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.

Jackie Donnan - 1 These 16 tunes of Jackie Donnan were recorded by Denis Calvert in 1969, then digitised around 2012 by Denis Reynolds, then edited by myself in 2023. Strathspey - the Marquis of Huntley’s Farewell Jackie learnt the Marquis of Huntley’s Farewell from Willie Savage. It is one of the best-known compositions of William Marshall, which he dedicated to the Marquis’s departure with the Gordon Highlanders in 1799. The Marquis of Huntleys Farewell (Strathspey) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:05 Reel - Captain Bounce Jackie learnt Captain Bounce from his mentor Willie McCloy (1886 - 1959) who had in turn learnt it from John Simpson (1836 - 1921). Captain Bounce , a reel, was played for the long lost Figure Dance Captain Bounce - Jackie, McCloy and Simpson all used crushed bowing whilst playing it. A similar version of Captain Bounce was played by Jimmy and Robert Edmond, who only lived a couple of miles from Willie McCloy, but they used entirely different bowing. Captain Bounce (Reel) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 00:35 Reels - What the Divil ails you? and the Maids of Galway Jackie learnt What the Divil ails you? from Willie Savage and the Maids of Galway from Willie McCloy. The Maids of Galway is a setting of the well-known reel the Boyne Hunt , which known by a number of names in Ireland. It was composed in Scotland by Miss Magdalene Stirling of Ardoch c. 1788. What the divil ails ye & The Maids of Galway (Reels) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:18 Reel - the Killyleagh Lasses Jackie learnt the Killyleagh Lasses from Willie McCloy (1886 - 1959). The Killyleagh Lasses was a favourite tune for stepdancing to – note the bowed treble at the end of the 4th bars which was used to match the dancer’s footwork. Killyleagh Lasses - (Reel) (first part only) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 00:08 Jig/Quadrille tune - The Whitehouse Lassie Jackie learnt The White House Lassie from his mentors Toye Willie Savage (1880 - 1956) and Willie McCloy (1886 - 1959). McCloy had in turn learnt it from John Simpson (1836 - 1921). Being a versatile tune they played The White House Lassie for several dances - the 3rd figure of the Quadrilles, the 4th figure of the Lancers and the 1st figure of La Russe. The White House Lassie (Jig/Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:04 Jig/Quadrille tune - the Muses Jackie learnt The Muses from his mentors Toye Willie Savage (1880 - 1956) and Willie McCloy (1886 - 1959). McCloy had in turn learned it from John Simpson (1836 - 1921). They played The Muses for the 4th figure of the Lancers. The Muses (Jig/Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 00:48 Polka/Quadrille tune - Ava the Airts the Wind can Blaw Jackie learnt Ava the Airts the Wind can Blaw from Willie Savage. They played it for the 5th (last) figure of the Caledonians. The quadrille has been adapted from Miss Admiral Gordon’s Strathspey which was composed by the well-known Scottish composer William Marshall c. 1781 in honour of Margaret Gordon, daughter of Admiral William Gordon. Robert Burns subsequently set one of his best- known songs to it – "of a" the Airts the Wind can Blaw . Ava the Airts the Wind can Blaw (2/4 Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:05 Polka/Quadrille tune - the Boys of Belfast Jackie learnt The Boys of Belfast from his mentor Toye Willie Savage (1880 - 1956). They played for the 5th (last) figure of the Lancers. Interestingly Jackie Donnan didn’t play the G (3rd string) as sharp or natural, but half way between the two. There were several of his tunes where he played the G, and indeed on occasion the C (2nd string), in this way. A slightly different setting of the tune is played in the fifing tradition. The Boys of Belfast (2/4 Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:03 Polka/Quadrille tune - the Last of the Lancers Another tune from the