Lord Franklin Micheál O'Domhnaill

Many have tried including Dylan, Sineád O' Connor, Pentangle and John Renbourn but none have matched Micheál Ó'Domhnaill and Kevin Burke's version of Lord Franklin. Ireland lost a great perfomer with Micheál's untimely death in 2006. This is my tribute to a man I first saw perform in the Odeon Cinema in Tuam in the mid 70's alongside Mick Hanly. The following is an extract from his biography by Earle Hitchner
Even now, listening to "Lord Franklin" sung by him with his sister Triona adding harmony and Donal Lunny adding bouzouki, I am swept away again by the strength in fragility found in Micheal's uniquely evocative voice as he recounts Lord John Franklin's tragic expedition to find the Northwest Passage in the 1840s. Without question, this is the version of "Lord Franklin" against which all others will forever be judged.

[@lesberkley3821]

Micheál Ó'Domhnaill taught me to play this in the bar at Morley's Pub in Norristown, PA long years ago. Blessings on him forever.

[@_GIGIVIBES_]

You should teach us then ;)

[@downloadqi]

What an honor. Awesome!

[@mikemetague7973]

I saw his sister Triona there long ago, but Micheál wasn't with her. Good old Bothy Band!

[@francescfernandezsanchez1896]

It is sheer impossible not to get goosebumps at Michéal's singing and Triona's choirs. A voice for eternity and yet one of the many prides of Ireland!

[@franciscofernandezsanchez9326]

I read somewhere Michéal O'Domhnaill's voice showed the strength of fragility. I would twist it into "the beauty of the sensitive strength embedded in touching fragility". Michéal, you're sorely missed!

[@jennyrose9454]

Well put. I love this music

[@karenwood1364]

Yes so deeply missed. I write this weeping at the beauty of his voice.

[@fionanburke3084]

I have always loved Micheal's singing and this song along with "Ag casadh an Tsugain" were some of his great contributions to "The Bothy Band" :) RIP

[@KillSquadX]

Incredibly beautiful rendition of this great classic. May God hold you always Micheal.

[@kieranmasterson7565]

This is Pure Class.

[@michaelheavey]

One of the finest Irish musicians in living memory. Both of his sisters are also great musicians and singers.

[@mairemorris2285]

Go h-íontach: tig deora liom ag éisteacht leis…Suaimhneas Dé leis. I knew Mícheál very well: such an amazing artist and above all haunting singer: we sang together in our 20 ties as students at UCD: met him here in Germany in the early 80 ies: God rest his dear soul: I repeatedly listen especially to this Lord Franklin but also many many more! One of the very best!

[@jimmaculate5]

Whew!! Fantastic!

[@user-hx7ss2ts1r]

Stunningly beautiful; A haunting voice

[@wildbill3638]

I had the pleasure and honor to spend an evening playing tunes with Micheal and my good friend David on the Oregon coast in the 70's. He was Davids friend and we played tunes until about 3am. What a great night.RIP Micheal.

[@sazji]

Ah, I envy you! I was a teenager growing up in Iowa, listening to this stuff on records and wishing I could actually experience a live performance. It was recently that I came into contact with Irish music again, and was so saddened to hear that Michéal O'Domhnaill had died. I hate it when we lose a brilliant artist anyway, but so untimely.

[@sarahrowe927]

I've been searching for this version for 25 years. So happy to hear it again.

[@brendanseanbarry]

I never believed that a song could penetrate so deep, until I stumbled on this.

[@frankmck45]

I know Brendan. It's haunting. Mick Hanly has a version with Nuala on his album due out in a fortnight.

[@1hoytema]

I'd have to agree that nobody comes close to Michael's definitive version. He has an old soul and his singing deeply moving. Just perfection. Thank you for sharing, and Michael's spirit and his love of music live on. Like Donel Lunny says, he shouldn't have died.

[@mairemorris2285]

A Mhíchil dhílis, níl aon ghuth níos truacanta ná do ghlór binn agus éistim go minic leis an leagán seo go h-áirithe: no more poignant voice than this evocative reciting of your Lord Franklin s tragic voyage: with a similar poignancy with which I heard of his dad passing all those years ago: I got to know this most gentle of men as were both students at UCD where we were among the first to set up a branch of Comhaltas in Earlfort Tce: both in our 20 ies. Met him later in Bielefeld Germany near where I’m still living nearly 45 yrs: but I’ll never hear as poignant and gentle a voice again. Codhladh sámh a Mhíchil dhíl. Máire Nic a Bháird-Morris

[@catherinemullen5364]

Thank you for posting this. I was lucky enough to see Micheal & Kevin perform Lord Franklin live at the East Ave Tavern in Portland many years ago. A beautiful song, sung by a pure and lovely spirit, Micheal. He is missed.

