The Carlow Farmer's Ball
Author: John Hayden
Theme: Fun, with a glimpse of life in the past. Song for fun written by John Hayden telling of the Carlow Farmer's Ball.
Air: MacNamara's Ball
The Rambling House
Author: John Candy
Theme: In praise of the Rambling House
Location: Carlow north
Recitation about the Rambling Houses tradition.
From Carlow Streams
The County of Carlow
Author: John Candy
Theme: Pride in place
Location: County Carlow
A ramble through some of the notable places in County Carlow
Charming County Carlow
Author: P.J. Furey
Theme: Pride in place
A newspaper clipping featuring a song about County Carlow by one P.J. Furey, in which he takes a tour around the county
From Carlow Streams
Ár gCultúr Beo / Our Living Culture
Air: Oro Se do Bheatha Abhaile
Author: D. Barron
Singers: Carlow Storytellers
Theme: Pride in our native culture
Location: County Carlow
CHORUS
Óro, Ár gcultúr gleoite, (our beautiful culture)
Óro, our culture’s growing,
Óro, ár gcultúr beomhar, (our living culture)
Alive and beo in Carlow. (well)
They tried to take our culture from us,
Tried to force their culture on us;
But our fathers placed a geasa on us: (obligation)
To save our ancient ways.
CHORUS
They told us that we had to change,
To leave our past on a previous page;
But we’ll save our ways for the coming age:
We’ll save our ancient ways.
CHORUS
The rambling house was the place to meet
But in recent years its fate looked bleak;
Some kept our old Way’s heart abeat
And saved our ancient ways.
CHORUS
They thought we’d fade with modern fashions
We love our culture with great passion;
We’ll always care for our great tradition
And we’ll save our ancient ways.
CHORUS
________________________
The Celtic Irish oral tradition of music and song has faced many challenges to its survival, from Penal Laws to changing trends and fashions. At one time mocked and derided, it was always kept alive in the rambling houses and by people who loved their traditions. Now, the ancient culture is growing strong again, not only holding its own but growing in popularity.
The song Óro, Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile was about restoration of freedom and culture; it seems appropriate to match these words with the old melody.
D. Barron
From Carlow Streams
Poem for the lonely
Author: P.J. Furey
Theme: Pride in place, emigration, love
Location: Carlow county
The poet adopts the persona of a Galwayman in exile, reflecting on his native place and, especially, his mother who waits in vain for his return home.
Carlow Farmers' Ball
Author: J. Hayden
Theme: Fun, local event
Location: Carlow county
A jocose account of a local event
Carlow Maid
Theme: love
Location: Carlow county
A light-hearted love song
Carlow Rugby Anthem
Author: Danny Browne
Theme; Sporting heroes
Location: Carlow county
Danny's tribute to one of the title=winning Co. Carlow rugby teams
Carlow Small but Beautiful
Author: Dermot O'Shaughnessy
Theme: pride in place
Location: Carlow county
Another song lauding Carlow's scenery and sporting heroes.