playing of Willie Savage; Willie and Jackie played it for the 5th (last) figure of the Lancers . The last figure of The Lancers (2/4 Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:11 Polka/Quadrille tune - the 2nd of the Patience Lancers Another tune from the playing of Willie Savage and Willie McCloy; it comes from a set of Quadrille Tunes called the Patience Lancers and is played for the 2nd figure. The 2nd of Patience Lancers (2/4 Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:08 Highland Schottische - Lowden's Bonnie Woods and Braes Jackie learnt Lowden's Bonnie Woods and Braes from Willie Savage. They played it for the Highland Schottische . Lowden's Bonnie Woods and Braes (Highland Schottische) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 00:40 Mazurka - the Spanish Mazurka Jackie learnt The Spanish Mazurka from Willie Savage, which they played for the two-hand dance the Polka Mazurka . Jackie played it regularly in the Comber and Balloo sessions in the 70s, which he generally followed with a mazurka titled Rocking the Cradle . He regularly played it, by itself, for dancing at venues like Greyabbey Village Hall. The Spanish Mazurka Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:08 Mazurka - Jimmy McElroy's Mazurka Jackie learnt this mazurka from his friend James McElroy (1892 - 1982) of Drumnaquoile. Jackie played it regularly in the Comber and Balloo sessions in the 70s, and occasionally for dancing at venues like Greyabbey Village Hall. James McElroy's Mazurka Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:09 Schottische - Maggie Picken Maggie Picken/Pickins has a number of titles and numerous humourous verses in song. The tune was rarely played, mostly for step dancing. In the 60s/70s Jackie would have played it for James McElroy to dance. Maggie Picken (Schottische) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 00:49 Schottische - the Danish Polka Jackie learnt this Schottische from Willie Savage. The tune was played for a two-hand dance called The Danish Polka . The Danish Polka (Schottische) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 00:34 Quadrille Tune- the Pretty Maid Jackie played this tune with Willie Savage for the 4th figure of the Quadrilles. It was a well-known tune in the area having been handed down from early fiddle players such as John Simpson (see JS manuscripts). The Pretty Maid (2/4 Quadrille Tune) Jackie Donnan 00:00 / 01:08

The Old Time Fiddler c.1963 Tom Miskelly, Danny Cromie, Willie Savage (younger) & Alec Crawford Blackthorn Céilí Band c,1960 Peter Gallagher, Sean Quinn, Harry Magee, Gus McElroy & Maurice Rodgers Blackthorn Céilí Band c.1962 Sean Quinn (piano accordion) on the left, Gus McElroy (fiddle) & Dan McElroy (piano accordion) on the right Baile's Dance Band, 2003 Jackie Bailie (fiddle), John Bailie (banjo) & his wife Anne (keyboards) - Village Hall, Greyabbey. Blackthorn Céilí Band c,1960 Peter Gallagher, Sean Quinn, Harry Magee, Gus McElroy & Maurice Rodgers 1/5 The Dundrum Céilí Band c.1957 Joe Cardwell, Michael Rodgers, Kevin Cunningham, Harold Hurley, Billy Redmond, Johnny McKeating & Eddie Mason John Burns Dance Band, Irish Club, Bristol, 1962 Harry Grover (button accordion), Michael Cotter (drums), John Burns (fiddle), the names of the piano accordionist & pianist are not known Céilí Band, Ashley Hall, Belfast, 1993 Davy Graham (Bangor), Willie Coyle (Kircubbin), Nigel Boullier (Bangor), Dianna Skillen (Bangor) & Michael Herron (Coalisland)

