Dunphy’s and Flowers of Ballymote
I do not know why the first hornpipe on this combination is called Dunphy’s, but it is a really lively piece from County Sligo. James Morrison who plays it was born in Sligo in 1893 from a musical family. When he left school he became a travelling teacher of Irish and dancing. In 1915, he emigrated to Boston, and then moved on to New York where he played an active role in the musical life of the city. He died in 1947.
The tune is from a CD titled ‘from Ballymote to Brooklyn Paddy Killoran – James Morrison’ produced by Coleman -An tradisiún beo (www.colemanirishmusic.com)
Bridget Donahue
The lyrics were written by Johnnie Patterson who lived in America and wrote many songs.
I saw the verse in ‘Songs of an Irish ballad singer’ by Mary Mazzarello O’Flaherty and have been trying to find a musical portrayal. Danú perform this haunting version on their CD ‘All things considered’ produced by Shanachie Entertainment Corp.(www.shanachie.com)
Donoghue’s Reel
This is the third tune on this combination track of Are you ready yet?/The Tailor’s thimble/Donoghue’s Reel/I’m ready now! It sounds different to the other reel of the same name on the site and is performed by Danú on their CD ‘Think before you think’. Produced by Shanachie Entertainment Corp.(www.shanachie.com)
The Bush Hornpipe – Dunphy’s Hornpipe
A beautifully played combination by Josie McDermott of County Sligo, who learnt the first tune from Michael O hAlmhain,the flute player and piper. He had no name for it so he called it after the hotel where the recording was taking place. Dunphy’s is well known.
To be found on Josie McDermott ‘ Darby’s Farewell’ produced by Ossian Publications Ltd of Cork www.ossian.ie
“Bold Jack Donahoe”
The second Australian version is sung by Danny Spooner and is taken from ‘Our Land Our Music’, Australiana Collection, CD1 EMI 1982. Brenda Ryan (Guest 64) contributed this song.
“Bold Jack Donahoe”
Bold Jack was one of the best-known bush rangers and balladeers of early Australian history. He became a legend in his own time in Ireland and Australia. He was seen as a symbol of resistance to oppressive authority and singing about him was actually banned in Australia. See pages 60-61 of ‘O’Donoghue People and Places for the full story.
The many Bold old Jack songs have varying words and are sung to different tunes.
Two songs about him are available on this page.
The first one was collected in Ireland by Jean Ritchie and Georg Pickow. The collection is entilted ‘As I roved out’ (Field Trip-Ireland), Folksways Records FW 8872. The singer is not known. Tom Donahue (Member 5) contributed this version.
“O’Donoghue’s March”
The history to this tune is yet to be established but it is quite probable that it is ‘The Step of the Glens’ referred to above. This recording is coupled with McNamara’s March on Irish Airs and Dances, Dargason Music 1991, DMCD-110. Anisa Angarola plays guitar and Valerie King is on flute.
“O’Donoghue’s Call or The Eagle’s Whistle”
A 1978 recording by Joe and Antoinette McKenna on Traditional Music of Ireland – Irish pipes and harp, Shanachie-29011
“O’Donoghue’s Call or The Eagle’s Whistle”
For these next two pieces of music (Coming Soon) I am indebted to Tom Donahue of Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
The score for this tune is to be found in Volume II of Thomas Crofton Crokers’ Legends of the Lakes or, Sayings and Doings at Killarney, published by John Eber’s & Co., London in 1829. This is an extract from the book – a conversation between the author and the local piper, Mr Gandsey
“Waiter, some whiskey punch. – Gandsey, I wish to hear ‘The Eagle’s Whistle’ so I think the war march of the O’Donoghue is called – you can play it of course.” “Without any doubt I can do that same”, returned Gandsey….
“Now, sir – but first, if you please, suppose, sir, that I give you, because you see it is the oldest of the two war marches of the O’Donoghue, ‘the Step of the Glens’.” Here Gandsey played the barbarous strain, which the reader will find annexed, No.1. “Oh ’tis the O’Donoghues were the boys that could stir their stumps down the side of a mountain,” said Gandsey, when he had concluded. “And now, sir, here’s the Eagle’s Whistle; that was their other war march you know.”
We have included two versions of this tune
Seamus Ennis playing the tin whistle on Irish Pipe and Tin Whistle songs, Legacy International, CD 313
“The Bold O’Donoghue”
This is an old Irish Folksong and can be found on Volume one of Irish A Feast of Folk.
A collection of 20 of the best loved Irish folk songs.(EUK BX /309/1 1996 Castle Communications)