♣ Shanagolden ♣

Sung by Peggy Sweeney. Composed by the late Seán McCarthy.
"The cold winds from the mountains are calling soft to me,
The smell of scented heather brings bitter memories:
A wild and lonely eagle up in the summer sky,
Flies high o'er Shanagolden, where my love Willie lies.
I met him in the winter time when snow was on the ground
The Irish hills were peaceful and love was all around.
Scarcely twenty years old, a young man in his prime.
We were married, darling Willie by the eve of Christmas time.
Do you remember Willie, we walked the moonlit road
I held you in my arms, love, I would never let you go.
Our hands they were entwined, my love, all in the pale moonlight,
By the fields of Shanagolden on a lonely winter's night.
Then came the call to arms, love, the heather was aflame.
Down from the silent mountains, the Saxon strangers came.
I held you in my arms then, my young heart wild with fear,
In the fields by Shanagolden, in the springtime of the year.
You fought them, darling Willie, all through the summer days.
I heard the rifles firing in the mountains far away
I held you in my arms then, your blood ran free and bright,
And you died in Shanagolden, on a lonely summer's night.
But that was long ago, love, now our son grows fine and tall;
The hills they are at peace again: the Saxon strangers gone.
*There's roses growing on your grave, there's an eagle in the sky ,
Flying high o'er Shanagolden, where my love Willie lies."

[@yvonnepavey4268]

My mum loves this song ...she is turning 87 and recently widowed and i hear the lyrics and think of my dad and mum hugging on a cold winter's night

[@johnoconnor4623]

The words of the song, composed by Sean McCarthy from Listowel. It is appropriate this year 100 years after all the brave men gave us our freedom. Brave men. The cold winds from the mountains are calling soft to me, The smell of scented heather brings bitter memories: A wild and lonely eagle up in the summer sky, Flies high o'er Shanagolden, where my love Willie lies. I met him in the winter time when snow was on the ground The Irish hills were peaceful and love was all around. Scarcely twenty years old, a young man in his prime. We were married, darling Willie by the eve of Christmas time. Do you remember Willie, we walked the moonlit road I held you in my arms, love, I would never let you go. Our hands they were entwined, my love, all in the pale moonlight, By the fields of Shanagolden on a lonely winter's night. Then came the call to arms, love, the heather was aflame. Down from the silent mountains, the Saxon strangers came. I held you in my arms then, my young heart wild with fear, In the fields by Shanagolden, in the springtime of the year. You fought them, darling Willie, all through the summer days. I heard the rifles firing in the mountains far away I held you in my arms then, your blood ran free and bright, And you died in Shanagolden, on a lonely summer's night. But that was long ago, love, now our son grows fine and tall; The hills they are at peace again: the Saxon strangers gone. There's roses growing on your grave, there's an eagle in the sky , Flying high o'er Shanagolden, where my love Willie lies.

[@bredabroderick7883]

Beautiful song and Peggy has such a lovely voice🌟

[@BillSiskLiam]

Tears sting my eyes at each play of Shanagolden. It evokes memories of conflict long ago but not forgotten.

[@78GoldCoast]

I just discovered one of my ancestors, Mary Connor was from Shanagolden. She married a Martin Payten from Tullamore and left for Australia in 1835. I hope to visit one day. They had 8 children of whom Mary was my Grandmother and Thomas became a famous racehorse trainer in Sydney. I m so happy I found Shanagolden today. Maureen Knox

[@gerardquinn4513]

Catherine, if you know her date of birth or her age approximately when she left. I'm from Shanagolden and if you write to Rev. Canon Anthony O'Keeffe they have baptismal records going back to that time. They got married very young in those day so she was probably 20 or early 20's when she went to Australia. A Kennelly family from Shanagolden went there around the same time. There is variation in the spelling of the name Connor: O Connor or Connor or Connors - people would pronounce it Connor when officially they were O Connor or Connors. I could make an enquiry for you if you wish. You are lucky because the parish records were in a heavy safe in the Parish Priests House and robbers broke in and took the safe and dumped it in a wet bog. Luckily it was found with some damage from water but good fortune only edges were stuck together and the records were sent to Dublin to professional book binders and restorers and at a cost of €8,000 euro they are now beautifully bound and damaged edges perfectly restored. So hopefully Mary Connor will be recorded there. Very little post allowed between Australia and Ireland at the moment. I'll be in touch with you if I have any further news.