The Quinn Manuscripts Robert Quinn (1854 - 1930), from between the Glass Moss and Ballyrickard a couple of miles east of Comber in East Down, taught his sons Adam (1885 - 1971) and Robert (1887 - 1918), and his daughter Eva (b.1902) to play the fiddle. The Quinn manuscripts have been passed down through the family. Robert's great grandson Andy Cooper gave me access to them in 2012. 1 Reel - The Black Haired Lass (HD ref RQ205) Reel - Touch it if you Dare (HD ref RQ206) 2 Reel - Push about the Jaram generally known as Miss Monaghan (HD ref RQ205) Reel - Fire over the Mountains (HD ref RQ204) 3 Jig - The Trip to the Cottage (HD ref RQ202) Reel - The Green Fields of America (HD ref RQ206) 4 Hornpipe - The Liverpool Hornpipe Reel - Down the Banks (HD ref RQ204) 5 Quadrille Tune 2/4 - Duncan Davidson (HD ref JW306) Jig - Pop goes the Weasel 6 Polka - The Ballroom Polka Varsovienna Tune - Untitled Polka - Heel and Toe Polka (a song tune I'll tell my ma ) 7 Jig - The Protestant Boys (HD ref RQ203) Reel - The Brandy Bottle (HD ref RQ206) 8 Reel - The Wind that shakes the Barley (HD ref JW328) Quadrille 2/4 - The Girl I left behind me (HD ref WS125) 9 Reel - Through the Broom (HD ref RQ206) March - Prince Albert's March (HD ref RQ204) 10 Waltz - The Scotch Waltz Song - Auld Lang Syne 11 Reel - Miss McCloud's Reel (HD ref JW319) Song - What's at the Steer 12 Jig - The Rakes of Kildare 13 Jig - Apron's On (HD ref RQ203) Jig - Lannigan's Ball (HD ref RQ203) 14 Polka - Inver Folk in the Shaws Reel - The Soldier's Joy (HD ref JD161) 15 Hornpipe - The Steamboat (HD ref RQ202) Quadrille Tune 2/4 - Rob Roy (HD ref WS124) 16 Song - There's nae gude luck about the House Quadrille Tune 6/8 - The Quaker's Wife (HD ref JD158) Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Royal Charlie (HD ref WS128 ) 17 Quadrille Tune 6/8 - The Laird of Cockpen (HD ref TO191) Quadrille Tune 2/4 - The Lass O'Gowrie (HD ref WS126 ) 18 Schottische - The Danish Polka (HD ref WS130) Quadrille Tune 2/4 - My Love is but a Lassie yet (HD ref WS121 ) 19 Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Off She goes (HD ref WS122) Waltz - Untitled Waltz generally titled The Fairyland Waltz (HD ref JW338) 20 Quadrille Tune 6/8 - The Laird of Cockpen (HD ref TO191) Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Untitled Quadrille locally titled The Maid of the Mill (HD ref SW216) 21 Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Bonnie Dundee (HD ref WS118) Schottische - Untitled Schottische locally known as Hop Light Loo (HD ref WMcC101) 22 Reel - Green Garters (HD ref RQ205) 23 Hornpipe - The Showman's Fancy (HD ref RQ202) Quadrille Tune 2/4 - 5th Quadrille locally known as The March to the Battlefield and played for the 5th figure of the Quadrilles. 24 Quadrille Tune 2/4 - 4th Quadrille generally titled La Russe (HD ref RQ202) Quadrille Tune 2/4 - Adam's 5th Quadrille 25 Yon Town Reel - Untitled Reel

Andy Dickson

David Carse - Part 3 1 Reel - New May Moon Reel - Craig of Ailsey 2 Reel - The Opera Reel 3 Reel - The Maids of Galway (HD ref WMcC98) Reel - Dick's Reel Jig - The Campbells are coming (HD ref JW294) 4 Hornpipe - The Cuckoo's Nest (HD ref JD147) 5 Reel - Jenny among the hay Reel - Carrickmannon Lasses (HD ref WS128) Quadrille Tune 6/8 - The Quaker generally titled Merrily danced the Quaker (HD ref JD158) 6 Waltz - The Scotch Waltz, also locally called The Girl from Foley's Hotel or Sweet Sixteen (HD ref WS135) Quadrille Tune 6/8 - 3rd Lancers locally titled Whut wud ye dae if yer Rump was brok (HD ref JS123) 7 Jig - Father O'Flynn Reel - Glasgow Reel 8 Schottische - Come and Go Schottische 9 Reel - Gypsy Lass (HD ref WMcC97) Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe 10 Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe Strathspey - Untitled Strathspey 11 Reel - Carrickmannon Lasses (HD ref WS128) Reel - Jenny among the Hay Polka - Ballroom Polka 12 Quadrille Tune 2/4 - Duncan Davidson (HD ref WS128) Polka - Dargon Polka Schottische - What's a' the Steer 13 Song - Home fires burning Reel - Purty Kate 14 Polka - Heel and Toe Polka Jig - Paddy get up (HD ref JE179) Reel - The Blackbird (HD ref WMcC97) 15 Reel - Scotch Mary (HD ref JW321) Hornpipe - Untitled Hornpipe 16 Hornpipe - The Caspier's Hornpipe Hornpipe - The West End Hornpipe 17 Reel - The Black Haired Girl Reel - The Wine that shook the Barley Jig - Rory O'Moore 18 Hornpipe - The First of May (HD ref JD148) Hornpipe - The old Wife of 80 years 19 Figure Dance - Bessy Black (HD ref