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Handed Down | A unique collection of traditional Irish fiddle playing and dancing dedicated to County Down. Handed Down includes biographies & photographs of practitioners, audio and video recordings, and manuscripts hand written by fiddle players, the majority of whom were born in the 19th Century. HANDED DOWN Fiddle Playing and Dancing from East and Central County Down Welcome to Handed Down I hope you find something of interest in the following pages The Project Handed Down is a project that was initiated in 1976 to collect and archive fiddle music of East and Central County Down. It is ongoing and consists of two parts; (1) The book Handed Down: Country Fiddling and Dancing in East and Central Down published in 2013 (2) This website: handeddown.com Handed Down - book published in 2013 The aim of the book was to document the fiddle culture in East and Central County Down. Due to the large numbers of fiddlers playing for dancing , and the fact that their repertoir e was largely governed by the various dances in vogue, the dances and their evolution became increasingly relevant. Most cultures only record the well-known and famous musicians; however the strength of traditional music is in the playing at “grass roots” level, not purely the virtuoso players. For this reason the musicians included are by and large “ordinary” practicing fiddle players. Yes, several were legenda ry fiddle players of their generation and in their district; for example, John Simpson, Jimmy Edmond, Willie McCloy, and the Savages in East Down; Ned McCarry in the Low Country; Jimmy McClurg, Jimmy Ward, Willie Wallace and James McElroy in Central Down. However none of these are currently well-known outside the County, and in some cases not even within their own locality. The criteria on which fiddle players were selected is straightforward. Any fiddler that played up to and including the 1950s, the period when the County Down fiddle culture largely died out, is included. It is inevitable that many have been forgotten or have not come to my intention. Fiddle players practicing after this period are only recorded where they play a local repertoire or have played extensively with older County Down musicians. There are many fiddle players in County Down who play to a high standard technically but because they do not play a local repertoire or style we re not included. handeddow n.com - website published in 2024 The website is in reality an online repository where I store some of the material collected over the past 40+ years, also giving access to those interested in traditional fiddle playing. The aims and scope are similar to those of the book Handed Down . The overall number of fiddle players is reduced due to constraints on space. There are some 335 fiddlers in the book with around 190 of these, including a few additions, being detailed on the website. There are several additions to this including fiddle players that were not known to me in the period up to 2013. The website is also an opportunity to include the following; Audio and video items illustrating the fiddle music and dancing - u nfortunately there is little material of the older musicians or dancers. The wealth of locally written manuscripts by fiddlers who have long since passed on. Furthermore , it also gave me the opportunity to include some of my mentors and friends who did not meet the criteria of the book e.g. Ernie Swain (who introduced me to Irish Traditional Music and sold me my first tenor banjo), Geordie McAdam (we played music together for 46 years), Andy Dickson and Sam McCaughey. Sadly they all passed away in recent years - Ernie in 2018, Andy in 2020, Geordie and Sam in 2021. Personally, I have found this project most fulfilling and rewarding in so many areas. Initially I was playing the banjo in local sessions. In collecting fiddle lore I learned as much as I could about photography and made my own dark room for printing. In later learning the fiddle I studied violin making for four years. The close links between the music and dancing within County Down led me to dances and dancing classes, where I have played and danced extensively; these I have enjoyed immensely. However rewarding the se various facets have been, I have gained most from the company of countless musicians, dancers and their families, who come from different generations, backgrounds and walks of life. To them all I give my sincere thanks and gratitude. Nigel Boullier September 2024 A Personal Note I would like to thank e veryone that has assisted me in this project over the years - there have been so many. Manuscripts Jackie Donnan, Jim Moore, Linda Poole ( née Moore), Eugene McConville, Rosemary Cooper (née Quinn), Andy Cooper, John McAdam, Jim Bowman, Willie Lindsay, Jim Maguire (Chicago), Caoimhin Mac Aoidh. Audio Recordings Denis Calvert, Denis Reynolds, Bernie Stocks, Jim Moore, Dianna Skillen, Willie