Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Éamonn a Chnoic“ Today’s song  “Éamonn a Chnoic”, which translates to “Ned of the Hill” in English, is believed to have originated in the late 18th century during a time of political upheaval in Ireland. The song tells the story of Éamonn Ó Riain, a Gaelic noble who becomes a ropaire (a political outlaw) after the Cromwellian conquest dispossessed him of his land. A legendary figure known as a highwayman and an outlaw he fought against British rule. The song portrays Éamonn’s bravery, his struggles, and the longing for freedom. This mournful ballad is usually sung in Irish, but various English versions…

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…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn” Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn is a traditional Irish song often sung on Mayday, that translates to “We brought the summer with us” in English. The song is about the arrival of summer and the joy and happiness that it brings. It can also be heard sung as part of the celebration of the feast of St. John’s Eve, which takes place on June 23rd, marking the midsummer point. The origins of “Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn” are a little obscure, The roots go back to the pagan festival Bealtaine, May 1, the first day of the…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle” Traditional Irish songs and music are known for their haunting melodies and stirring lyrics that often reflect the history and culture of the country. One such song that has stood the test of time is “Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle,” which is a favorite among Irish music lovers. “Bheadh Buachaillín Deas ag Síle” is a traditional song that dates back to the 18th century. The song tells the story of a young man named Jack who is in love with a girl named Síle. Jack is desperate to win Síle’s heart and promises her everything she desires.…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Óró ‘Sé do ‘Bheatha Bhaile“ Óró ‘Sé do Bheatha ‘Bhaile is a traditional Irish victory song with several variations. Oró translates basicallly as Oho! and ‘Sé do Bheatha ‘Bhaile means welcome home. The original marching tune celebrated Bonny Prince Charles and the Jacobite risings while the modern version penned by Pádraic Pearse early in the 20th Century celebrates the Pirate Queen Gráinne Mhaol. Gráinne Mhaol, Gráinne Ní Mháille or Grace O’Malley, was an Irish pirate during the 16th century. She was known as The Pirate Queen for her relentless siege of English ships along the western seaboard of Ireland. Read more about…

Amhrán na Seachtaine – Song of the Week “Óró Mo Bháidín” This week’s song takes us back to the water. Óró Mo Bháidín – Óró My Little Boat was written by Pádraig Mac Piarais, Colm O Lochlainn and Tomas Ó Colmáin at the turn of the last century during the Gaelic Revival. It’s about a little currach, a traditional Irish row boat made with animal skins stretched over a wooden frame. The singer tells us he’s about to set sail and won’t return until the eve of St John, (June 23). He goes on to describe how well she pulls and how easily she swims across the bay and navigates…

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…