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The Star of Donegal

from Cos​á​n Ceoil by Cathal Ó Curráin

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about

A song I learnt from the singing of my great uncle Jimmy Dinny Ó Gallachóir. It was released in a collection of songs in 2007 titled ‘Seal ag gabhail cheol’.

lyrics

One evening fair to take the air, alone I chanced to stray
Down by a lucid, silvery stream that ran along my way
I spied two lovers talking, seated by a ruined wall
And the fair one’s name was Mary or the Star of Donegal

He pressed her hand, and then began, “my darling I must go
Unto the land of stars and stripes where peace and plenty flow
But I want your faithful promise that you’ll wed none at all
Until I do return unto the Star of Donegal”

She blushed and sighed and thus replied “it grieves my heart full sore
To think that you’re compelled to go and leave your native shore
Here is my hand, you have my heart, I own the gift is small
So stay at home and do not roam from matchless Donegal”

The young man said: “my charming maid, sure the time is drawing near
When the Irish will return again after their long career;
This lovely land by God’s command the fairest of them
And heaven will see old Erin free, bright Star of Donegal”

She raised her lily white hand and said: “God grant that I may see
Saint Patrick’s lovely Isle of Saints, great, glorious and free
If that was so there’s none would go to New York or Montreal
But cultivate and decorate the lands of Donegal”

He took her in his arms, and “My darling” he did say
“You know I love you dearly although I’m going away
Let us get wed without fear or dread, that puts an end to all
And then I’ll have my darling girl, the Star of Donegal”

She gave consent and off they went to the house of Father Hugh
Where he joined their hands in wedlock’s bands without any more to-do
They sailed away from Derry Quay, and bade farewell to all
And now they are in America, far from Donegal

credits

from Cos​á​n Ceoil, released April 15, 2022
Cathal Ó Curráin - Vocal & Bouzouki
Marty Barry - Guitar

Recorded in Stiúideo na Mara, by Manus Lunny
Mastered by Paul McGeehan

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about

Cathal Ó Curráin Donegal, Ireland

Cathal is a multi-instrumentalist from Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal, who specialises in Irish Traditional and Folk Music on fiddle, banjo, bouzouki and song.
Hailing from a family that are best known for their singing Cathal learned his songs from his aunties Caitlín and Bríd Joe Jack.
His most recent work features on albums with The High Seas, The Conifers, The Friel Sisters and Aoife Scott.
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