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Sleeve Notes
Count O'Hanlon
A song about a raparee or highwayman who plied his trade around the area of South Armagh. To this day he is still revered in local legend. Written by another Armagh man, Tommy Makem.
No Man's Land
A moving song on the futility of war. This deals with a young Scot called Willie McBride, who went off to fight in France in 1915. From the pen of Eric Bogle.
Jigs: Eleanor Kane, Dealer's Fancy & Lough Giel
Three jigs learned by Seamus from his elder brother, and from a fiddler called Dickie Duke from Stewartstown.
The Massacre of Glencoe
This haunting song tells of the horrific circumstances surrounding the Glencoe massacre, involving the Campbell and MacDonald clans. It took place on February 13, 1692. Written by Scotsman, Jim MacLean.
Reels: The Laurel Bush & Russell's Reel
Two reels which are played regularly at sessions throughout the length and breadth of Ireland.
Song of the Irish Moss
Known in Ireland as 'Carigeen' Moss, this when mixed with milk forms into a type of jelly which is then eaten as a health food. At one time popular along the Atlantic coast of Canada. This song tells of the fun gathering the moss down on Prince Edward Island.
The Dutchman
One of the most tender love songs to have emerged in a long time. The old man, shell shocked during the war, is looked after like a child by his faithful old wife, Margaret.
Reels: Green Fields of Glentown, Tear the Calico & Master McHenry's
Three reels from Donegal, learned by P.V. at various festivals and sessions throughout his native county.
From Clare to Here
Many Irishmen go to work on the big construction sites in England, and during an occasional bout of sentimentality they think of home. The young man in this song thinks of County Clare along the windswept, west coast of Ireland. From that talented writer, Ralph McTell.
Margaree Waltz & Clarinet Polka
The first tune is from Cape Breton, the second from New Brunswick and both have proved consistently popular in our stage shows.
Fincairn Flax
Flax is the raw material that goes into the making of Irish linen. It lies fermenting in the sun for a while and gives off an awful stench. Young men then have to handle it and they employ all sorts of extreme methods to get rid of the smell. Fincairn is a lovely area of South County Derry.
Artigarvan Mills Adieu
A love song set against the background of the milling village of Artigarvan, County Tyrone. The short poem at the beginning is called "The Emigrant" by Belfast poet, Joseph Campbell.