I learned the jig “Donnybrook Fair” from the playing of concertina player Dympna O’Sullivan. It is a common session tune, which was also recorded by Josephine Marsh on the album “To Meet A Friend” with Cyril O’Donoghue.
X:1
T:Donnybrook Fair
R:Jig
M:6/8
K:G
|:G2G AGA|Bee dBA|BAB GAB|AGE EDE|
GFG AGA|B2e dBA|BAB GAB|1 AGF G2D:|2 AGF GBd||
gfe fed|ege dBA|Bee dBA|Bed e2f|
g2g fed|ege dBA|BAB GAB|AGF GBd|
gfe fed|ege dBA|B2e dBA|Bed e2f|
g2g aga|bge dBA|BAB GAB|AGF G2D||
“The Maid I Ne’er Forgot” is often played before the “Lads of Laois”, another great reel. They were recorded together by Nollaig Casey & Arty McGlynn. I learned it here in Doolin though, from sessions with Christy Barry, Colin Nea and the great Michael Kelleher on fiddle.
“Jackson’s Morning Brush” is an old tune that was composed in the 18th Century. I learned this jig from Hugh & Colm Healy, which they recorded on their album “Macalla na hÓige”.
“The Glen of Aherlow” is a great reel composed by Sean Ryan, fiddle player from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. I associate this tune with my friend Paolo Cerato, an accordion player from Italy who has been living in Co. Clare for many years.