Lindsay, David Lowry, Jim Walsh , Davie Wylde, Davy Lennon, Seamus Sands. Video Recordings Roy Spence (Eclipse Promotions), Maurice McBride, Jim Lindsay, Willie Lindsay, Raymond and Kate Beattie, Denis Reynolds, Peter Lyons, Bernie Stocks, Angela Carroll. Photographs Jackie Donnan, Margaret (Sis) Cromie ( née Coey), Jim Moore, Tom McGonigle, Jim Creaney, Jim Blaney, Dianna Skillen, John Wallace, Alwyn Sinnamon, Andy Cooper, Philip Robinson, Sean Quinn, Mark Thompson, Bernie Graham, Bob Torrens, Jackie Burns, John Herron, Betty and John Jess, Gerry Curran, Bob Davey, Eugene McConville, Sammy Miskelly, Paul Egan, Donard McClean, Gordon Turnbull, Carol Wright, Stephen Boyd, Brian Stafford, Joanne Skehin , Alan Woods (ITMA), Stephen Boyd, Ben Healey, Bernie Brown. Maps Mark Thompson /Nigel Boullier Acknowledg ements I thank all those named above who gave me access to their photographs. If there is anyone who has been inadvertently omitted please contact me on the email below and I will acknowledge their ownership. The author, of the book Handed Down and the website handeddown.com, has carried out all work on a voluntary basis, specifically; The author has received no royalties nor received any payment for the collection of archive material, the compilation and writing of the book Handed Down: Country Fiddling and Dancing from East and Central Down . The author has received no proceeds from the sale of the book Handed Down . The author sought no funding, nor has received any payment for the website handeddown.com. Voluntary Status of the Project

Map of East Down John Simpson of Drumreagh Willie and May McCloy Lizzie Donnan, The Hayes brothers Davy and Jimmy Carse, Davy and Jim Bowman, David Boyd The Coey's of Ballydrain, Sammy Coey of Castle Espie, Danny Cromie Geordie Montgomery, Andy and Eddie Morrow, Alec Johnston Adam Haslett, William John and Samuel Crawford Jimmy Quigley, James O'Prey, Sammy Hare Willie Glover, Rosaleen Duffy

Charlie Ferguson (flute), Davie Wylde (fiddle), Nigel Boullier (banjo), George Russell (bodhran), Davy Graham (guitar), Dianna Skillen (fiddle), Julian Friers (whistle/flute) Bangor - New Year's Eve 1975 Geordie McAdam - Gilmore's Kircubbin 1977 Dianna Skillen, Geordie McAdam, Nigel Boullier - Geordie's shop, Gray's Hill, Bangor 2014 Geordie McAdam, Stanley Mooney, Nigel Boullier - Stanley's home c. 1989 Geordie McAdam - Gilmore's Kircubbin 1977 1/3 Geordie McAdam Stanley Mooney Ernie Swain, Trevor Stewart - Johnny Joe's, Cushendall c.2014 Donaghadee Folk Club 1977 Geordie McAdam, Nigel Boullier, Ernie - Fealty's c.2017 Ernie Swain, Trevor Stewart - Johnny Joe's, Cushendall c.2014 1/4 Ernie Swain Sam McCaughey, Bernie Graham - Mournes c.1992 Sam McCaughey - Ballyferriter, Kerry c.1994 Leon Agnew, Sam McCaughey - Balloo House, 1977 Sam McCaughey, Bernie Graham - Mournes c.1992 1/3 Sam McCaughey Charlie Ferguson Dianna Skillen & Ben Lennon c.2018 Graeme Kirkham, Dianna Skillen - Coleraine 1976 Dianna Skillen, Julian Friers, George Russell, Philip O'Connor c.1974 Dianna Skillen & Ben Lennon c.2018 1/4 Dianna Skillen Davy Graham David (jnr) & Davy Lennon Foxy's Shed Davy Lennon, John Flack, Foxy Carberry, Nigel Boullier, Geordie McAdam - Bangor, 2020 Nigel Boullier, Brian Montague Queens University Belfast 2023 Photo courtesy of Alan Woods

Formation of Comber Session Jackie Donnan - see Fiddlers/East Down 2 Geordie McAdam Ernie Swain Sam McCaughey Dianna Skillen Davie Wylde Brian Sutherland Davy Calhoun (The Major)

Andy Dickson

David Carse - Part 7 1 Reel - Drowsie Maggie Reel - Glasgow Gates 2 Jig - Captain White (HD ref JM360) Fling - Green grow the Rashers O' (HD ref JW283) Polka - Ladies Polka 3 Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Untitled locally titled Burneys No 3 (2nd part only) (HD ref WS119) Quadrille Tune 2/4 - Untitled locally titled La Russe (HD ref WS121) Quadrille Tune 2/4 - Untitled locally known as The March to the Battlefield (HD ref WS126) Schottische - The Keel Row 4 Hornpipe - Bonaparte's Hornpipe 5 Jig - Untitled locally known as The Widow's Rant (HD ref JW299) 6 Reel - Back to Dromore Hornpipe - The Butchers of Bristol (HD ref JW322) 7 Polka - Untitled Polka Reel - The Bowl of Coffee (HD ref JW321) Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Untitled locally known as Robbie Gray's (HD ref JW311) 8 Hornpipe - The Queen's Hornpipe (HD ref JW289) Jig - The Bridal Jig Hornpipe - Untitled generally known as The Trumpet Hornpipe 9 Reel - Purty Kate generally titled Bonnie Kate Hornpipe - Saint Patrick's Hornpipe 10 Reel - The Wind that shakes the Barley (HD ref JW328) Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe 11 Reel - Untitled locally titled Over the Hill Reel - Untitled generally titled The Scholar 12 Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe 13 Quadrille Tune 2/4 - The Boys of Belfast (HD ref WS125) 14 Schottische - Maggie Picking 15 Hornpipe - Millicen's Favourite generally titled The Belfast Hornpipe

