Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Bríd Óg Ní Mháille” This week’s Amhrán na Seachtaine is Bríd Óg Ní Mháille, a song in the Sean Nós or old-style tradition that tells the story of unrequited love. In the first verse, the young lad tells how Bríd, who is so beautiful that hundreds of men have fallen in love with her, has left him brokenhearted. He describes her as being more beautiful than the moon over the ocean or the white blossoms on the blackthorn. He continues on, telling us he wants to get married and asks her to meet him the following Sunday. Unfortunately, he is left heartbroken…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Cailleach an Airgid” or “‘Sí do Mhaimeo í” This week’s Amhrán na Seachtaine is Cailleach an Airgid, also known as ‘S do Mhaimeo í. It’s a lively jig that tells the story of The Hag with the Money. The verses tell the story of a wealthy old lady who plans to marry a young man. The singer or onlooker sends a warning that the young man will squander her money, or “dólfadh sé’n t-airgead” -he’ll drink it.  It seems she doesn’t mind as in the final verse we’re told there will be a wedding. There are many versions and recordings of this…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “An bhFaca Tú Mo Shéamaisín” This lovely traditional song is sung by a mother whose young son – “mhaicín óg” is starting school. You will find many versions and recordings of this song. Sean Nós singer Joe Heaney can be heard singing it on Cartllann Seosaimh Uí hÉanaí – the Joe Heaney Archive and The Cassidys  – Na Casaidigh released a version of their self-titled album in 1980. It’s a popular children’s song and is often taught in school and during summer Gaeltacht courses.  Below are two versions and a breakdown of the song by both Orla Ní Fhinneadha and Sibéal Ní…