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O'Dowd suggests that, because of the centuries of travel between Ulster and Scotland, there is more of a connection between Carrickfergus and Islay than there is with Kilkenny. In contrast to the Ballingarry coal mines, Ballygrant quarry did indeed produce a "dark-grey to black marble" variant of Islay limestone, which was a primary source of employment for locals during the 18th and 19th centuries. Kilmeny is a hamlet next to the Ballygrant quarry which, he suggests, is the "Ballygran" mentioned in the lyrics. Irish-American journalist Niall O'Dowd (2021) has compared the song to its Scottish equivalent "Over the Water", suggesting that the song may have originally referred to Kilmeny on the Scottish island of Islay. The story seems to surround Kilkenny indeed the "Ballygran" referred to in the song may be the local Ballingarry coal mines, so that the "marble.black as ink" in the lyrics would be a reference to coal. It contains verses which are similar to Carrickfergus, but the chorus is closer to another Irish/Scottish folk song called "Peggy Gordon".
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It was published by Mrs Pauline Lieder in New York in 1880. Gogan also refers to a recording of a song called "Sweet Maggie Gordon" which is kept in the Music for the Nation section of the US Library of Congress. For example, the Ancient Music of Ireland, published by George Petrie in 1855, contained an Irish-language song called "An Bhean Uasal" which featured many but not all of the sentiments used in Carrickfergus. Robert Gogan suggests Carrickfergus may have evolved from at least two separate songs, which would explain why it does not have a consistent narrative. By contrast, the English lyrics are nostalgic. The Irish lyrics were about a man being cuckolded, a bawdy and humorous ditty. Īn early version of the song appeared on a ballad sheet in Cork City in the mid nineteenth century in macaronic form. Petrie wrote that he believed "Do Bhí Bean Uasal" came from either County Clare or County Limerick, and was in any case a Munster song.
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Joyce came from Ballyorgan in the Ballyhoura Mountains, on the borders of counties Limerick and Cork. Music collector George Petrie obtained two settings of this melody from fellow collector Patrick Joyce.
YOUTUBE CARRICKFERGUS MAC
The melody has been traced to an Irish-language song, "Do Bhí Bean Uasal" ("There Was a Noblewoman"), which is attributed to the poet Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna, who died in 1756 in County Clare. The 1964 album “ The First Hurrah!” by The Clancy Brothers includes a song entitled “Carrickfergus (Do Bhí Bean Uasal)". In his book, "Ireland Sings" (London, 1965), Behan gives three verses, of which he says that he obtained two verses from O'Toole and wrote the middle one himself. St.The modern song is due to Dominic Behan, who published it in 1965.īehan relates that he learned the song from actor Peter O'Toole.Things to do and see in the Carrick on Shannon area: An eclectic mix of street entertainment, live music, kids fun days, traditional amusements and incredible evening events really bring this town to life!Ĭarrick on Shannon offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, hotels along with night time entertainment including lively traditional music sessions by many talented musicians. The Carrick on Shannon Regatta is held by Rowing Ireland every July, and is a vibrant event for participants and spectators alike.Įvery June bank holiday weekend sees the start of the Carrick Carnival, an action-packed 10-day festival. Walking along the boardwalk towards the Marina and People’s Park after a delicious meal is a lovely way to spend a summer evening. The Dock houses a 100+ seat performance space, three art galleries, artists studios, an arts education room and is home to The Leitrim Design House.Ĭarrick on Shannon is known as ‘the marina capital of Ireland’ and the Marina is an attractive focal point of the town. The beautiful 19th Century former Courthouse has been wonderfully restored into Leitrim’s first integrated centre for the arts – The Dock. The town itself is steeped in history and visitors are recommended to take a walk through the town to discover its interesting historical buildings, in particular the unusual Costello Chapel, which is believed to be the smallest chapel in Europe. Carrick on Shannon is the thriving county town of County Leitrim.