Jackie Donnan - 3 These come from mostly quiet soirees and sessions recorded by myself and Dianna Skillen at various times in the period 1975 - 1999. They were digitised and edited during Lockdown (2020). Polka - Down the Wee Dark Hole Jackie played Down the Wee Dark Hole with Willie Savage for the dance the Laughing Gauger which is a "hop skip" polka. They played it in the key of G, whereas Willie McCloy played it in the key of A calling it the Banjo . It was also called Lift up your Clothes. Recorded in 1993. Down the wee Dark Hole (hop/skip Polka) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:44 Polka - the Wearied Soldier Jackie learnt the Wearied Soldier from Davy and Robbie Gray, who in turn learnt it from Jimmy Ward (1865 - 1944). Ward and subsequent fiddlers played it for the dance the Laughing Gauger which is a "hop skip" polka, a popular two-hand dance around both Central and East Down. Recorded in 1992. The Wearied Soldier (hop/skip Polka) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:36 Strathspey - Miss Lyall Another tune Jackie Donna would have played with Toye William and his son Willie Savage. In the period after their death strathspeys would have been Jackie's favourite solo tunes (his "party pieces"). Recorded in 1976. Miss Lyall (Strathspey) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:41 Strathspey - the Iron Man Another tune Jackie Donna would have played with Toye William and his son Willie Savage. Recorded in 1976. the Iron Man (Strathspey) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:40 Waltz - Billy Marshall's Waltz Jackie learnt this waltz from Toye William. Willie had forgotten it for many years when a man asked him to play it after whistling a portion. Thereafter it was nicknamed Billy Marshall's Waltz as he had reminded Willie of it. Recorded in 1984. Billy Marshall's (Waltz) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:03 Schottische - Sally round the Gooseberry Bush Jackie learnt Sally round the Gooseberry Bush from Davy and Robbie Gray, who in turn learnt it from Jimmy Ward (1865 - 1944). Ward and subsequent fiddlers played it for the two-hand dance the Plain Schottische , a popular dance around both Central and East Down. Recorded in 1994. Sally round the Gooseberry (Plain Schottische) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:21 Reel - Farewell to Cailroe Jackie learnt Farewell to Cailroe from the well-known tin whistle player Tom McHale who occasionally called into the Saturday night session in Balloo House in the early 1970s. Farewell to Cailroe was composed by Finbarr Dwyer the accordion player from Cork. Farewell to Cailroe (Reel) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 00:55 Jig/Quadrille tune - Burney's No 3 Burney's Quadrilles are thought to have come from a fiddle player, Paddy Burney. Jackie and Willie Savage, and subsequently Jackie and myself, played Burney's No 3 for the 3rd figure of the Quadrilles. It is an interesting tune as the first part is a standard double jig that fits the dance, however the second part is more like a single jig, with long draggy notes; these fit perfectly with another section of the dance when the couples are balancing. Burney's No3 (JIg/Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:12 Barndance - the North-East Quickstep Jackie learnt the North-East Quickstep from his longtime fiddle playing friend Tom Miskelly. the North-East Quickstep (Barndance) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:40 March - the Hills of Alva Jackie recalled the march the Hills of Alva in the early 90s. He subsequently altered this variation changing notes and by adding a further part. the Hills of Alva (March) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 00:48 Jig/Quadrille tune - Over the Sea Jackie and Willie Savage and subsequently Jackie and myself played Over the Sea for the 4th figure of the Quadrilles. Willie McCloy played it for the 3rd of the Caledonians. Jackie maintained that whilst it was a simple tune it sounded well with twin fiddles - he often referred to it as "twin fiddles". Over the Sea (6/8 Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:22 Polka - Petronella Petronella was played by many of the fiddlers from East and Central Down for the popular two-hand dance, the Laughing Gauger , which is a hop-skip polka. The bouncy rhythm of the initial bars to both parts fit the "hop-skip" steps of the dance. Petronella (hop/skip Polka) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:22 Polka - Niel Gow's Farewell to Whisky One of the Scottish composer’s best-known tunes, it was originally a slow air composed to lament the prohibition of making whisky in Scotland in 1799. “It is,” explained Niel or Nathaniel Gow, “expressive of a Highlander’s sorrow on being deprived of his favourite beverage”. In Ireland it is popular as a polka, where it has been played the length of the country