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Emerald Extracts by IrishCentral Columnists

Brilliant Irish ballads that will melt your heart

Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 05:21 AM

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ChippyBrady | Jan 29, 2013, 06:42 AM EST

Some lovely tunes here alright.. Willie Brady singing "Dying Rebel" or "Valley of Knockanure" would make my list..found on youtube..

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Scrivner | Nov 14, 2010, 11:00 PM EST

A fine selection, but I have to agree with eiriamach, how could you leave out any of the Clancy Bros/Tommy Makem? I'll never forget one night, in a high school auditorium on the northside of Chicago, Tommy doing Lord of the Dance that had everyone on their feet--many years before Mr Flatley strapped on his shoes.

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sirpeter | Nov 14, 2010, 05:26 AM EST

@aomiller..Sad to hear that Tony,but you seem to be already here in spirit,that's the main thing.Be strong.Peter from Cork

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WoundedKnee | Nov 13, 2010, 01:16 PM EST

aomiller: My heart goes out to you. I don't know whether you put any faith in these things, but I'll say a prayer for you at Mass tomorrow.

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eiriamach | Nov 12, 2010, 04:19 PM EST

They're all great songs, but how can a list like this leave out Liam Clancy, "The Rising of the Moon," or not name even one of Clancy Brothers/Tommy Makem ballads? So soon forgotten?

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aomiller | Nov 12, 2010, 12:25 PM EST

Oh, they were grand selections, to be sure. "Song For Ireland," by Mary Black -- The Uncrowned Queen of Ireland -- always brings a tear. As does "Danny Boy," which my sainted Father used to play on the piano and sing. I'm here in Mexico, dying of cancer. I won't be able to return. And I miss the Island, miss the music, miss the craic, miss you all. tony

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chancer48 | Nov 11, 2010, 08:57 AM EST

Nice, but a much better version of "Grace" is on youtube; search acelticbard.com

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PaPaomalley | Nov 11, 2010, 08:27 AM EST

Beutiful songs to be sure, well done! Yet man who sung of them not singing any,ahve you forgot Frank Patterson? Sorry any group of Ireland"s best songs without Frank, can never be taken seriously. God had to give someone greatest gif, Frank for sure. Frank would say John McCormick out of his humbleness, but Frank was best at displaying Irish heart.

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crowsnest | Nov 10, 2010, 09:54 PM EST

A dark, windy windy night, on Cape Breton Island , an island peopled with Irish heritage - and listening to these incredible ballads one could weep. Heartfelt 'Thank You' for putting this together.

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Aliciarose | Nov 10, 2010, 07:28 PM EST

Love all the songs. I have played them on my Show called Taree to Shamrock. If anyone wants to listen to the show which is recorded in Taree, NSW, and put on the net in County Mayo, just go to Shamrock Radio and you can listen. It is put on the net every Friday and I hope you enjoy the music. Only 30 minutes.

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teddybear | Nov 10, 2010, 06:55 PM EST

Each one absolutely beautiful.

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bjones0921 | Nov 10, 2010, 06:22 PM EST

Awesome!!!

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Whitepark | Nov 10, 2010, 03:09 PM EST

What a great Idea you had putting these great songs of my childhood growing up in Mayo, I tested my vocal chords on each one, I cant sing anymore but I had a great time trying,

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GeorgeDillon | Nov 10, 2010, 02:51 PM EST

The song Arthur MacBride is an eloquent riposte to all militarists and warmongers who have sucked the blood of the Irish poor over the centuries. I believe it comes to us from around the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Two centuries later it remains relevant. "A trusty shillelagh came over their heads, and Bade them take that as fair warning". If only today's spineless Irish had that fighting spirit, they wouldn't be the laughing stock of Europe.

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patdonohue | Nov 10, 2010, 02:49 PM EST

enjoyed every song.great music.

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