Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Mo Ghile Mear” If ever there was a modern song borne out of old Mo Ghile Mear is it. There are as many versions and translations of this song as there are singers. In short, it’s a love song in the tradition of Irish Love songs where nothing is as it seems. The lover often stands for Ireland, in this case lamenting Bonnie Prince Charlie’s exile. Originally written by Seán “Clárach” Mac Domhnaill (1691-1754), the modern lyrics draw from several of his songs/poems and the song was once again rewritten and rearranged in the ’70s by Dónal Ó Liatháin (1934–2008)  and set…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week Báidín Fheilimí This week’s Amhrán na Seachtaine is Báidín Fheilimí, a traditional children’s song from the Donegal area. It tells the story of Feilimí and his little boat. It mentions Tory Island and Gola Island off the coast of Donegal. The song has been recorded by several artists over the years. I’ve included versions by Sinéad O’Connor, John Spilanne, and Emmet Spiceland.   Digital downloads of Amhrán na Seachtaine songs with translations and pronunciation guides are now available here: Gaeilge go Deo Digital Downloads and Courses Additionally, there are videos with pronunciation guides for each song on the @GaeilgegoDeo YouTube channel. Gaeilge…

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…