Ball Songs
This song was composed in 1911, by Peter O’Sullivan who described himself as an “Irish-American Advocate”. It is interesting to note in the second verse of the song that it lists the names of some of the various dances common in the area at the time.
A local man who was dressed as a Biddy frightened another man’s wife and it ended up in court. Domhnall a’ Chasúir who was a steward at the Petty Sessions Court, said that it was an old custom to go around with the Biddy on that day (1st February). The magistrate, Dónaillín Ó Conaill, as he is called in the account, said “Oh, I see, as long as it is an old custom I dismiss the case.” The singer’s brother and another fellow who were both involved in the incident composed the song.
The ball of Tadhg of Loher
This is a song in the rural tradition of composing songs about important local events such as weddings and parties. Only a few verses of this song are in the collection to date. If anyone has any information regarding this or any other song please contact Binneas on the link in the top panel.
