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Audio Clips of Fiddle Players Jackie Donnan 1 Jackie Donnan 2 Jackie Donnan 3 Jim Moore James & Gus McElroy, Eddie McMullan Geordie McAdam, Ernie Swain, Brian Sutherland Dianna Skillen Seamus Sands Andy Dickson 1 Andy Dickson 2 Nigel Boullier Comber & Balloo Sessions

The Coey Manuscripts James and Arthur Coey were two fiddle playing brothers from Ballydrain, a townland approximately two miles south-east of Comber. James was born in 1870, Arthur in 1881. Right The opening page of James and Arthur's manuscripts. 1 Reel - Lucy Campbell's Reel 2 Reel - Untitled Reel (only 7 bars found) Reel - Burn's Reel Jig - The Lilies of France (HD ref JS83) [Titled the Lilies of France by fiddle players like John Simpson & Willie McCloy this jig was collected by James O'Neill as the Girls of Banbridge ] 3 Jig - Untitled Jig (only 6 + 8 bars found) Jig - Kiss the Ladies Hornpipe - The Harvest Home Reel - Polly's Reel [Polly's Reel is generally known under the titles of the Tap Room or the Youngest Daughter ] 4 Reel - Miss Hamilton's Reel Highland Fling - The Highland Fling (only 3 bars found) 5 Reel - Untitled Reel (only 3.5 + 8 bars found) Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe Reel - The Yell Heifers [Yell is a local word for dry or thirsty, hence The Yell Heifers is named after heifer cattle that are thirsty or "dry", specifically when they are lowing. The reel is generally known as the Yellow Heifer or the Bunch of Keys ] Hornpipe - Drone's Hornpipe 6 Reel - Untitled Reel (only 6.5 bars found) Reel - The Banks of Inverness Jig - Jackson's Maids (HD ref JS82) Jig - The Green Little Island 7 Reel - Untitled Reel (only 2 + 8 bars found) Strathspey - The Miller of Drone Reel - The Missing Inn Reel (only 4 + 1.5 bars found) [The strathspey t he Miller of Drone was composed by Nathaniel Gow and is contained in Part Second of the Complete Repository of Original Scots Tunes Strathspeys Jigs and Dances by Niel Gow & Son's (1810 - 1820)] 8 Polka - Untitled Polka Reel - The Blackberry Blossom Reel - The Yellow Coated Lassie (only 2 bars found) 9 Strathspey - Untitled Strathspey (only 5 bars found) Hornpipe - A Hornpipe generally titled The Belfast Hornpipe Reel - Untitled Reel (title illegible and only 1 bar found) 10 Reel - Pretty Peggy Reel Country Dance - John of Paris (only 8 bars found) 11 Jig - Captain White Polka - Untitled Polka (title illegible) Polka - Ladies Polka (only 1st part found)

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)

Fiddle Players and their Manuscripts It is generally perceived that, since traditional music is an aurally transmitted culture, musicians did not regularly use standard written musical notation to record, teach or transmit their art. James O’Neill’s gift for transcribing tunes is well-known, but it was probably not as rare as is generally thought. Clearly his father John (1837 – 1883) was musically literate as Francis O’Neill recorded that James had several volumes of manuscript music compiled by his father (Irish Folk Music , Francis O'Neill, Chicago 1910, page 52). In County Down many fiddle players from the mid 1800s were recording their music in their own hand-written manuscripts e.g.; John Simpson (1836 – 1917) John O’Neill (1837 – 1883) William Hogg (1844 – 1915) Robert James Quinn (1854 – 1930) Willie Wallace (1860 – 1929) James O’Neill (1862 – 1949) Jimmy Ward (1865 – 1944) James Coey (b. 1870) Jimmy Edmond (1873 – 1935) Davy Carse (1874 - 1964) Arthur Coey (b.1881) David Boyd (b.1884) Addy Quinn (1885 – 1971), Willie McCloy (1886 – 1959), Jimmy McElroy (1892 – 1982). The fiddle players noted above were all born in the 1800s – many more fiddlers born after 1900 were also musically literate. Map showing where fiddlers, that were compiling manuscripts, lived and played their music.

