What's in a name - The Boys Of Ballisodare?

Whistle
1

I posted this question under the comments for this tune on The Session, but I also thought it may be appropriate to post it here also. If it isn’t please let me know.

Does anyone know what story lies behind the name of the slip-jig Boys Of Ballisodare? Who were/are they and why do they have a jig named in their honour? The town is supposedly reputed for its great music.

Part of the enjoyment of traditional Celtic music (for me) is the history behind the tune and its name. For example on Alasdair White’s fiddle album he explains the source of his tunes and gives a little history about them.

Thanks,
Charlie

2

The Fiddler’s Companion is often a good start for tune title information. In this case:

[http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/BOY_BOZ.htm#BOYS_OF_BALLYSADARE/BALLYSODARE_[1](http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/BOY_BOZ.htm#BOYS_OF_BALLYSADARE/BALLYSODARE_[1)]

The “Boys of X” is one of the stock tune title formulas, like “The X Lasses”. So I wouldn’t overthink it if I were you. :wink:

If it’s the reel you’re referring to, I’d personally opt for “Douse the Monkey”.

3

It also begs the question, are the slip jig Boys of Ballysodare a different bunch of boys than the reel Boys of Ballysodare? And have they ever met? And if they did, was there bloodshed?

4

Or even “Dowse the Monkey” for those who want to use crossing twigs of birch to find various primates :laughing:

Thanks,
Charlie

5

Don’t even consider doing that, Charlie. Those water monkeys are nothing but trouble, and not worth finding. There’s no “The Monkeys of X”. I rest my case.

6

If I ever write a jig, then I have a name for it!