[@lexinaut]

Well, this is a version for the ages, regardless of how well you think of other versions. The soulfulness of the singing and the subtle harmonies and instrumental work are inspiring. May the youth of today learn the living, breathing reality of history from such songs as these! THANKS!

[@westbrom50]

Great song, great singer and lovely music to accompany it. A nice tribute to the many men who died on the ships.

[@haroldwalton932]

The best version...just stunning

[@eoghannp8619]

Ó, is maith seo. Quite apart from the playing, it’s the harmonies and the phrasing that ‘make’ this version for me - just exquisite. I love how Tríona’s harmonies - very sensitively done - come below Mícheál’s voice, which is quite unusual (for a female voice to ‘underpin’ a male voice, but it works beautifully here). I also love how Mícheál’s voice at the start of the final verse comes in with the instruments in mid-flight, it adds a ‘rawness’ to the pain of the final verse. RIP, a Mhíchil, a chara: is maith a rinne tú.

[@burtonkeeble670]

I've heard several different performers tackle Lord Franklin. O'Domnhaill's rendition hits the closest to home for me. The blending of the voices is supurb and Donal Lunny's bouzouki adds a haunting dimension.

[@susie360]

Exquisite song that still brings a tear to my eye all these years later. It is so beautifully sung, Michael had a beautiful, evocative voice.

[@SeanCroninCork]

I've seen Micheál and Kevin Burke on many occasions and loved the Bothy Band gigs for the short but impressive life of this seminal band. This version will always be the one that never quite leaves your head. It is truly timeless! Micheál will always live through this haunting rendition wherever it is played. Thanks for keeping it alive and sharing with the many new fans he will get long after his untimely death. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

[@frankmck45]

Beautifully put Sean. There are some lovely TG4 videos on Micheál on You Tube. Are you around long enough to remember Ballisodare and Lisdoonvarna?

[@SeanCroninCork]

frankmck45 Yes indeed, Sold bread rolls and salads at both festivals and a few others (Macroom, Carnsore point...). Check out Sean Tyrrell's version of the 'Coast of Malabar' from his 1995 album 'Cry of a Dreamer'. That's another definitive version of a similar classic trad song.

[@dermotryan2457]

An unbelievable talent. Hugely important in the development of Irish folk music and sadly died far too young. Surely this is the classic version of this song.

[@frankmck45]

I obviously agree Dermot. Have a look at Mick Hanly's new interpretation on You Tube. Mick is accompanied by Micheal's sister Triona. All the more relevant since they recently found one of the missing ships.

[@kevinforde2555]

Brilliant song, brilliantly song

[@jullejuhl8167]

Magnificent! Outstanding! I’ve got the cd!

[@Siobhan1948]

DANKUWEL voor dit prachtig lied ! THANK you very much for this wonderful song !

[@brendandoyle5720]

Thanks for adding this. Takes me back to easier times

[@eamonrodgers4751]

Ní rabh a nduine cosuil leis mar dhuine, sorely missed, gentle soul, I just loved him

[@jameswest8280]

On of these days, Ireland will make a song that doesn't make me cry, I won't hold my breath.

[@kenspooner7459]

I AGREE THIS IS THE DEFINITIVE VERSION OF THIS SONG , Had the great pleasure of having Kevin & Michea'L perform at my place twice and also be houseguests

[@catherineannemccloskey-ros9500]

Ken Spooner, lucky you. How did you pull that off?

[@susie360]

I have loved this beautiful rendition by the great and wonderful, gentle Michael for many years and never tire of listening to it, it is as evocative now as it was when I first heard it when it was first recorded, it brings a tear to my eye every time. God bless you Michael, RIP

[@180indian]

More poignant now that one of Franklins ships has been discovered. A beautiful rendition - the definitive one for me!

[@BushyHairedStranger]

180indian indeed, the HMS Terror being the first discovered. Such a beautiful rendition, tear producing, heart moving. Im often at the will of my emotions when listening to this version. It captures Lady Franklins heartache & grace amid such hopeless odds. Beautiful song. The divine lives inside us all, when we’re in tune with it we can feel the joys & sorrows of others just as deeply as if they were our own..

[@susie360]

How sad that Michael never got to know of the discovery of that ship, he was so interested in Franklin and other explorers of that period. He was a fine man with a beautiful gentle personality, such a terrible loss.

[@colinsacks8200]

And now, both.

[@garistin1]

was near tears ...

[@tracyg2687]

Thank you SO much for this recording. My family used to listen to a radio program, "Thistle and Shamrock" on Saturday nights, and my father would record songs on cassette tapes! I don't think I've heard it for a couple decades or so!

[@TheHerbivore7]

your welcome, Tracy

[@HarvestmanMan]

+Tracy Glass Funny you should mention that, the first time I heard this was off of a used cassette - taped from a Celtic radio show on WNKU in the '90s.

