Friday, August 14, 2020

Antaine Ó Raiftearaí (c.1779-1835)

As I've mentioned already, in 2010 I was privileged to be part of a great TV program, which also became a book (2015), by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagháin, Mise Raiftearaí: An Fíodóir Focal (I am Raftery, the weaver of words). Antaine Ó Raiftearaí was a great poet and songwriter, a blind fiddle player, in the early 19thh century. He was one of the last great professional Irish language poets of the remnant of Gaelic Ireland. Hopefully someday I can show you all that program (I have a copy). I was in it because Raftery's most famous poem, Mise Raiftearaí an File (which Tadhg does not believe he actually wrote!) was published originally in An Gaodhal (An Gael), the periodical which I now edit and publish. Raftery's songs and poems are still very popular. It was Patrick Pearse who re-ignited interest in Raftery, after he heard someone singing one of the songs when he was learning Irish.


I have not found a way to get the film on-line, but this is a clip from it, about the first song we will look at, Eanach Dhúin (usually now mis-spelled as Eanach Chuain or Cuan - spelling is an issue with Raftery's name and more than one song title!). One of the saddest songs in Irish, and that's saying something! This is of course what is now called sean nós singing.

Eanach Cuan [Dhúin] 

(the great Joe Heaney/Séosamh Ó hÉanaí singing in the above link).  Here are all his lyrics.
Here are the lyrics, with translation.
In case you are interested, there is an English language version.  Even though it is very nice, it's not as close to the reality of the story and the true feeling of the original.

This is not by any means the most famous of Raftery's songs.  That would be the one that everyone knows:

Cill Aodáin

(which should be Cill Liadáin!).  This is a completely different type of song - it's just fun.  An exaggerated praise of one of his stomping grounds in Mayo.   Here are they lyrics with translation.  Strangely, although it is super well known, there aren't many versions on youtube.  Here are the first 2/3 with a little explanation first.
Here are some kids doing parts of this and another great song.  These songs have always been taught in the schools.
This song has been played around with in all different ways.  Áine Uí Cheallaigh (who was in Riverdance and other shows, a great singer especially in Irish) did a very interesting version with orchestra (in Riverdance).

Máire ní hEidhin


(3 verses only in the link above).  This is again a totally different type of song, one praising a woman (and he did like his women...).  He even mentions himself in the song.  Here are the lyrics.
Here's the whole song being done at the Oireachtas (Buaiteoir Chorn Uí Riada 2013 Micheál Ó Confhaola).  The Oireachtas is the annual Irish language festival, and the Ó Riada prize is for sean nós singing - the biggest recognition you can get.
The biggest praise a woman can get is to have poems or songs written about her, of course.  And it is an ancient tradition that poets' praises or satires can make or break your reputation (and possibly have physical effects as well!).  If you are a wandering poet like Raftery was (one of the last), if your host is generous, you praise him, and vice-versa...  Raftery even had a poetry (insult) duel with another poet at one time - kind of like wizards battling!

So maybe you'll want to read the book now!




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