Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Nead na Lachan“ Apologies, running a little late getting out this week’s song. Spent the last 48 hours traveling and I did not get a chance to post. I’ve chosen a simple children’s song to share with you.  Nead na Lachan sa Mhúta “The duck’s nest is in the mote” is a lovely childen’s song. The lyrics are pretty simple and include a fun lilting chorus. I’ve included three renditions, Éilís Kennedy, formerly of Lumiere, Orla Fallon  of Celtic Women fame and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh teaching the verse and chorus on TG4’s Cúl4 Ar Scoil. Bain taitneamh astu! Éilis Kennedy Nead na…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Óró Bog Liom Í“ Óró Bog Liom í is a simple love song with a lovely melody that tells how the singer will woo the object of his desire. The exact origins of both the tune and the song are difficult to trace definitively due to the nature of traditional Irish music. The melody has been used in various songs and dance tunes through the years.   “An Trucailín Donn” is one of the songs that has been set to the tune of “Oró Bog Liom Í”. This particular song (An Trucailín Donn) written by Niall Mac Giolla Bhrighde has an interesting…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Téir Abhaile Ríu“ This week’s song is “Téir Abhaile Riú,” a lively matchmaking ballad whose origins are unclear but may date back to the 18th century, like many Irish folk songs. Matchmaking was a common practice in Ireland long ago, with fathers or brothers often making marriage arrangements without the consent of their daughters or sisters. Lisdoonvarna, a small town in County Clare, has even hosted a matchmaking festival for over 150 years during the months of August and September. “Téir Abhaile Riú” tells the story of a young girl named Mary who has been matched with a piper. Translating as “Go…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Trasna na dTonnta“ This week we share and translate; “Trasna na dTonnta”, a beautiful melody that is loved by many. I first learned “Trasna na dTonnta,” during a summer course at Coláiste Cholumba – Irish college, in the Connemara Gaeltacht. The title, which means “Across the Waves” gives us  a hint as to the theme of the song. It tells the story of a young man who has left his home and family behind to seek his fortune in a foreign land. He returns with glee in his heart, looking forward to the warm welcome that awaits him.  He hopes to never…