WS113) Country Dance - Princess Royal (HD ref WMcC93) 20 Indecipherable Jig - Aprons On (HD ref RQ203) Jig - The Royal Arch Mason (HD ref JW298) 21 Jig - Jackson's Trip (HD ref JS82) Jig - Tilerugan Lodge Jig - The Connaught Man's Rambles (HD ref WMcC95) 22 Untitled Strathspey - Miss Lyle's Strathspey (HD ref JD163) 23 Jig - Killyban Braes Reel - Mason's Apron (HD ref WMcC98) 24 Jig - Trip to the Cottage Reel - Push about the Joram (HD ref RQ205) 25 Polka - Untitled Polka (last 3 bars) Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Untitled locally titled Whut wud ye dae if yer Rump was brok (HD ref JS123) Reel - Miss McLeod's Reel (HD ref JW319) 26 Reel - Touch me if you dare (HD ref JRQ206) Hornpipe - The Blackbird 27 March - The White Cockade Polka - The Wooden Stane Dyke 28 Waltz - Untitled Waltz Reel - Katy got her clinkin generally titled The High Road to Linton (HD ref JD161) 29 Waltz - The Woodland Whisper (HD ref JW341) Waltz - The Dewdrop (HD ref RQ207) 30 Schottische - The Governor Schottische Schottische - Untitled locally titled John Simpson's Schottische (HD ref JS85) 31 Waltz - The Cornflower Waltz (HD ref WS135) Jig - The Blackthorn Stick occasionally called The Moorhall Jig (HD ref JSav124) 32 Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Untitled generally known as 4th figure Patience Lancers (HD ref WS124) 2nd part Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Untitled (Jimmy Ward's No 6 for 1st of the Lancers HD ref JW313) Quadrille Tune 6/8 - Untitled generally known as 4th figure Patience Lancers (HD ref WS124) 1st part

Jim Moore Part 1 Jim Moore 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 he used his collection for reference. In the years following his death his daughter, Linda Poole, contacted me and gave his collection in 2020. 1 Hornpipe - The Tinware Lass (HD ref JM360) 2 Hornpipe - Tim the Turncoat 3 Hornpipe - The Leitrim Fancy Hornpipe 4 Hornpipe - The Kildare Fancy 5 Hornpipe - The Plains of Boyle 6 Hornpipe - The Fairies 7 Hornpipe - The Sherwood Rangers 8 Hornpipe - Down the Glen 9 Hornpipe - Tomorrow Morning 10 Hornpipe - Pretty Maggie Morrissey 11 Hornpipe - Off to California 12 Schottische - The Danish Polka (HD ref WS130) Hornpipe - The Honeysuckle Hornpipe 13 Polka - The Wearied Soldier (HD ref JW304) Hornpipe - The Star Hornpipe (HD ref DG372) 14 Hornpipe - The Greencastle Hornpipe (HD ref JD148) 15 Hornpipe - The Galway Hornpipe 16 Figure Dance - The Siege of Ennis Hornpipe - The Stack of Barley 17 Hornpipe - The Man from Newry (HD ref DG371) Jig - Kitty's Ramble 18 Hornpipe - Chief O'Neill's Favourite 19 Mazurka - Untitled Mazurka (HD ref JD152) 20 Mazurka - Polka Mazurka locally titled The Spanish Mazurka (HD ref WS115) 21 March - Tyrone's Ditches (HD ref JM363) 22 March - Shane O'Neill's March 23 March - The Bonnie Lass of Bon-Accord (HD ref WS115) 24 Waltz - Mrs Elder (HD ref JM364) 25 Waltz - Sweet Sixteen (HD ref ST356) 26 Waltz - The Fairyland Waltz (HD ref JW338) 27 Quadrille Tune 2/4 - 2nd of the Lancers generally titled I Wish I were where Gadie Rins or The Hessian's March (HD ref JW307) 28 Figure Dance - The Sweets of May (HD ref WMcC94) different version 29 Quadrille Tune 2/4 - Highland Whiskey (HD ref WS122) generally titled Niel Gow's Farewell to Whisky Jig - My Darling is Asleep

Dancing Masters There are few records of the activities of the Dancing Masters, however the best known is by Arthur Young, an English geographer, who travelled throughout Ireland in the late 1770s making the following observation. "Dancing - is very general among the poor people, almost universal in every cabin. Dancing-masters of their own rank travel through the country from cabbin to cabbin, with a piper or blind fiddler; and the pay is sixpence a quarter. It is an absolute system of education." (October 1777) Arthur Young, Arthur Young's Tour in Ireland (1776-1779) , p.446. The Ordnance Survey Memoirs , written around 1838, record several references to Dancing Masters. Records