[@ny9715]

this was my grand dad' favorite song, he is dead now, and I never really knew him, but when I listen to this song I feel like he's just behind me singing along, miss him.

[@kathleenkelly3537]

Your Granda will always be with you His Spirit is out there Wishing you all the best in good times and everyone experiences some hard times Your Granda would have known all that in his life Have no doubt you will do your Granda proud ❤

[@davidlyons3394]

What a marvelous voice with great range. Beautiful!

[@gordoncrockett5861]

My Grannies favourite song

[@ronniesmyth5195]

Such a beautiful version of this song. One of my favourites

[@cliodnaflannelly3794]

Beautiful song by great singer

[@anascal]

This song brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. This is a beautiful version.

[@marktwomey9282]

Yy

[@marktwomey9282]

Hpeyy

[@marktwomey9282]

Yyýy

[@tonywilliams7152]

My mother is from here. Spent many a day here as a kid.

[@bdclark1388]

What a beautiful song

[@johnoconnor4623]

Nice, there are no others who sing this Sean McCarthty song. Wish that more people would sing Shanagolden because it is a great song. Thanks to Peggy for keeping the song alive

[@davidvictor52]

Agree with ye John. It's one of the better versions IMO. Happy Upcoming Paddy's Day. Davey O'Wanabeairish

[@OUTHEGAP]

Brings me back to 1982 when i worked in the alumina plant in Foynes,stayed in main street Shanagolden over the local undertakers (no kidding) this song was pretty popular,spent many an evening rambling the area,happy memories

[@DennyHayescarpentry]

That would be Madigan’s funeral home , my parents had movers working in aughanish as well they live up the old road about half a mile past the parish hall . I live in shanagolden 👍💚🇮🇪

[@suuzzee5]

Stunningly beautiful video and song. I'm in tears...haven't heard this song in so very long. Thank you for the beauty. 5/5

[@denismcauliffe4234]

I love this song so beautiful and touching ❤️

[@angelabastow380]

So lovely, so sad

[@20lias]

i love dis song =] i live in shanagolden it has changed a bit it is such a good song i allways cry to this song go shanagolden, put thumbs up if u agree this si a great song and the church wow it has changed =]

[@johnnymckiernan1589]

Lovely song

[@wonjubhoy]

Beautiful song. The first person I heard singing it was Margo O'Donnell but I was too young to appreciate it. I do now.

[@angelabastow380]

Oh so beautiful, so sad

[@billlohan5079]

Beautiful voice and song

[@sentimentaloldme]

*_This is the most beautiful version of Shanagolden I have ever heard...Her voice & diction are so beautiful..._*

[@joecoffey9257]

Wonderful song,i will God willing i will visit Shanagolden in May or June. Joe Coffey

[@todsearle869]

Best song by the best singer.

[@angelabastow380]

Beautiful but so sad

[@sophiemoroney1291]

i live in shanagolden !!!!!!!!! :)

[@jackiecondon7049]

I LOVE THIS SONG

[@martinflaherty1747]

very good beautiful singer

[@seancurtain5285]

I prefer Peggy Sweeney's singing of this great song to the way it is done by any other singer.

[@richardmccarthy916]

Same here there are many fine versions of Shanagolden but this one nails it.

[@hilltop521]

Very good singer

[@jessicakenrick681]

My family and me live in shanagolden and it shows my house at the start

[@derekwilliamson8232]

Catherine Murphy it's in county Limerick in the R O I . Not far from Foynes by the river Shannon . 40 mins from Shannon airport .

[@abbeymcnamara7417]

hi 😂😂

[@nicholaswarrington9090]

Such an emotional song.

