar Mazurka." Played beautifully on The Brass Fiddle. (LS)

Danny O'Donnell

181 This jig is more commonly known in Irish as "Ta Do Mharagadh Deanta" and also forms a song air of the same name and can be heard on an early Clannad record. It is the Scottish jig commonly called "The Royal Charlie" after the dance done to it. (CMA) Or "Wha'll Be King But Charlie?" (NG)

184 Having spoke with Danny O'Donnell he confirms some confusion by the authors in picking up the title and history of this piece. The tune in fact is a composition of Arthur Darley and is correctly titled "The Donegal Jig". The mistaken title "Te Milestone" arose from Danny's discussion on another tune, a reel, "The Four Milestone" which appeared in print in the Roche collection. (CMA)

185 (a) "Piping Jig" is a modern composition "MacLeod of Mull" in honour of accordionist Bobby MacLeod, composed and published by pipe major Donald McLeod in the 50's/60s. (CMA)

185 (b) The "Untitled Slip Jig" at the bottom is possibly a version in the key of A of "The Drops of Brandy". (CMA) I think this is "The Piper's Maggot." (NG)

186 (a) May well be 9/8 version of the well known (at least it was the rage in the 60's-70's) "Bill Harte's Jig". (CMA) Last Night's Fun*/Miss Brown's Fancy: CRE II 107; DMI 452; WSGM 201. (PdG)

186 (b) Regularly played in this setting in Donegal. The first part apears to be a variant of "The Frost is All Over" while part 2 is the same as one of a couple of tunes which go under the title "Munster Buttermilk". (CMA) Here's Good Health to the Piper/Piper's maggot: MOI 1150; WSGM 209. (PdG) 186 Munster Buttermilk/Sports of Multyfarnham: CRE I 43; IFB 131. (PV)

187 (b) The full title and correct spelling is "Big John McNeilis' Reel". (CMA) Also known in Donegal as "Grant's Reel". The title is spelt "John McNeil" in the Scottish collections. (MB)

188 (c) Man with the Money: MOI 1360. (PdG) Mickey Doherty played a reel something like this tune (CRE II, 235), which he called "Miss Kelly's Favourite". (MB) This is "Lady Margaret Stewart". (NG)

189 "The Old Dudeen" (from Paddy Killoran) (PV)

191 "Neilly Boyle's Highland" is the regular title for it in Donegal. It is the common Scottish Strathspey "The Devil in the Kitchen". (CMA)

192 (a) "Glengarry's Dirk" See Kerr's (Vol. 2) No. 170 where it appears in the key of A major. It can also be found in the Athole Collection and The Simon Fraser Collection. (DG/TH)

192 (b) "The Duchess' Slippers". See Kerr's (Vol. 2) No. 179 (TH) This is a version of the Scottish strathspey "The Duchess of Athole's Slipper", composed by Niel Gow. Both parts are not unlike the second part of one of Mick Carr's highlands (recorded by James Byrne on "The Road to Glenlough"). (MB)

192 (c) John Doherty apparently played this as a highland. It was lilted/whistled to me by someone who remembered John playing it. Overall it is not unlike "The Templehouse Reel" in structure, but there are also similarities with the first two parts of "The Roscommon Reel" (CRE, 202). (MB) Sounds like one of Scott Skinner's strathspeys, but I haven't identified it. Possibly "The Oracle"? I'll try to check it. (NG)

193 Sounds like another of Scott Skinner's strathspeys, possibly "Garden's Strathspey"? (NG)

194 (a) "Niel Gow's Wife" again - see another appearance above; bottom "Dr. Peter's Hornpipe" named after stepdancer, Dr. Peter Carr of Killybegs. It is commonly called "The Glengesh Hornpipe" a name which Danny gave to Jimmy Lyons of Teelin wo subsequently recorded it under that title for Seamus Ennis. (CMA) "Niel Gow's Wife", by Duncan McIntyre, aka "The Watchmaker." (NG)

John Loughran, John McKeown, Peter Turbitt

229 (b) This tune was commonly played in the key of C at one time - this version is almost in C. (MB)

230 (c) "Ann's Gosling" (PV)