from Kerry, by Patrick O’Keefe, Denis Murphy, and Julia Clifford in Kerry, to Antrim by Joe Holmes. There are several versions played in Down, one titled Highland Whisky around the central part of the county. It was played by Willie Savage and Willie McCloy. Savage played it for the 5th figure of the Lancers, whereas McCloy played it for the 5th figure of the Caledonians. Jackie and myself played occasionally for the last of the Lancers. Farewell to Whisky & Untitled (Polkas) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 02:14 Discussion on Mazurkas and playing for dancing Discussion on mazurkas & dancing Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:32 After playing a mazurka Jackie described playing the fiddle for a dance with an auld fella (Willie Savage at the regular dance in Toye Orange Hall) for eight years. It was hard work. They played from 9 to 3 (9pm to 3am) and they were paid extra for every half hour after. But when you started that there, they danced to daylight. They were used dancing to a particular tune. They were used dancing to this one for years. I mind we played at the New Line and a big farmer, James McKelvey of the Bushes, came up and says "that's no the right tune". Willie Savage was cross man and his moustache stood out on end. McKelvey comes up says "that's no the right tune". Savage's moustache was standing out and he says "what is the right tune". So McKelvey lilted it over. Then Savage to me "we'll play his tune, then we'll play our own tune and sure he'll know bad all about it". So we played his tune and he got half way round the hall and changed into our own tune and he never noticed it. It was a wrong thing even - we should have played away no matter about him. Discussion on Barndances, Pacemakers & This is your Life Barndances, Pacemakers & This is your Life Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:57 Jackie Donnan holding court. He initially discusses playing only one tune for each dance, or figure of a dance. Then the benefits of dancing generally........

Venues - The Dancing Masters of 18th Century Records of the Dancing Masters in the newspapers of 18th Century are advertisements to attract business from the gentry and nobility. Generally the Dancing Master would have had a base where he would hold classes and private tuition culminating in a Social or Ball. The Ball would involve his clientele in various dances, and also be an opportunity to exhibit the latest dances in vogue, carried out by his best pupils. Depending on the period this could be from Paris, Edinburgh or London. In addition to his central base the Dancing Master would offer to travel out of town, to a limit of several miles, to give private tuition. Downpatrick Market-House, Downpatrick Mr Dumont advertised the opening of his Dancing School for 28th April 1767. Downpatrick Town Mr Dumont advertised the opening of class for Monday 28th September 1778 in Belfast. He would teach each Monday and Tuesday in Belfast whilst teaching the rest of the week in Lisburn and Downpatrick (Belfast Newsletter 25th September 1778). Market-House, Downpatrick A Ball was scheduled to be held for the Benefit of the Downe Infirmary on 15th March 1780. Downpatrick Town Mr Hull advertised that he had returned and would open his Dancing School for the Summer half year in Downe on Monday 20th April 1789. Downpatrick & Rev. Dr. Neilson's Academy, Kilmore Mr John Dumont having formerly been requested to open a Dancing School in Downpatrick gives notice that he has commenced teaching at Rev. Dr. Neilson's Academy, Kilmore, and will teach in Downpatrick if there are enough pupils. Downpatrick & Hillsborough Mr Hull advertised that he will wait on his friends in a few days, in Hillsborough & Downpatrick (Belfast Newsletter 9th April 1801). Lisburn Lisburn Mr Dumont advertised the opening of his Dancing School on 9th April 1771. Market-House, Lisburn & Market-House, Lurgan Mr Hart advertised the opening of his Dancing School for Monday 8th May 1775 in the Market-House Lisburn and in the Market-House Lurgan on 11th May 1775. Lisburn Mr Dumont advertised the opening of class for Monday 28th September 1778 in Belfast. He would teach each Monday and Tuesday in Belfast whilst teaching the rest of the week in Lisburn and Downpatrick (Belfast Newsletter 25th September 1778). Lisburn Mr Bleake, Music and Dancing Master of Lisburn advertised the opening of his Schooling Belfast for the three days each week. Assembly-Room Lisburn Mr McGrath advertised a Ball for his pupils for Friday 29th September 1786 in the Assembly-Room, Lisburn (Belfast Newsletter 24th September 1786). Lisburn & Belfast Mr McGrath advertised the commencement of his Dancing Class in early May 1792 in Belfast & Lisburn (Belfast Newsletter 16th April 1792). Lisburn & Belfast Mr McGrath advertised his tuition in dance in Belfast and Lisburn on 18th or 20th May 1794. ( Belfast Newsletter 24th April 1794). Lisburn Mr