[@jennyrose9454]

This might sound weird but if she weren't Irish singing Irish songs I could easily picture her singing old folk songs in Appalachia. This song is so sad. But I guess I like sad songs.

[@turnpike01]

This is plain and simple A BEAUTIFUL SONG.Why do people look for other agenda?Well sung and beautiful video.Gura mile maith agat.

[@clodaghmartin2743]

Beautiful Thank you Andy

[@bettyspearns8341]

Beautiful Song and well sung! 🤗👏👏👏👏👏

[@brendancahill3376]

What a great Traditional voice .

[@maragretdowns698]

Love this Lady singing this xx

[@micealmacdonnchadha]

Beautiful Song

[@bettyspearns8341]

Awesome. 👏👏👏

[@robertcaffrey4847]

Lovely song.Never been to the place. Robert Caffrey

[@gerrydoyle9369]

Great song, Great tune, Great singing & video. I have heard it many times but never better than this. It reminds me also Tommy Sloan R.I.P. at Croabh Boirche singing sessions in Mourne, in the 'sunny long ago'.

[@clarebannerman]

Written by the late Seán Mc Carthy of Listowel, County Kerry...Who wrote many songs in the early 60's. The best known is probably "Red Haired Mary." His brother Mick ran & owned the Embankment Pub, Tallaght, Dublin in the 60's. A haven for Irish Folk Music.

[@johnoconnor4623]

clarebannerman oh, Red Haired Mary (when goin to the town of Dingle) what can we say, just great songs,good rousing stuff and who knows we might get pubs again;

[@davidvictor52]

Agreed. Peggy done got soul!

[@johnoconnor4623]

Dave Graham Hi Dave, wish there were more singers of this great song. We know that it was writen by Sean McCarthy from Listowel. Had his version sung by himself on cassette tape and sadly now the tape is long gone. I love the song because it describes the loss of a brave young man (and there were many) who fought and died for our independence and our right to live freely in our own country. (that could now be disputed too because of crooks and dishonest money grabbers) It refers to a time that is so significant in our country's history, nicely captured in this song and of course it captures the loss and the sadness of a young widow too. Sometimes you would wonder, was it worth it?

[@clarebannerman]

John O'Connor Hi John...I have an old VHS Tape of Sean singing it...quality not great. I will post when I lay my hands upon it...

[@aidanshaw826]

belter ofa song .greetings from another banner man:)

[@barryreynolds6344]

great song.great singer

[@johnoconnor4623]

These songs, these words are our history. That is why I like this song, that is why we should preserve this song forever. There are no really good recordings of the song, I know that Sean McCarthy from Listowel wrote it. I had it once on cassette tape but it was poor quality. And when Sean McCarthy sang his own song he was accompanied by a church organ on the recording. Does anyone else have a copy of that?

[@seancurtain5285]

The writer of the above comment reminds me of another of that name. He is the Seán Ó Conchobhair, one of the 8 victims whose names are on the Ballyseedy Memorial. During the War of Independence, Seán had served a member of the Inishannon I.R.A. Company in the West Cork Brigade.

[@rodeo2108]

Brilliant

[@cleocatra9324]

Why are so many famous singers not even good singers? I’m sad that this kind of voice is so underrated but maybe I’m looking at it the wrong way, through worldly view??

[@biddylernihan5602]

What a beayiful singing

[@blahblahblah85]

Lovely. I'll be learning this! :)

[@norahsearle7237]

✨❤️☘️..my mother’s home ,& my Aunt’s god rest there souls .

[@nwlman]

Lovely singer

[@boldbhoy67]

Pure magic!

[@tomtesticle]

I love this song.

[@johnoconnor4623]

I always think that this song is one that should be preserved and sung because it is about our freedom. And we are now only a few months away from celebrating some of the first brave men who took a stand in 1916. This song is about the time when our country was overrun by Black-and-Tans, years later. I think that this song should be part of our memorial of 1916 too. No, I am not in any party; just a citizen of our country and proud to be a citizen; will live alongside many that I do not agree with and will not force anyone to my views. We can all coexist in a Republic, the original ideals of the Proclamation.

