Quebec fiddler A.J. Boulay recorded the tune in 1929 as "Reel des cinq milles" while René Houlé recorded it in 1931 as "Reel de Tadoussac (2)." Fiddler Paddy Killoran (1904-1965), originally from Ballymote, County Sligo, recorded the reel under the title "Batt Henry's Favorite (Reel)" in 1938 in New York, referencing an influential early 20th century fiddler and fiddle teacher also from Ballymote[1].
See also the related, probably cognate, Québécois melody "Gigue de l'épluchette," recorded in 1943 by Jean-Ludger Foucault.
Additional notes Source for notated version : - Johnny Foe & Foncey Chaisson (b. 1918 & 1929, North-East Kings County, Prince Edward Island) [Perlman]; Pat Henry (County Sligo/New York) & Mick Tubridy (Dublin) [Black]; New Jersey flute player Mike Rafferty, born in Ballinakill, Co. Galway, in 1926 [Harker]; Rev. Luke Donnellan music manuscript collection (1909, south Ulster) [O'Connor].
Printed sources : - Black (Music's the Very Best Thing), 1996; No. 345, p. 184. Harker (300 Tunes from Mike Rafferty), 2005; No. 26, p. 9. P.W. Joyce (Ancient Irish Music), 1873; No. 16, p. 17. Kennedy (Traditional Dance Music of Britain and Ireland: Reels and Rants), 1997; No. 48, p. 13. Levey (Dance Music of Ireland, 2nd Collection), 1873; No. 22, p. 9. O'Connor (The Rose in the Gap), 2018; No. 44, p. 43. O'Neill (Krassen), 1976; p. 162. Perlman (The Fiddle Music of Prince Edward Island), 1996; p. 63. Skinner (Harp and Claymore), 1904; p. 144.
Recorded sources : - Coleman Center CD CC004, Seamus Quinn & James McDonagh - "The Mountain Road" (1999. Various artists. "A Compilation of tunes popular in South Sligo"). Decca Records 12179 (78 RPM), Paddy Killoran (1939. As "Bat Henry's Favorite"). Lochshore CDLDL 1214, Croab Rua - "The More That's Said the Less the Better" (1992).
See also listing at : Jane Keefer's Folk Music Index: An Index to Recorded Sources [1]
Alan Ng's Irishtune.info [2]
Alan Snyder's Cape Breton Fiddle Recordings Index [3]
Hear Paddy Killoran's 1938 recording of the tune (as "Bat Henry's Favorite") at the Internet Archive [4] (paired with "Boys of Ballysadare (2) (The)")
↑Batt Henry was an important figure in the cultural and social life of the Ballymote district in the early 20th Century. With a passionate interest in Gaelic games, language and music he was Principal of Emlaghnaughton National School for many years. He formed a group of musicians and played at numerous Gaelic League Ceilis and Concerts. In 1930, his group, The Ballymote Quartet made a 78rpm recording.
We use cookies (and similar technologies) to personalise content and improve The Traditional Tune Archive website.
With these cookies we collect few and indispensable information about you. With this we adapt our website and communication to your preferences. You can read more about it in our privacy policy.
If you want to manage your cookie preferences, click on Manage preferences. By clicking on Accept all, you agree to the use of all cookies. You can change or withdraw your consent at any time.