Annotation:Gealach na gCoinnleach

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 GEALACH NA gCOINNLEACH (The Harvest Moon). AKA and see "Harvest Moon (1)." Irish, Reel. Ireland, County Donegal. Caoimhin Mac Aoidh (1994) explains that the harvest moon (the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox) was thought to fortell the amount of rainfall and the degree of coldness for the coming winter. The Campbell brothers, relates Mac Aoidh, remembered that the travellers (gypsies) had a habit of encamping each year at harvest time near Glenties, and that one of their number included a large man, an accomplished fiddler, known locally as the "Gypsy Mor." This man was a great believer in the power of the harvest moon, and it was his odd custom to shave only once a year, on the very night it appeared. He entitled his favorite reel "Gealach na gCoinnleach." The work was likely composed by John Mhosai (Mac Fhionnlaioch), a Donegal fiddler born in the 1840's.   Source for notated version:  Printed sources:  Recorded sources:

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