Category Archives: Polka
Sean Ryan’s Polka (D)
As I mention now and then, tunes named after people usually indicate simply that the person named was fond of playing the tune. At times, however, it is an accurate attribution. Ā I believe this polka was composed by theĀ prolific composer and fiddle player Sean Ryan (1919-1985)Ā fromĀ Nenagh, co. Tipperary, and first cousin of Paddy OāBrien (1922-1991) […]
Breeches Full of Stitches (A)
The polka “Breeches Full of Stitches” is a great tune for beginners, or those first learning Irish polkas.Ā Some people play this in G, but Kevin Burke plays it in A Ionian. Ā So, here itās in A Ionian.Ā Martin Hayes plays this in his typical slow, deeply emotional way on his first album Martin Hayes […]
Ballydesmond Polkas (Ador)
The Ā three Ballydesmond Polkas can be found on a number of recordings and websites.Ā The order and numbering given here is from the album entitled The Star Above the Garter, by Denis Murphy (1910-1974) and Julia Clifford (1914ā1997), siblings from Sliabh Luachra. Ā The area called Sliabh Luachra (pronounced Schleeav-lokhra, with the ākhā as that middle-of-the-mouth […]
Bill Sullivanās (A)
The polka “Bill Sullivanās” is also called āMickey Chewing Bubblegum,ā but sometimes called āKevin Burkeāsā because he teaches it on DVD #1 of a pair entitled “Learn to Play Irish Fiddle: Polkas, Jigs & Slides” (Homespun Videos, 2002). Ā It’s interesting that it’s acquired the title “Kevin Burke’s” because he himself calls it āBill Sullivanāsā on […]
Maggie in the Woods (G)
“Maggie in the Woods” is a popular two-part polka, similar to āThe Scartaglen Polkaā (also in G), though the latter has three parts. There are some common lyrics to this polka: Ā If I met Maggie in the wood / I would kiss her if I could / thatās the thing would do her good / […]
Denis Murphy’s Polka (D)
The title “Denis Murphy’s Polka” does not tell us much about the tune’s history, unfortunately. Ā It may be a tune composed by Denis Murphy, but much more likely is just one of the tunes often played by Denis Murphy. Ā The insertion of a person’s name in a title is almost always a way of paying […]