231 (b) "The Miners of Wicklow" (noted by Breathnach in his personal copy of NF). (MB)

231(c) Delaney's Drummers/Mug of Brown Ale*: DMI 305. (PdG)

232 (a) Gold Ring*/Old Gold Ring: CRE I 47. (PdG)

233 (a) Scotsman over the border. (PdG)

233 (b) Bobby/Scully Casey's jig: CRE III 16. (PdG)

236a The first parts of this reel and 236b are quite close to the first part of the McConnell's version of "The Pigeon on the Gate" (as recorded by Ronan Galvin on "The Fiddle Music of Donegal" Vol II). The second part has echoes of the second part of the tune called "The Fintown Road"/"The Gweebarra Bridge Reel", also called "The Killarney Boys of Pleasure" elsewhere in the country (CRE III, 141). (MB)

237 (a) I've heard this somewhere...? (MB)

237 (b) This is a version of "Upstairs in a Tent" (CRE III, 96). The tune was played in Glencolmcille. (MB)

238 (a) As far as I know, this tune was composed by Richard Dwyer, brother of Finbar. (MB)

238 (b) This tune is also called "St. Ruth's Bush". (MB)

238 (c) This is "Miss Katty Gordon of Earlston's Reel" by John Riddell. (NG)

239 (a) This is a version of a tune sometimes called "The Hare's Paw" (CRE, 185). The tune was played in Glencolmcille. It's generally considered a Kerry tune? (MB)

239 (b) This tune is also called "Boil the Breakfast Early". The parts are sometimes played the other way around. (MB)

240 (b) "Sleepy Maggie" is a Scottish Reel, possibly related to the well known "Jenny's Chickens"? (MB) When I asked him to play "Sleepy Maggie," Vincent Campbell played "Jenny's Chickens" explaining that they were the same tune. (LS)

241 See "The Tirnaskea Lasses" (CRE IV, 202) (MB)

242 (a) "Paddy Kelly's" (# 2) (PV) Seems related to CRE II, 186. (MB)

242 (b) Shamrock Hill: SR 37. (PdG)

242 (c) Farewell to Erin: CRE I 139; continued on next page. (PdG) This tune is in CRE IV. The notes refer to the tune as a composition (May, 1943) of Michael 'Master' McDermott, Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone. Breathnach was of the opinion that the tune is a version of "The Boys of the Lough". (MB)

243 (a) continuation of previous tune (PdG)

243 (a) I disagree with Paul on this one. It's "Master McDermott," a Sean Maguire and Lima Donnelly composition, also known as "Barrel Rafferty" (after Mike's father) (PV)

243 (b) Bill Harte's Reel: CRE I 110. (PdG)

243 (c) Trim the Bonnet/Tie the Ribbons/Big Pat's Reel: CRE II 284; MOI 1192; WSGM 291. (PdG)

244 (a) This reel is more like a highland/strathspey in structure and feel. (MB)

244 (b) Templehouse Reel: DMI 505; MOI 1230; NF 105; WSGM 286. (PdG)

246 (c) This tune is often called "The Friendly Visit" in SW Donegal, and is related to "Tamoney's Hornpipe", which is in Ryan's/Cole's. There are several related tunes in the southern repertoire. (MB)

247 (a) I've heard that this tune (hornpipe) is called Peter Wiper's (Wyper's) Hornpipe, after the well-known Tyrone button accordion player. The hornpipe appears on James Kelly's recording with Zan McLeod, The Ring Sessions, as a 'Gan Ainm'. It is a FINE hornpipe! I enjoy playing it with Tomgrainey Castle (as James Kelly does) or with Walsh's Hornpipe. (SS) This is mentioned as being "Peter Wyper's Hornpipe", and that Wyper was "...the well-known Tyrone button accordion player". I haven't heard of THAT Peter Wyper, but I have a collection of 78s by Peter Wyper of the Wyper Brothers fame, and they hailed from Hamilton (Scotland). I have a copy of one of their tunebooks, but there is no tune like 247a. I'll listen to the records again, to see if I can identify it! (NG)

247 (b) This highland is not unlike some of the versions of "Dulaman na Buinne Buidhe" found in Donegal. (MB)

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