“Songs from the Short Grass”
Songs are an important part of the social history of any area. They reflect the sentiments, language and, often, the sense of humour of a particular locality at a particular point in time.
With this in mind, the County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups have embarked on a project to research and record the songs of ‘old’ Kildare – many of which may not have seen the light of day, or been sung, for over 100 years.
With the support of Kildare County Council and under the “Creative Ireland” initiative, the Federation have commissioned and produced a new CD titled “Songs from the Short Grass” featuring a varied range of interesting songs, all firmly rooted in County Kildare.
The CD was launched at the Federation’s 20th AGM and Seminar in Kilcullen Heritage Centre on Saturday the 13th of October by Kildare County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Suzanne Doyle.
This unique record, which has been put together by a group of talented Kildare musicians under the direction of Darren Brereton, is now available from:
Kildare Heritage Centre, Market Square, Kildare (045) 530 672
Kilcullen Heritage Centre, Lower Main Street, Kilcullen (045) 481613
Woodbine Books, Lower Main Street, Kilcullen (045) 482 777
Brian Mc Cabe, Federation Vice Chairman, Johnstown, Naas (087-3513328)
The CD, price €10, contains ten tracks and three bonus tracks.
Track Listing:
Hunting in Kildare
I’m a man you don’t meet every day
An t-Sean Bhean Bhocht
The Ferrets of Kildare
The Curragh of Kildare (Vicki Cahill)
Hymn to St Brigid
Pretty Susan (the Pride of Kildare)
Bodenstown Churchyard
The Old Bog Road (Dave Dunne)
The Wake in Kildare
Bonus Tracks
The Battle of Prosperous
The Curragh of Kildare
Hymn to St Brigid (reprise)