Lord Mayo/An Cúisín Bán (The White Cushion) – Song Download

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The eighteenth-century harper Dáithí Ó Murchadha composed “Lord Mayo” in honor of his wealthy patron. Ó Murchadha, a contemporary and rival of the more famous harper Turlough O’Carolan, was a fine player and is said to have performed for Louis XIV. Grey learned this tune from County Sligo flute player Tom Byrne and County Leitrim fiddler Tom McCaffrey.

Paddy learned the set dance “An Cúisín Bán” (also known as “An Súisín Bán,” or “The White Blanket”) from Clare concertina player and scholar Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin, who tells us that it was a popular tune among an older generation of Clare musicians. The tune was first recorded by the Castle Céilí Band of County Clare.

Grey: Irish flute; Paddy: guitar