McGrath advertised that his Ball was fixed for Friday 20th November 1795 in Lisburn. (Belfast Newsletter 9th November 1795). Lisburn Mr Moorehead advertised his availability to teach a variety of Dances in Lisburn and its Vicinity (Belfast Newsletter 17th May 1796). Belfast Market-House, Belfast Messrs. Lee & Hart advertised a Ball in the Market-House, Belfast on Thursday 20th January 1774 (Belfast Newsletter 14th-18th January 1774). Belfast Mr Dumont advertised the opening of his Dancing School in Belfast for Friday 14th January 1774 (Belfast Newsletter 14th-18th January 1774). Market - House, Belfast Mr Richard Lee advertised the opening of his dancing School for Wednesday 30th March 1774 at the Market-House in Belfast. He would continue to teach each Wednesday and Thursday in Belfast. Belfast Mr Dumont advertised the opening of class for Monday 28th September 1778 in Belfast. He would teach each Monday and Tuesday in Belfast whilst teaching the rest of the week in Lisburn and Downpatrick (Belfast Newsletter 25th September 1778). Poor-House, Belfast A Ball was advertised for a Ball at the Poor-House for the Benefit of the Poor on Thursday 8th October 1778. Market - House, Belfast Mr James May advertised the opening of his Dancing School at the Market House, Belfast on the second Monday in January 1780 (Belfast Newsletter 22nd November 1779). Market - House, Belfast Mr Dumont advertised the opening of his Dancing School at the Market House, Belfast on the following Friday 10th March 1780 ( Belfast New sletter 3rd-7th March 1780). Market - House, Belfast Mr Betterton advertised the opening of his Dancing School at the Market House, Belfast on Tuesday next, 15th March 1780 (Belfast Newsletter 15th March 1780). White Cross Inn, High Street, Belfast Mr Bleake advertised the opening of his Dancing School in Belfast for three days each week (4th September 1781). The Publick School, Belfast Mr Dumont advertised his dancing teaching at the Publick School in Belfast on Friday evening and all day Saturday (Belfast New sletter 14th April 1789). Mr May's commodious House, High Street, Belfast Mr May advertised his dancing teaching at the commodious house in the lower end of High Street, next to Mr Kingsmill's in Belfast. He will also teach in the vicinity up to 14 miles from Belfast ( 4th March 1791). Mr Simpson's Long-Room, North Street , Belfast Mr Simpson advertised his dancing tuition at his Long-Room in North Street on the mornings of Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 o'clock; anyone who cannot conveniently attend these hours may attend his evening class from 9 to 11 on said days. His 12 and 5 o'clock classes, as usual. He will also teach in the vicinity up to 3 miles from Belfast, from 1 to 3 on said Fridays (Northern Star 12th May 1791). Belfast & Lisburn Mr McGrath advertised the commencement of his Dancing Class in early May 1792 in Belfast & Lisburn ( Belfast Newsletter 16th April 1792). Donegall Arms, Belfast Mr Dumont advertised his annual Ball fixed for Wednesday 12th December at the Donegall Arms, Belfast, to open at 7 o'clock as detailed below ( Belfast Newsletter 6th December 1792). Belfast & Lisburn Mr McGrath advertised his tuition in dance in Belfast and Lisburn on 18th or 20th May 1794. ( Belfast Newsletter 24th April 1794). Belfast Mr Dumont advertised his hours of teaching as Friday evening at 4 o'clock, and on Saturday morning at 11 and evening at 4, as detailed below. ( Belfast Newsletter 28th April 1794 ). Belfast Mr McGrath advertised that his Ball was fixed for Tuesday 18th November 1794 in Belfast. The Ball terminates Mr McGrath's tuition for the season - he intends recommencing classes in early May 1795. ( Belfast Newsletter 10 th November 1794). Exchange-Rooms, Belfast Mr McGrath advertised that his Ball was fixed for Thursday 26th November 1795 in the Exchange Rooms, Belfast. ( Belfast Newsletter 9 th November 1795). Belfast Mrs Parker advertised tuition in dance for Ladies in Belfast. ( Belfast Newsletter 11 th September 1801). Belfast Mr Hull advertised tuition in dancing in Belfast and surrounding areas. ( Belfast Newsletter 16 th November 1812). Belfast Academical Institution & his own Academy in Castle Street Mr Reynolds advertised the resumption of his classes in the Rev Mr Montgomery's Belfast Academical Institution on Monday 27th August 1827 at 5 o'clock pm and at his own Academy, 1 Castle Street, Belfast on Friday 31st August at the same hour. (Belfast Newsletter 20th August 1827). Dromore Mr John Hart advertised that he would have his Ball in Dromore on Thursday 24th October 1776, beginning at 6 o'clock (10th October 1776). Strangford and Portaferry Mr Hull advertised that he had returned and would open his Dancing School for the Summer half year in Downe on Monday 20th April 1789, in Strangford and Portaferry on Wednesday 22nd April 1789. He would teach on Fridays and Saturdays if encouraged in Hillsborough or Dromore.