[@highlevelranter8482]

Kevin Burke. He'd draw tears from a turnip.

[@wombab143]

Thanks for posting this. I've been looking online for this version (the first I ever heard years ago) and at last here it is. You're the man.

[@annastuart8877]

Thank you for playing this beautiful song .

[@moshernomore]

ek. I agree, the absolute best verdion of this song. Thank you

[@frankmck45]

your welcome, the more I listen to it the more I like it.

[@MinstrelBuoy]

Holy jeez, Im not one to argue over whats the best version but I admit this makes a grown man cry.

[@frankmck45]

That's the beauty of music. In this case beauty is in the ear of the beholder. I think Lady Franklin's devoted search for his body would have made an epic film.If it has been made it has escaped me.

[@Jayemm100]

Wonderful to hear. I was fortunate to work with the Bothy Band and got to hear this very regularly at their concerts. Micheál is sorely missed as an amazing singer and as a friend

[@dianasnow2866]

What a haunting lovely song.

[@frankmck45]

Very welcome , such a pity he died so young

[@WarmasterJoshmaul]

Part of me visualizes a cruise through the waters where Erebus and Terror were found, to the sounds of this song, this exact version.

[@heybanjo26]

jeez thanks for posting this - so beautiful, as a teenager i would go and see all the gigs - kevin and micheal, scullion, clannad, paul brady and all the rest and this song stands out as one of the most beautiful things i've ever heard - thanks again. got scullion "cat she went a hunting"?

[@frankmck45]

Pleasure. Will scour collection for Scullion. As a teenager I saw Micheál and Mick Hanley in the Odeon cinema Tuam as a warm up for Planxty I think. They called themselves Monroe. Mick Hanley lives 10 miles from me now as fate would have it. I know where all the other posters are coming from championing other versions of this but the intro on this is so special. My other favourite intro is Randy Edelman's Uptown Uptempo Woman. Some contrast.

[@frankmck45]

Appreciate the comment wombab143. I think the song and the story are both remarkable. I hope one day to get to see King William Island.

[@wogears]

I heard Micheal and Trianna sing this at a club about twenty-five years ago. He was kind enough to teach me a bit of it. Damn, I miss those days.

[@georgeroworth6146]

My dad REALLY likes this song

[@lilibet939]

beautiful song, beautiful voice, thank you so much

[@11gokey]

WOW! What a great version! Incredible feeling. One of the best songs I've heard.

[@moshernomore]

Absolutely the best version of this song. Such beautiful harmony. Eamonn

[@JesuswearsAsics]

Amazing interpretation of a wonderful song.

[@marykatesmith4705]

absolutely the best.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

My favorite rendition of this great song. Heard Micheál Ó'Domhnaill and Kevin Burke sing it live, at arms reach from me, back in about 1982. Have loved this ever since. Hauntingly beautiful song.

[@paullavan6098]

You saw this live? My God, I wish I had your luck, mate.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Paul Lavan :) I did feel lucky then and now too. It was just Micheál Ó'Domhnaill and Kevin Burke, no stage (I was about 5 feet from them), I spoke with them both after the performance, bought the album from them directly, and have listened to it about a thousand times since. I always enjoy it.

[@fiddlemusik]

Steadman Uhlich ahh...what a gift that would have been! Kevin lives in my area, and is no stranger to me (as a fiddler) but I wish I'd had this privilege, then. :)

[@paullavan6098]

Steadman Uhlich Thanks for making me feel even more jealous! No, but seriously, thanks for sharing your experience. God bless.

[@GoodSmellingHammer]

fiddlemuse

[@Lisnageeragh]

Great memories of the 70s....Micheal and others...RIP

[@frankmck45]

Thank you Coda I look forward to hearing it.

[@skipy936]

Best version I have ever heard, I sing this myself but I will now lean towards the way that you do it , if I can!

[@persallnas1246]

well. preaching with the quire, old time fav song for me, fucking amazing

[@alphasun1]

I've checked around and this seems the best version by a good margin, wonderful all round.

[@ewandmunro]

Tears and chills.. thank you for this version, i hadn't come across it before.

[@frankmck45]

I agree absolutely. My pleasure.

[@frankmck45]

Semantically you are correct. But I think you know what I mean. I have around 8 versions of this on CD but this one , for me, is the one that plants the pictures in my head and the intro is amazing

[@natleea1]

I was lucky enough to see Micheal and Mick Hanley (Monroe) in Tourmakeady Co.Mayo on the 17 May 1974 when they played support to Planxty. It was the first time I had heard anyone playing guitar in open tuning it was magic.