David Carse - Part 6 1 Reel - The Mason's Apron (HD ref WMcC98) Reel - The Liverpool Reel 2 Reel - Cameronian Reel Reel - The Five Mile Chase 3 Reel - The Glasgow Reel 4 Reel - The Yell Heifer (HD ref DG381) Reel - The Flogging Reel 5 Reel - MacDonald's Reel Hornpipe - The Liverpool Hornpipe (8 + 4 bars) - see number 6 below for remaining 4 bars 6 Reel - Blayberry Blossom Hornpipe - The Liverpool Hornpipe (4 bars) continued from number 5 above 7 Jig - Jackson's Jig generally known as Jackson's Morning Brush (HD ref JW292) Hornpipe - Queen's Favourite locally known as The Queen's Wedding (HD ref WMcC94) 8 Reel - The Gypsy Reel also known locally as The Gypsy Lass (HD ref WMcC97) Reel - Lochiel's Rant This reel was published in A Selection of Irish and Scottish Tunes , Edinburgh, 1804 by John McPherson Mulhollan. Mulhollan was born in 1781 and raised in Donaghadee, County Down some 15 miles from where Davy Carse was raised in the townland of Magherscouse. 9 Hornpipe - The Harvest Home Jig - Slashers generally known as The Kinnegad Slashers or locally, incorrectly, as The Kinnegar Slashers (HD ref JW295) 10 Reel - The Drummin Lasses Hornpipe - The Manchester Hornpipe 11 Reel - Box about the Coals also locally titled Fight about the Coals (HD ref JE181) Jig - The Connaught Man's Rambles (HD ref WMcC95) different version 12 Reel - Box about the Coals also locally titled Fight about the Coals (HD ref JE181) Reel - The Lasses of Drumbo 13 Hornpipe - The Cork Hornpipe Quadrille Tune 6/8 - The White House Lassie (HD ref JS84) 14 Hornpipe - The Cuckoo's Nest (HD ref JD147) 15 Hornpipe - The Blayden Hornpipe Hornpipe - Lens Hornpipe 16 Hornpipe - Split the Wood Hornpipe - Conway Hornpipe 17 Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Royal Charlie also locally titled Wha'll be King but Charlie (HD ref WS128) Quadrille Tune 6/8 - The Laird of Cockpen (HD ref TO191) 18 Polka - Inver Folk in the Shaws Reel - Jenny among the Hay Schottische - Hop Light Loo (HD ref WMcC101) 19 Polka - The Bluebell Polka (HD ref JD154) 20 Quadrille Tune 2/4 - My Love is but a Lassie yet (HD ref WS121) Jig - Pop goes the Weasel Schottische - Highland generally titled Miss Stewart's Highland (HD ref WMcC101) 21 Quadrille Tune 6/8 - 4th Lancers generally titled Patience Lancers figure 4 (HD ref WS124) 22 Reel - The Rose of Castletown generally known as The Boys of the Lough 23 Hornpipe - Boneparte's Hornpipe Reel - Police Cap locally known as The Peeler's Cap (HD ref WMcC99) generally known as The Merry Blacksmith

The Edmond Manuscript Jimmy Edmond (1873 - 1935) was a fiddle player from the Curragh, a mile south of Killinchy in East Down. The manuscripts below have been handed down from Jimmy Edmond to his niece Mary Jane to Jackie Donnan to myself. Jackie Donnan met Mary Jane on the road near Derryboye in 1951 and expressed interest in the Edmond's jig The Pleasures of Summer. He had heard about Edmond's playing of the tune from his mentor Willie McCloy. Mary Jane called with Jackie a few days later and gave him the one page of Jimmy Edmond's manuscripts that contained the jig. Sadly the remainder of the Edmond manuscripts were burnt. 1 Reel - Captain Bounce (HD ref JE181) Reel - Fight about the Coals (HD ref JE181) [See also Captain Bounce transcribed by Willie McCloy (HD ref JS85). There is a vast difference in the bowing between Jimmy Edmond's version and that scribed by Willie McCloy. T his is particularly interesting as they only lived a couple of miles apart. ] 2 Jig - Sheelin Agra (HD ref JE180) Hornpipe - Jack's the Lad (HD ref JE179) 3 Jig - The Pleasure of Summer (HD ref JE180) 4 Jig - Happy to Meet (HD ref JE179) Jig - Paddy get up (HD ref JE179) Jig - Paddy O'Carrel (HD ref JE180 )

