Imelda Roland’s

Imelda Roland’s is without a doubt one of my favourite reels. I learned if from the playing of concertina player Claire Keville, who recorded it on the album “An Trí is a Rian” with John Weir and Eithne Ní Dhonaile. In the sleeve notes of the album, Claire explains that she was told by Imelda Roland’s daughter that her mother used to lilt this tune while boiling potatoes for the pigs. The tune was picked up and made popular later by Joe Cooley and her brother Raymond Roland. I also associate this tune with the great fiddle player based in Doolin, James Cullinan.

I enjoy playing “The Honeymoon Reel” after this tune, and usually follows with a third reel called “The Kerryman’s Daughter”.