Scoraíochtar

“Scoraíochting  was the word used for visiting neighbours’ houses by night and was a great tradition before the arrival of the television  and thus a Scoraíochtar was one who visited.”

Click to listen to the tune:

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Moonshiners

“Another name for Poitín makers in Ireland.”

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Flowers in May   

“This tune was written in May when the countryside fills with an array of different colours heralding the arrival of a new Summer.”

Click to listen to the tune:

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New House

“I composed this tune around 2007 when my son Cathal and his wife Niamh were building a new house on the farm.”

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The Reaper

“The advances made in farm work since my youth are of a staggering magnitude, when one thinks of the many tasks that were done which relied on skills that are no longer required.

One such example is the work of the reaper in his use of the scythe for cutting hay and corn.  Nowadays of course tractor driven mowers of all sorts and combine harvesters get through a lot more work in much quicker time.”

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Road to Mons

“A junction where the Road from Cill Na Martra joins the main Cork -Killarney road (N22) is known locally as “The Mons”.  I am not sure how it got that name but I think it might have something to do with the “Battle Of Mons” which took place during the first world war.”

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An Gallán

“Galláns are prehistoric standing stones which are very common in my native area of Cill na Martra in West Cork.  I passed two galláns every day walking on my way to school, many years ago.”

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Toon Valley

“This is a valley on the southern side of the parish through which the Toon River runs until it flows into the nearby nature reserve ” The Gearagh”.”

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The Rebel Jig

“Some years ago Peadar Ó Riada, Áine and myself were invited to play on a television programme called ‘Up for the Match’ on the eve of a Kerry- Cork all Ireland Football Final.  So for the occasion I composed this jig in support of Cork but unfortunately it was Kerry’s day.”

If you can’t see the score, get the Sibelius Scorch plug-in here. Created using Sibelius.

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Rookery’s Visit

“A great friend of mine Denis O’Riordan, who was known as the Rookery, used to call to my house on a regular basis.  We used to talk and play tunes until late so this tune is in his honour.”

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