of the Parish of Mallusk (County Antrim) state; "Dancing is a very favourite amusement..... There are still several annual dances in this and the neighbouring districts. Those in the library at the hamlet of Roughfort in the parish of Templepatrick are among the most fashionable and are nicely got up. Among the better description of farmers the assistance and services of a dancing master are indispensable, while among the lower class a few steps accidentally picked up are quite sufficient, with their naturally good taste and ears, to ensure their excelling in this lively accomplishment." Records for the Parish of Kilwaughter (County Antrim) state; "dancing is the only amusement. There are occasional dances in the farmhouses of the parish, and at present a dancing school has just commenced. It consists of about six pupils, each pay 5s per quarter, chiefly females attend." An earlier reference to the Dancing Masters is an agreement between Charles Staunton dancing master and William Bailey of Ballincollig, West Cork dated October 1718, where Staunton was to be paid two guineas to teach the children jig minnets, hornpipes and country dances perfectly. Dr John P. Cullinane, Further Aspects of the History of Irish Dancing, Part 2 , 1990, p. 27. Records of the activities of the general populace are scarce and articles in newspapers generally only recorded activities of the gentry in the period up to WWII. However early newspapers of 18th C include a number advertisements placed by Dancing Masters to attract business from the gentry and nobility. John Dumont It is thought that the Dumont family performed for many years in Europe prior to returning to the the north of Ireland in the spring of 1767. Upon his return John Dumont opened his dancing school in the Market-House, Downpatrick on Wednesday 28th April 1767. From 1767 John and his son Peter taught dance and acted as masters of ceremonies for balls in Ulster. For the following thirty years John Dumont taught dancing and hosted balls throughout County Down, namely in Downpatrick, Comber, Moira and Newry, as well as in Lisburn, Belfast, Armagh and Dundalk. John Greene, Theatre in Belfast 1736-1800 , 1946, p. 134. Belfast Newsletter 25th September 1778 16th April 1767 Belfast Newsletter 3rd - 7th March 1780 John Lawler John Lawler was a dancing Master who held his dancing school in Antrim Market-House in February 1767, culminating in a ball in the same venue. He also held classes in Dromore and Coleraine. Belfast Newsletter 24th April 1767 John Rocks John Rocks lived in Pound Hill, Armagh where he was described as an old dancing master. Armagh Census 1770 carried out by Rev. William Lodge. Richard Lee Richard Lee was a dancing master who held a dancing s chool in Lisburn Market House as advertised in 1767 and 1773. He was in partnership with John Harte, another dancing master, which was dissolved on 22nd March 1774 when Mr Lee moved to Belfast and started a dancing school in the Belfast Market House. Prior to this they held their final ball in the Market-House, Belfast "for the benefit of Lee and Hart" on 20th January 1774. Belfast Newsletter 22nd March 1774 John Hart John Hart, a dancing master , formerly having been in partnership with Richard Lee, opened his dancing school in Lisburn Market-House on Monday 8th May 1775, and in Lurgan Market House the following Thursday 11th May. His rates were half a guinea a quarter, and half a guinea entrance as advertised in the Belfast Newsletter 2 – 5 May 1775. He was recorded as having held a Ball in Dromore in October 1776. Belfast Newsletter 2nd - 5th May 1775 Thomas William Betterton Thomas William Betterton was a dancing master from Newry. He opened his dancing school in Belfast on 15th March 1780. His rates were half a guinea entrance, and a guinea a quarter as advertised in the Belfast Newsletter . Belfast Newsletter 7th - 10th March 1780 Mr Bleake Mr Bleake was a music and dancing master in Lisburn, who opened a music and dancing school in Belfast in 1781. His terms for dancing were one guinea entrance, and a guinea a quarter as advertised. All enquiries were to been left with Mr Cunningham at the White Cross Inn, High Street, Belfast. 