Seamus Sands These audio clips were recorded by Seamus Sands for his albums Across Bridges , 2015 and A Deep Pool , 2018 and are presented here with his kind permission. The explanatory notes are taken from the album notes and written by Seamus himself. Reel - The Blackbird The first is my interpretation of a lovely Co. Down reel that is included in Nigel Boullier’s Handed Down book on Co. Down fiddle playing. Nigel learned the tune from fiddler Jackie Donnan and I feel the lovely melody suits being played slowly. The Blackbird (Reel) Seamus Sands 00:00 / 01:47 Reel - Sleeping Maggie Drowsy Maggie is perhaps one of the most commonly played session tunes, but this unusual 4-part version, titled Sleeping Maggie , comes from an undated manuscript of Co. Down fiddle player James Ward, who died in 1944. According to Nigel Boullier, Jimmy Ward was known for adding parts to tunes and it is possible that this version was his own creation. I like the fact that the unexpected third part at first doesn’t seem to fit but after a while it does seem to blend and give energy to the tune. Sleeping Maggie (Reel) Seamus Sands 00:00 / 01:19 Figure Dance - Bessy Black A six-part dance tune, also known as Betty Black , once common in Down and Armagh but no longer widely played. Not the typical rhythm of session tunes and I sometimes think the tune has a baroque feel to it, especially when played at a lower pitch, and I play it on a fiddle tuned down two tones. This version comes from my flute-player friend Dermot Rafferty and was recorded by his uncle, Hugh Savage, in 1952. Bessy Black (Figure Dance) Seamus Sands 00:00 / 02:22 Reel - The Silvery Bar The Silvery Bar is one of my own compositions and I play these tunes on the fiddle I made and for this last tune I’ve no excuses …..my fiddle, my tune, my playing! The Silvery Bar (Reel) Seamus Sands 00:00 / 01:23 Reels - The Carrickmannon Lasses / The Wind that Shakes the Barley I learned the first reel from Co Down fiddler Nigel Boullier during an enjoyable visit to share a few tunes. He collected it from fiddler Jackie Donnan who had learned it from fiddler Willie Savage. Carrickmannon is in Co. Down. The well-known Wind That Shakes the Barley is one of the first I learned from Co. Armagh fiddler Jimmy Burns and was a real favourite of the older players and ceili bands in the area. This is my interpretation of a quite ornate version in the Donnellan collection. The Carrickmannon Lasses / The Wind that Shakes the Barley (Reels) Seamus Sands 00:00 / 02:45 Barndance - Jimmy Doyle's Co. Down fiddle players Nigel and Dianna Boullier gave me the first barn dance after a very enjoyable day at their home exchanging stories and tunes. Nigel got the tune from his friend Jim Moore with whom he played weekly for over eight years. Jim in turn learned the tune from another Co. Down fiddle player, Jimmy Doyle, and Nigel includes it in his book Handed Down with some history regarding the player. There is a distinctive G-sharp note at the end of the second part that gives the tune something special and perhaps unexpected. Jimmy Doyle's Barndance Seamus Sands 00:00 / 01:27 Flings - Jimmy Ward's / Craigbuy House On Across Bridges I included tunes from Co. Down fiddler Jimmy Ward (d.1944). I’ve enjoyed playing tunes from this player that were made available through Nigel Boullier’s work and this is another of his tunes that appeals to me. My source for the second tune is John Macpherson Mulhollan's A selection of Irish and Scots tunes collection (Edinburgh). The title may be an alternative spelling of Craigboy, a townland in Donaghadee, Co. Down. It appears next to The Donaghadee Hunt , which I also play on this recording. Jimmy Ward's / Craigbuy House (Flings) Seamus Sands 00:00 / 02:31 Jig - The Donaghadee Hunt The Mulhollan collection (Edinburgh) was my source for the second jig. The Donaghadee Hunt Seamus Sands 00:00 / 01:06 Figure Dance - The Sweets of May The Sweets of May is a 3-part dance tune most associated with Co. Armagh. This Co. Down version appears in Handed Down and came from the playing of Jackie Donnan who learned it in the 1950s from Willie McCloy. Unlike other versions, it doesn’t have the first part repeated. Figure Dance - The Sweets of May Seamus Sands 00:00 / 02:14 Reel - The Grain of Tea The Grain of Tea is another tune I sourced from Handed Down. In my earlier solo recording, I played an unusual version of The Cup of Tea….. here’s another tea-themed tune! The Grain of Tea Seamus Sands 00:00 / 01:26 Mazurka - Rockin' the Cradle I’m delighted to be joined by my three fiddle-playing daughters, representing a sixth generation of fiddlers, for these mazurkas. The last tune is one I first heard at a session in Drumnaquoile, Co. Down quite a few years ago. This last tune is included in Handed Down. Mazurka - Rockin' the Cradle Seamus Sands 00:00 / 01:20 Air / Hornpipe - The Besom / The Man from Newry The Besom is a simple, but catchy, song and the first that my great-grandfather Sands taught his seven fiddle-player sons, including my grandfather. It was played and sung to me by Colum Sands who has words that start “As I was going to Newry …..” . The song with a similar chorus has links to Tyneside in the late 1700s and to Scotland. A version of the same tune appears in Levey’s 1858 Dance Music of Ireland as The Besom . The besom is a broom made of heather. The Man from Newry appears in O’Neill’s but isn’t a tune I ever heard when growing up in Newry! The Besom / The Man from Newry Seamus Sands 00:00 / 02:40 Set Dance - The Old Lodge Road / Rodney's Glory I grew up in Newry, a town bridging both counties Down and Armagh and many of the first tunes I learned there were set dances, which were played at a relaxed pace. The Old Lodge Road is one such tune that has remained with me from that time and it reminds me of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann sessions in the old Newry library in the mid ‘70s, with my father at my side to encourage, and the older players patiently sharing. A lot of the tunes were set dances, barn dances, marches, mazurkas and airs, many with a strong Scottish influence. Some of the local players that inspired at those sessions were Willie McSherry, Bertie Trodden, Paddy Rafferty, and Sean O’Driscoll. Rodney’s Glory is also one of my favourites and there is something that keeps bringing me back to both these tunes. The Old Lodge Road / Rodney's Glory Seamus Sands 00:00 / 04:12

