Ships Are Sailing – Song Download

MP3 Download

Phil McGing was a button accordion player from the village of Churchfield, Co, Mayo, Ireland. He was born there in 1923 and grew up on a farm, speaking both Irish and English. His mother was a fine melodeon player and gave him his first lessons when he was 14. He played for many local dances, large and small. In his 20s he went to Wales to work as a far laborer and then came to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1948, sponsored by an uncle who lived there. In Cincinnati he continued to play for dances with many other Irish immigrant musicians.

On this traditional Irish reel, Grey Larsen accompanies Phil on piano.