[@lorcanbradshaw7661]

John O'Connor m

[@cormacmcmahon5414]

John O'Connor exactly and also R.I.P Captain Tim Madigan

[@thomasmckie3750]

V

[@castlebar67]

great song great voice great lady . nice song. must be in co limerick just seen the sign there for newcastle west or templeglantine where my friend the late John Carroll came from my friend who died so young such a nice man made me sad .uk

[@margaretdillane7824]

lovely song

[@ashfly]

stunning

[@ogilain]

Just a great song.

[@crossman20]

Powerful !

[@TheBlueskyson]

Jane Simmons of Coogan's heroes did a beautiful version of this also. ty. R.I.P. beautiful Jane x

[@diesundas]

A beautiful rendition and video, thank you clarebannerman.

[@MammaOVlogs]

wow beautiful, l just subbed :)

[@turnpike01]

My comment was that this is a beautiful song.If some people decide to look for other meaning in a BEAUTIFUL SONG,they are missing the point,as you seem to be.

[@odonnchada9994]

🎼🎶🎵 ☘️🇮🇪🕊️

[@cormacmcmahon5414]

I think this sign is about Captain Tim Madigan

[@carolkatrawitz2314]

you get good and bad people all over the world, if someone tried to take over my land I would have no hesitation in picking up a gun. I am just sad that we all have to fight. Make love. not war.

[@anthonylawrence3819]

? my grandmother song😢 old Catherine

[@josparkes1]

@pistolPeteIrela Isn't it just, well said !

[@Mazdak1]

@castlebar67 its a really nice area.

[@franciedoherty4086]

Great version of this ballad. However, by far and away the best version is by a singer called Dermot Hegarty. The pure emotion encapsulated in this version is unrivalled. Have not managed to find it anywhere on the internet. However, do have it on his original Album. No one sings it like him.

[@jamesdolan4042]

What I have learned from the lyrics of the songs of the late Sean McCarthy is that he was an amazingly open minded man, who was not restricted by the oppressive Catholic Ireland of his generation. Well done to Peggy Sweeney for giving song and verse to those words.

[@peterflynn7440]

i am almost certain the late sean dunphy recorded it, Shanagolden, a place i know well

[@carolkatrawitz2314]

Sure I remember it being sung by a man, but this works for me

[@Mr5starred]

Local man Mike Histon sings a lovely version of this song.

[@williamduggan8373]

Rip mikey

[@TheLadyjazzy1]

nice. written by sean mccarthy. Might be a long lost relative. my moms maiden name. The best version is sung by Margo.This is a close second.

[@donagh1954]

Sean Mc Carthy wrote the lyrics. Was the tune/melody there before Sean?

[@1996jod]

Apparently the melody of The twelfth of never ....Osmond

[@MrLoughill]

0:30 'Patie joes the best watering hole

[@jackkeaveney8833]

So heart touching with the sadness of those sad times in our country with reminisces of love lost forever

[@pantheman7340]

hm...try the same air but with these lyrics instead !! I'll love you till the bluebells forget to bloom I'll love you till the clover has lost its perfume. I'll love you till the poets run out of rhyme, Until the twelfth of never and that's a long, long time

[@dalewatson4613]

Both songs were based on the old air "I Gave My Love A Cherry".

[@liospoil2010]

where is shanagolden ?

[@shannonf1822]

Michael Griffin Foynes co. Limerick

[@AnnieD745]

jaysus she 's as good as tom cleere to sing !! fare play

[@TH3P1E]

still feel the best version was by the mulloy brothers..

[@patrickmclaughlin7140]

I'm only here cause of Enda the boy who called himself the fat kid.

[@jackjackson3769]

Margo beats any version I have heard

[@patrickjohnson5658]

I liked Margo's version too, but she left out the second verse which was important to the continuity of the song, and jumps straight to the third verse.

[@pazzybee]

i lived there IT SUCKED

[@cleocatra9324]

The saxons ruined it

[@jessicakenrick681]

My family and me live in shanagolden and it shows my house at the start