23rd August 1781 Mr Hull Thomas Hull taught dancing in the late 1700s and early 1800s. He taught in Portaferry, Strangford, Downpatrick, Dromore and Hillsborough in 1789. By 1808 he was recorded as a dancing master & master of ceremonies of the Belfast Assembly, 11 & 12 Ann Street. (1808 Belfast Street Directories) Belfast Newsletter 8th April 1789 James May James May taught for a time i n Armagh, then opened a dancing school in the Market-House, Belfast in January 1780. His terms were half a guinea entrance, and a guinea a quarter as advertised in the Belfast Newsletter 22nd November 1779 . By 1791 he rented a "commodious house in the lower end of High Street, next to Mr Kingsmill's, Belfast" where he taught the latest dances popular in London and Paris. Belfast Newsletter 4th March 1791 Mr Simpson Mr Simpson was a dancing master from Belfast who advertised tuition on the mornings of Friday and Saturday, from seven to nine o'Clock at his Long-Room in North Street, Belfast. Also his evening classes between the hours of nine and eleven on said days - and his usual twelve and five o'Clock classes. (Northern Star 12th May1791 ) Around this period he also resided in Larne where he advertised tuition and was regarded as a Professor of Dancing by a considerable number of the principal in habitants of the North of Ireland ( Northern Star 1st February 1792 ). Northern Star 12th May 1791 Mr McGrath Mr McGrath was a dancing master who taught dancing in the vicinity around Lisburn and Belfast. His terms were one guinea entrance, and one guinea and a half per quarter or for private tuition, two guineas per month, and two guineas entrance as advertised in the Belfast Newsletter 16th April 1792 . By 1794 he was residing at the Donegall Arms, Belfast. At this time he practiced with a Mrs Parker who travelled around London and Dublin, performing at the theatre in Dublin and residing in Belfast for two months in the year Belfast Newsletter 24th April 1794 . In 1795 he held balls in Lisburn and the Exchange-Rooms, Belfast. Belfast Newsletter 10th November 1794 Mr W Kelly Mr W Kelly taught dancing for many years in Counties Armagh and Tyrone, and at two of the principal schools in Armagh and Dungannon. In 1792 he introduced the Quadrilles to the College of Armagh which had been originally danced in France ( Northern Star 1st February 1792 ). When fashionable dancing circles changed their focus, from the French Court (during the French Revolution), to Edinburgh Mr Kelly travelled to Edinburgh to learn various Reels and Strathspeys as reported in Belfast Newsletter. Belfast Newsletter 23rd July 1795 Thomas Moorehead Thomas Moorehead lived in New Street, Armagh where he was described in 1770 as a Dancing Master (Armagh Census 1770 carried out by Rev William Lodge). He opened his Dancing School in Armagh in 1767 (Belfast Newsletter 24th April 1767 ) and advertised tuition in Lisburn and its surrounding area in 1796 . Belfast Newsletter 17th March 1796 Mrs Parker Mrs Parker travelled around London and Dublin, performing at the theatre in Dublin. In 1794 she practiced with Mr McGrath performing and teaching the current fashionable Strathspey and Scots Reel (Belfast Newsletter 24t h April 1794 ). In 1801 she resided in Belfast for two months staying at No.17 High Street. At this time she taught Scotch dances, particularly the Strathspey Minuet . Belfast Newsletter 11th September 1801 Alexander Faulkner Alexander Faulkner was a dancing master living in 7 Forest Street, Saintfield in 1819. (Belfast & Lisburn Directory 1819 - Lennon Wylie website). John Reid John Reid was a musician and dancing master living in Seapatrick, Banbridge in 1819. (Banbridge Trade Directory 1819 , also Ros Davies' Co. Down, Northern Ireland Family History Research Site) Mr Reynolds Mr Reynolds