Jim Moore Part 2 Jim Moore (1921 - 2018) lived in Dromara. He learned most of his fiddle music from initially Sammy Thompson, then Davy and Robbie Gray. He was also influenced by Robbie Chambers. He had a large collection of tunes in manuscript, many written by Jimmy Ward, Sammy Thompson and Davy Gray, including many written out by himself. He did not play from music, neither did his compatriots, but used his collection for reference. In the years following his death Jim's daughter, Linda, contacted me and gave his collection in 2020. 1 Reel - Miss Monaghan (HD ref RQ205) 2 Jig - Jackson's Favourite generally known as Jackson's Morning Brush (HD ref JW292) Reel - The Duke of Perth (HD ref JD161) 3 Reel - The Merry Blacksmith also known locally as The Peeler's Cap (HD ref WMcC99) 4 Reel - The Wind that shakes the Barley (HD ref JW328) Polka - The Knocknabower Polka 5 Barndance - Untitled Barndance from Davy Gray (HD ref DG370) 6 Barndance - Untitled locally titled Kitty's Barndance (HD ref JW284) Jig - The Tenpenny Bit 7 Schottische - Untitled Highland Schottische (HD ref JM364) 8 Schottische - Untitled Highland Schottische 9 Jig - The Road to Dublin (HD ref JW298) Jig - Miss Munroe's Jig (HD ref JM361) 10 Jig - The Dublin Jig also known as The Ship in Full Sail 11 Jig - The Queenstown Jig (HD ref JW297) Jig - The Girls of Banbridge known in East Down as The Lilies of France (HD ref WMcC83) 12 Jig - McCann's Jig 13 Jig - Old Man Dillon 14 Jig - Tell Her I am Jig - Pat McCann 15 Jig - Tatter Jack Walsh Figure Dance - The Haymaker's Jig 16 Jig - Jerry's Beaver Hat Jig - Shandon Bells 17 Jig - A Visit to Ireland 18 Jig - The Mouse in the Cupboard (HD ref JM362) Jig - The Connacht Man's Rambles (HD ref WMcC95) 19 Jig - The Rambling Pitchfork Jig - Hartigan's Fancy 20 Jig - Saddle the Pony (HD ref WMcC95) Jig - The Lilting Fisherman 21 Jig - The Maid on the Green (HD ref WMcC95) 22 Jig - Tobin's Favourite 23 Jig - The Trip to the Cottage (HD ref RQ202) Jig - Dan the Cobbler 24 Jig - The Lark in the Morning 25 Jig - The Black Rogue (HD ref JM362) 26 Jig - The Rose in the Heather 27 Jig - The Frost is all over 28 Reel - Untitled generally known as The Boys of the Lough 29 March - Sweet Killaloe (HD ref JM363) Hornpipe - McElligott's Fancy (HD ref JM371) 30 Jig - Fasten the Leggin Ji g - Donnybrook Fair 31 Jig - Welcome to Cork 32 Jig - Katie's Fancy (HD ref JM361) Jig - Paddy Whack (HD ref DG373)

Comber & Balloo Sessions Killarney Boys of Pleasure Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam (fiddles), Denis Calvert (whistle). The Killarney Boys of Pleasure was a popular reel in the Comber session being played in two keys, A and up a string on the fiddle in E. Lady Ann Montgomery , also popular, was usually followed by the Bank of Ireland & the Woman of the House . Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber, January 1975. Killarney Boys of Pleasure & Lady Ann Montgomery (Reels) Comber 1975 00:00 / 02:22 Jig/Quadrille Tune - Paddy's Return & The Whitehouse Lass Known participants in Paddy's Return - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam (fiddles), David Lowry (banjo), Denis Calvert & Sam McCaughey (whistles), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). Known participants in the Whitehouse Lass - Jackie Donnan (fiddle), David Lowry (banjo), Denis Calvert (whistle), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). Jackie learned the Whitehouse Lass from Toye Willie Savage and Willie McCloy who, in turn, learned it from John Simpson (1836 - 1921). Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber, January 1975. Paddy's Return & the Whitehouse Lass (Jigs) Comber 1975 00:00 / 01:36 Reel - The Maids of Galway Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam (fiddles), David Lowry (banjo), Denis Calvert & Sam McCaughey (whistles), Essie McHugh (banjo mandolin), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). Jackie learned the Maids of Galway from Willie McCloy. The Maids of Galway is a setting of the Boyne Hunt , which is known under a number of names in Ireland. It was composed in Scotland by Miss Magdalene Stirling of Ardoch titled the Perthshire Hunt c.1788. Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber, January 1975. Maids of Galway (Reel) Comber 1975 00:00 / 00:54 Jigs - The Rafters Over the Waves & Mick O'Connor's Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam (fiddles), David Lowry (banjo), Denis Calvert & Sam McCaughey (whistles), Essie McHugh (banjo mandolin), John Moulden (spoons, which were dampened by both being wound in tape). The jig set was popular and locally titled (and in part mistakenly) the Rafters over the Waves & Mick O'Connor's , the second jig was composed by flute player Vincent Broderick titled the Whistler at the Wake. These two jigs were usually followed the Bush on the Hill , and the Butcher's March . The Bush on the Hill is another composition of Vincent Broderick's titled The Old Flail . Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber, January 1975. Rafters over the Waves (Jigs) Comber 1975 00:00 / 02:07 Reel - Farewell to Cailroe Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain (fiddles), Denis Calvert (whistle). Jackie Donnan learned the reel Farewell to Cailroe from Tom McHale when Tom visited the Balloo House sessions around 1971. It was composed by Cork accordion player Finbarr Dwyer. Recorded in the Castle Inn, Comber in 1976. Farewell to Cailroe (Reel) Comber 1976 00:00 / 01:09 Reels - The Broken Pledge & The Morning Dew Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain (fiddles), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). Reels, the Broken Pledge and the Morning Dew . Recorded the Castle Inn, Comber in 1976. the Broken Pledge & the Morning Dew (Reels) Comber 1976 00:00 / 02:11 Reels - Shaney Mulhearn's & Charlie Lennon's No.4 Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain (fiddles), Davy Simpson (banjo mandolin), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). The reels, Shaney Mulhearn's and Charlie Lennon's No 4. R ecorded the Castle Inn, Comber in 1976. Shaney Mulhearn's & Charlie Lennon's No.4 Comber 1976 00:00 / 02:31 Jig - The Cliffs of Moher Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain, Sam McCaughey (fiddles), David Lowry (banjo), Denis Calvert (whistle), Davy Simpson (banjo mandolin), John Moulden (spoons, which were dampened by both being wound in tape). The jig the Cliffs of Moher . Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber, January 1975. Cliffs of Moher (Jig) Comber 1976 00:00 / 00:43 Reel - The Pinch of Snuff Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Deidre Shannon, Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain, Dianna Skillen (fiddles), Leon Agnew (flute), Nigel Boullier (banjo), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar).\ The Pinch of Snuff was a regular and popular tune in the Comber and Balloo sessions. It was often preceded by reels, Jackie Colman's and Murphy's . Recorded at Balloo House, Killinchy, January 1977. Pinch of Snuff (Reel) Balloo 1977 00:00 / 01:24 Reels - The Heather Breeze & Caher Rua Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Deidre Shannon, Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain, Dianna Skillen (fiddles), Leon Agnew (flute), Nigel Boullier (banjo), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). Reels, the Heather Breeze and Caher Rua . Recorded at Balloo House, Killinchy, January 1977. Heather Breeze & Caher Rua (Reels) Balloo 1977 00:00 / 02:36 Reels - Kilkeevan's Banks Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Deidre Shannon, Gerry O'Connor, Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain, Dianna Skillen (fiddles), Denis Calvert (whistle), Nigel Boullier (banjo), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). Jackie Donnan learned the reel from James McMahon who called it Kilkeevan's Banks . Fiddle player Liam Donnelly collected the reel from James McMahon in 1966 and titled it James McMahon's No 3, as included in Liam's book County Fermanagh Dance Tunes Book Number 2 . It is best known as the Banshee . Recorded at Balloo House, Killinchy, January 1977. Kilkeevan's Banks (Reel) Balloo 1977 00:00 / 01:08 Jigs - I Lost my Love & The Laird of Cockpen Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Ernie Swain, Dianna Skillen (fiddles), Nigel Boullier (banjo), Davy Graham (guitar). Jackie learned I Lost my Love and I care nae from fiddle player Tommy Orr (1870 - 1958) from Butcher's Corner, Toye and the Laird of Cockpen from both Orr and Toye William Savage (1880 - 1956). Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber in 1977. I Love my Love & the Laird of Cockpen (Jigs) Comber 1977 00:00 / 01:58 Jigs - Sean Ryan's Jigs & Munster Buttermilk Known participants - Jackie Donnan, Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain, Dianna Skillen (fiddles), Nigel Boullier (banjo), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). These jigs were part of a popular Comber set. They were simply called Sean Ryan's Nos 3 & 4 , followed by Munster Buttermilk . Sean Ryan's No 3 is the Dooney Rock . These jigs were usually preceded by Sean Ryan's Nos 1 & 2 which were the Castle and the Nightingale . Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber in 1977. Sean Ryan's Jigs & Munster Buttermilk (Jigs) Comber 1977 00:00 / 02:36 Quadrille Tunes - James McElroy's Known participants - Jackie Donnan (fiddle), David Lowry (banjo). Jackie learned these two Quadrille Tunes from James McElroy of Drumnaquoile. Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber in 1977. James McElroy's (2/4 Quadrille tunes) Comber 1977 00:00 / 02:12 Polka/Quadrille Tune - Niel Gow's Farewell to Whisky Known participants - Jackie Donnan (fiddle), Denis Calvert (whistle). Niel Gow's Farewell to Whisky is one of the Scottish composer’s best-known tunes. Jackie learned it from Willie Savage and Willie McCloy. Savage played it for the 5th figure of the Lancers, whereas McCloy played it for the 5th figure of the Caledonians. Jackie and myself played it occasionally for the last of the Lancers. Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber in 1977. Niel Gow's Farewell to Whiskey (hop skip polka) Comber 1978 00:00 / 01:02 Reels - The Moving Bog & The Ashplant Known participants - Ernie Swain, Dianna Skillen (fiddles), Nigel Boullier (banjo), Ronnie Crutchley (guitar). A favourite reel set at the Comber and Balloo sessions - The Moving Bog and the Ashplant . Recorded at the Castle Inn, Comber in 1978. the Moving Bog & Ashplant Comber 1978 00:00 / 01:34

Index of Fiddle Players The following data relates solely to fiddle players researched in the book Handed Down: Country Fiddling and Dancing in East and Central Down , which includes some 335 practitioners who were active in the period up to the 1950s. Information was gathered from the National Archives of Ireland - 1901 and 1911 census records, General Register Office - births, marriages, deaths, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland. Distribution of Fiddle Players Demographics - Gender Demographics - Kinship Demographics - Religion Demographics - Cultural Identity Demographics - Occupation Repertoire Instruments

The McElroy's at Drumnaquoile: Gus (fiddle), Davy Aitken, Kevin Cunningham (button accordion), Dan, Eilish & Tony (piano accordion) Eddie Dornan, 2010 Eddie Dornan (left) c.1915 Kevin Casement & Jim Creaney Eddie Dornan, 2010 1/14 Jim Creaney, Michael Rodgers, Colm Lennon, Billy Redmond, Paddy Brennan & Kevin Cunningham, Gormanstown c. 1985 Back Row; Francis Kelly (fiddle, Dunmore), not known, not known, not known, Marie Lavery (fiddle, Kilwarlin), James Mullen (fiddle, Saintfield), Dan McElroy (piano accordion, Drumnaquoile). Front Row; Father Tom McConville (fiddle, Dunmore), Tom Miskelly (fiddle, Ballygowan), Jackie Donnan (fiddle, Shrigley), Tom Miskelly Snr (fiddle, Ballygowan), Denis Sweeney (fiddle, Belfast), David Aicken (piano, Belfast) Pat Gorman outside his farm at Cabra, c.1930 Michael Rodgers c.1977 Sean Rodgers c.1990 Master Hugh Gorman c.1900 Michael Rodgers c.1977 1/12