[@persallnas5408]

one of the most beautiful ones full stop

[@UISTMAN59]

That's a great first song to start you off Well done :-) *****

[@wombab143]

I find the line "the fate of Franklin no tongue can tell" really poignant especially since someone found the ship and crew a few years back. ...and for people who thinks that posting on youtube takes money from the artist... hearing this inspired me to go on iTunes and buy "Promenade"

[@hejsvejk]

oh my, some things never get old

[@roberttboyter4442]

I'd heard Pentangle's and John Renbourn's as a solo. This one is the one that comes to mind first when I think of it, especially with the new discovery, followed by Martin Carthy's version. I must have seen the Bothy Band a dozen times or more. A wonderful rendition. Rob Boyter

[@antoniorivero8479]

Awesome!

[@marcellorosignoli7357]

bellissima versione..

[@cavanpaulmulvihill5670]

God listens

[@74bomayemcfc]

love and respect,

[@pjotr60dvd]

@frankmck45 This recording is by the Bothy Band. Besides Micheál and Kevin, you hear Dónal Lunny on bouzouki and harmony vocals by Triona (Micheál's sister). (Matt Molloy and Paddy Keenan are around somewhere but don't participate in this song).

[@carollizc]

@frankmck45 I don't think one's been made. Had it been, I'd have been first in line for tickets. If there ever is one made though, this is the version that should be on the soundtrack. Just lovely.

[@arabelavaz7950]

❤

[@paullavan6098]

I always thought Martin Carthy's version was the one. But I hadn't heard this at that time. RIP Micheál; just like Luke Kelly you were taken from us too soon.

[@markcreganovich1100]

While I really like this version, I like that the Pentangle version is a bit more spare. Nonetheless, a great performance of a powerful song.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Yes, I like this version, it's good, but Pentangle's version is simply amazing.

[@HarvestmanVinyl]

I found this on a cassette of an NPR Celtic radio broadcast, I don't know when from. It's lower-fidelity, but still a beautiful song.

[@wyn8126]

Yes.

[@yohwl]

I enjoy the version by Sinead very much, but this is also fantastic!

[@nostromoau]

@chrileboy It's described as a traditional tune, in other words nobody really knows who wrote it. I have heard a story which appeals to me greatly which says Franklin's widow (who spent the remainder of her life agitatinjg for rescue missions) actually wrote it.

[@frankmck45]

@pjotr60dvd I borrowed this version from Celtic Graces:A best of Ireland. In the sleevenote it says "Two former members of the Bothy Band turn in this version of the ballad.... It does indeed credit Donal and Triona but it is from Promenade an album released as a duo by Micheál and Kevin

[@LaCaganera]

Never forget the Paul Cornwall version

[@k2k273]

Both this one and Pentangle’s versions are great, because the ballad is a wonderful song, which made Dylan write the closely related and also beautiful Bob Dylan’s Dream (this song is also called The Sailor’s Dream, hence Dylan’s title).

[@paullavan6098]

I thought Donal would turn up somewhere; he seems to me to have always been near where greatness is. Possibly because he is great also? I think so.

[@mikewalsh6168]

I think it is the song itself that is wonderful, I wouldn't say whoever sings it; but whoever sings it well. I've heard Frank Nugent, who is a mountaineer and adventurer himself, sing it very well at the Goilín traditional singers club in Dublin (Google "Goilin" for further info. about the club. I am enjoying Micheál O Domhnaill`s version very much. He is much missed.

[@tbturpentine]

Fav of the day on MOANIN and GROANIN Radio

[@stephanieduttonk55]

How do you listen without sobbing? God bless Peg

[@pjotr60dvd]

Yes, you are right, I figured it out in the mean time ;-)

[@ghochheimer1]

Have you heard the related song "NorthWest Passage" by Stan Rogers? Fine in it's own way. I think we have a trio over here who could do a fine job of 'Lord Franklin". I think I'll suggest it to our "The Once" from Newfoundland. I wonder if Bruce Guthro from here in Nova Scotia who is current lead of the scots group "Runrig" could give it a decent go? I bet he could.

[@scotrelf]

I think the Pentangle version is far better personally , gut is a matter of taste, and this too is a beautiful rendition of a great song

[@rufus566]

I agree, I always loved Pentangle's version but you get to such a stratosphere of amazing talent that "definitive" versions are pointless to compare. You are either brilliant and in that exclusive club or you are not, and that is the only comparisons I like to make.

[@Lisnageeragh]

@wogears What about forty years ago ...knew those guys at that time ...things passed on. Michael had a great feel for all music..

[@suzannelawson9215]

This is incredible! Beautiful, absolutely beautiful version. What album is this song on and still available to order?

[@wotzupdoc1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5jLaYl6a7lnppI

[@lochnessian]

Very good version .Have a listen to Martin Carthys version too.

[@FredJ51]

The just-released CD covering Micheál's complete vocal contribution carries a version of this played by him on what appears to be electrified guitars and it is not a patch on this.