taught dancing in Belfast in the early 1800s. He had his own Academy at 1, Castle Street where he held a class at 5pm on Friday 31st August - he also taught at the Belfast Academical Institution on Monday 27th August. The fashionable dances included the Quadrille Country Dances as noted below. Belfast Newsletter 20th August 1827 Mr Fielding Mr Fielding was a dancing master from Comber where he held a dancing class in Lowry's Inn near the Square, Comber. The following is an extract from the diary of Guy Stone (18 08 - 1862), who was a prosperous farmer from Stone's Planting, better known as Barnhill on the Belfast Road just outside of Comber. 13th June 1838 J. Ritchie drove Annie with Guy and Ann into Belfast for her to buy things for them, but were home in time for me to take them in the car into Comber to the Dancing School, the dancing master Mr Fielding having called on me last week to see if I would send them. There were ten girls and five boys. I sat some time in the dancing room and then walked about the Square with Mr Reid. He came into Lowry's Inn, where the school was held, with me and we drank some punch. Mr Fielding joined us when his lesson was over. (Diary of Guy Stone , Comber Historical Society)

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)

Geordie McAdam The Happy Days of Youth - Jig Geordie McAdam, who was rarely see without a hat, is seen here in a session in Portaferry, in the Ards Peninsula, playing a popular reel in the area named McKenna's No 2 having been associated with the legendary County Leitrim flute player John McKenna. It is also known as the Happy Days of Youth . The fiddle players from the left are, sisters Marie and Deirdre Shannon, Dianna Skillen and Geordie. Garret Barry's and Tatter Jack Walsh - Jigs The Concertina Reel and the Foxhunter's - Reels In July 2016 Josie Nugent launched her CD Modal Citizen in Fealty's Back Bar, Bangor. She invited her husband Brian Stafford, Alan Burke, Seamus O'Kane, Geordie McAdam, Dianna Skillen, Nigel Boullier and Aoibheann Devlin to play a few tunes with her. Geordie, a fiddle player and maker, brought six of his latest creations - six matchstick fiddles. These were very popular with the crowd and were "baptised" by fiddle players Nigel, Geordie, Aoibheann, Josie and Dianna.

Andy Dickson Reels - Charlie Lennon's Nos. 1 & 2 Andy Dickson (fiddle), Dermy Diamond (banjo), Tara Bingham (flute) and Gerry McCartney (banjo mandolin) play two reels composed by Charlie Lennon, accompanied by Eugene "Spooly" Kelly (guitar) and Sammy Weir (bodhran). Andy calls the reels Charlie Lennon's Nos 1 & 2 , however the second tune is usually referred to as Charlie Lennon's No 4 . I have heard Charlie and his brother Ben refer to it as Rose McKenna's as Charlie had forgotten it until Rose reminded him of it. The first is better known as McDonagh's , named after the fiddle and flute playing brothers from Riverstown, County Sligo. Recorded c. 1976. Jigs - The Black Rogue & Richard Dwyer's Andy Dickson (fiddle), Der my Diamond (banjo) and Tara Bingham (flute) play two jigs accompanied by Eugene "Spooly" Kelly (guitar) and Sammy Weir (bodhran). Recorded c. 1976. Reels - The Cup of Tea & The Woman of the House Andy Dickson (fiddle), Dermy Diamond (banjo), Gerry McCartney (banjo mandolin), John Parkinson (flute), Tara Bingham and Gerry Garvey (whistles) play two reels accompanied by Eugene "Spooly" Kelly (guitar) and Sammy Weir (bodhran). Recorded c. 1976. Reels - Danny Meehan's & Return to Miltown Andy Dickson and Deirdre Shannon play two reels - Danny Meehan's and Return to Miltown . Recorded c.1978 Reels - The Flax in Bloom & the Crosses of Annagh Andy Dickson and Ben Lennon (fiddles) accompanied by John Faulkner (bouzouki) play two reels - t he Flax in Bloom and the Crosses of Annagh . Recorded 1983. Reels - Jackson's Andy Dickson and Ben Lennon (fiddles) and Cathal Hayden (banjo), accompanied by John Faulkner (bouzouki) play two reels that they called Jackson's . Recorded 1983.