Manuscript Indexes The various tune types are self-explanatory (as they relate to various dances e.g. reels, jigs, mazurkas), with the exception of Quadrille Tunes. Fiddle players in East Down generically called tunes played for the dancing of Quadrilles (and their associated sets) "Quadrille Tunes". These include single jigs, double jigs, polkas and marches, and shades in between. Reels Jigs & Slip Jigs 6/8 Quadrilles, 2/4 Quadrilles, 4/4 Quadrilles Polkas Hornpipes Mazurkas, Marches Schottisches, Strathspeys, Flings Barndances, Waltzes, Varsovienna Tunes Figure Dances, Country Dances, Round Dances, Irish Dances, Planxtys, Airs

The O'Neill Manuscript James O'Neill (1862 - 1949) was born in Kilpike, near Banbridge. He was taught the fiddle by his father John who was an excellent player. When James left Ulster for Chicago around 1881 he brought with him his father's collection of Irish music, including both printed collections and John's own handwritten manuscripts. These five pieces of music, penned by James O'Neill in the period 1889 - 1902, are thought to be his own compositions. 1 Reel - The Spinner's Delight (HD ref JO'N446) Reel - The Maple Tree (HD ref JO'N446) 2 Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe (HD ref JO'N447) Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe (HD ref JO'N447) Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe (HD ref JO'N447 )