Noel O Donoghue

Matt Peoples' (reel) | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Matt Peoples’

Matt Peoples’ is a great session tune that I learned from Noel O’Donoghue, Hugh Healy & Sean Vaughan. It is the second tune on the famous opening track of the fantastic album recorded by Tommy Peoples, Matt Molloy and Paul Brady.

The Longford Collector (Reel) | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Longford Collector (The)

The Longford Collector is the second tune of one of Irish traditional music’s most famous sets of reels, from the playing of Michael Coleman : “The Tarbolton”, “The Longford Collector” and “The Sailor’s Bonnet”.

Tatter Jack Walsh (Jig) | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Tatter Jack Walsh

“Tatter Jack Walsh” is a tune I learned from the playing of Micho Russell and his brother Gussie. They recorded it as a tin whistle duet on the LP “The Russell Family” back in 1975. There is also a nice variation of the second part that I learned from Noel O’Donoghue.

Lady Ann Montgomery (Reel) | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Lady Ann Montgomery

I learned Lady Ann Montgomery from Noel O’Donoghue during sessions in Gus O’Connor’s Pub. This reel is a common session tune and is usually followed by “Maud Millar’s” and “Molloy’s Favourite” (around Doolin anyways).

Kiss The Maid Behind The Barrel (reel) | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Kiss The Maid Behind The Barrel

I learned Kiss The Maid Behind The Barrel through various sessions, as it is quite a popular tune which I have heard very often over the years. I associate this reel with Noel O’Donoghue, flute player from Drummevin near Kilfenora and a great friend who has been very supportive over the years.

Jenny's Wedding | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Jenny’s Wedding

“Jenny’s Wedding” is a common session tune that I learned from Noel O’Donoghue and Sean Vaughan through various sessions at O’Connor’s. I also associate this tune with Paddy Keenan, who recorded it on his album “Na Keen Affair”.

The Honeymoon Reel | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Honeymoon Reel (The)

“The Honeymoon” is a reel I learned from one of the best sessions I ever saw, during the Russell Memorial Weekend back in 2013 in Gus O’Connor’s Pub. It was a magical night with free flowing music by Noel O’Donoghue, James Cullinan, Donie Nolan, Christy Barry, Terry Bingham, Carol Cullinan, Angela Crotty and several others.

The Humours of Loughrea | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Humours of Loughrea (The)

“The Humours of Loughrea” is the second reel of a set I have learned from Noel O’Donoghue. The first tune of the set is “The Limestone Rock“. This particular tune is also known as “Tommy Whelan’s” or simply “Whelan’s”. It is associated with The Ballinakill Ceili Band from East Galway.

The Limestone Rock | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Limestone Rock (The)

“The Limestone Rock” is a common session tune here in North Clare and the name is actually a reference to the Burren. This reel appears in O’Neill’s book as “Tit for Tat”. It is very often followed by “The Humours of Loughrea”, another great reel. I learned this set from Noel O’Donoghue.

The Gatehouse Maid | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Gatehouse Maid (The)

“The Gatehouse Maid” is a reel I learned from Noel O’Donoghue. after a lovely session together with Murty Ryan (accordion) and Seanie McGrath (bouzouki). This tune is very often played after “Down The Broom”, it is a popular sets which has been recorded several times. 

The Gander In The Pratie Hole | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Gander In The Pratie Hole (The)

“The Gande in the Pratie Hole” is a jig I associate with my friend Tom Delany. I learned it from him during one his visits in Doolin, back in 2011. The band Moher, which features Noel O’Donoghue (flute) and Michael Queally (fiddle) among others also recorded it.

Father Kelly's | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Father Kelly’s

“Father Kelly’s” is quite a common session reel. I learned it after a Sunday evening session at Gus O’Connor’s Pub with Hugh Healy, Noel O’Donoghue and Kevin Griffin.

Ballykett Courthouse | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Ballykett Courthouse

“The Ballykett Courthouse” is an old reel from West Clare which is part of a much loved set around Doolin, which I learned at the Sunday evening session with Noel O’Donoghue, Sean Vaughan and friends. The first tune of the set is “Tomeen O’Dea’s”, followed by this reel. Ballykett is an area just oustide of Kilrush and the name was given by flute player Michael Tubridy.

The Concert Reel | Tunes From Doolin | Irish Traditional Music

Concert Reel (The)

One of my favourite reels! “The Concert Reel” is quite common in sessions around here but I remember learning this tune from Noel O’Donoghue (flute) and Kevin Finucane (fiddle) in particular, they played it a one of the Riches of Clare concerts a few years back. It is very often played after another great reel, “The Hare’s Paw”.