Dianna Skillen Reels - Untitled Reel, The Fair Haired Lass, The Piper on Horseback Dianna Skillen playing three reels - the first is untitled, the second The Fair Haired Lass , followed by The Piper on Horseback . Recorded 1992. The Piper on Horseback Dianna Skillen 00:00 / 03:26 Reels - Love at the Endings Dianna playing the reel Love at the Endings , which is a composition of fiddle player Ed Reavy who was originally from County Cavan before he emigrated to Philadelphia when he was aged 15. Recorded at a session in the Smuggler's Table, Killyleagh 1993. Love at the Endings Dianna Skillen 00:00 / 01:14 Reels - The Exile of Erin Dianna playing the reel The Exile of Erin a composition of banjo player Tony Sullivan, who stated, "The Exile of Erin is the name of a pub which used to exist in Collyhurst, Manchester before the town planners decided to make some "improvements" by demolishing one of the best music pubs in the world. Small and cosy, unlimited licensing hours and unlimited music. It became a regular port of call for visiting musicians and was the scene of the greatest of sessions - just ask Joe Burke about it. The Exile of Erin was knocked down in 1975." Recorded at a session in the Smuggler's Table, Killyleagh 1993. The Exile of Erin Dianna Skillen 00:00 / 01:57 Highland Schottische - The Smith's a Gallant Fireman & Lowden's Bonny Woods and Braes Dianna Skillen & Nigel Boullier (banjo) play two Highland Schottisches - The Smith's a Gallant Fireman , followed by Lowden's Bonnie Woods and Braes . Recorded 1992. The Smith's a Gallant Fireman (Highland Schottische) Dianna Skillen, Nigel Boullier 00:00 / 03:36 Reels - Toss the Feathers Dianna Skillen and Bernie Stocks (fiddles), accompanied by Hazlett Keers (bouzouki), play three reels each with the same title - Toss the Feathers . Recorded Bangor 2020. Toss the Feathers Dianna Skillen, Bernie Stocks & Hazlett Keers 00:00 / 04:31 Reels - Tommy Peoples Reel & The Bashful Bachelor Dianna Skillen and Steven Ebbinghaus (fiddles) play two reels; the first is generally titled Tommy People's , the second The Bashful Batchelor. Recorded Bangor 2020. Tommy Peoples & The Bashful Bachelor Dianna Skillen, Steven Ebbinghaus 00:00 / 02:08 Reels - Batt Henry's, Handsome Molly & I have no Money Dianna Skillen and David Thompson (fiddle & flute respectively) play three reels; Batt Henry's, Handsome Molly and I Have no Money. Recorded Bangor 2020. Batt Henrys Dianna Skillen & David Thompson 00:00 / 03:40 Jigs - The Hungry Rock & I buried my Wife and danced on top of her Grave Dianna Skillen and Trevor Stewart (fiddle & pipes respectively) play two jigs - The Hungry Rock and I buried my wife and danced on top of her grave. Recorded Bangor 2020. The Hungry Rock, I Buried my Wife Dianna Skillen & Trevor Stewart 00:00 / 03:15 Reels - Untitled Dianna Skillen and Trevor Stewart (fiddle & pipes respectively) play two reels. Recorded Bangor 2020. Two Reels Dianna Skillen & Trevor Stewart 00:00 / 03:13