Artist: Brendan Behan
Author: Peadar Kearney
Label: Outlet
Year: 1950
Written by a brother of Brendan's mother. Kearney was part of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, better known as the Fenians. He wrote it in 1916 during the Easter revolt. He also wrote The Soldier's Song (Amhrán na bhFiann), the Irish national hymn.
Covers:
Ken Curtis & Sons Of The Pioneers [in John Ford film Rio Grande (with John Wayne); the action takes place during the American Mexican war, when an Irish regiment (the San Patricios) fought alongside catholic Mexicans]
Peg Clancy [sister of the Clancy Brothers]
Barry Reynolds [as The Bold Fenian Men (see footnote)]
The Bold Fenian Men is a different Irish traditional, hummed by the old woman in Down By The Glenside: "I listened a while to the song she was humming, Glory O, Glory O, to the Bold Fenian Men". The Fenians (Irish patriotic movement started in New York on St Patrick's Day 1858) struggled for Home Rule in a unified Ireland, free from the British. The song was also used on both frontlines during the American Civil War.
If you noticed blunt omissions, mis-interpretations or even out-and-out errors,
please let me know:
Arnold Rypens
Rozenlaan 65
B-2840 Reet (Rumst)