Herosongs: Where History Meets Song Episode 1 promo

Jul 12, 2013, 03:20 PM

Episode 1 - broadcast date: 14/07/13 on RTÉ Radio 1 7pm The Outlaw Herosongs: The Forgers Farwell’ (William Hill) ‘Eamonn an Chnoic’ (Éamonn Ó Riain) ‘Newryhighway Man’ (Young apprentice unnamed) The oral ballad tradition dates back to the twelfth century but it’s not until the introduction of print in Ireland around 1760 hat we begin to see a record of traditional songs in both the Irish and English language. In the first episode of Herosongs presenter Therese McIntyre, explores the importance of the hero concept in Ireland, the emergence of the printed ballad-sheets and she explores a genre of herosongs about one of the most romantic types - the outlaw – those individuals who rebel against the norms of society. In this episode we hear from Grace Toland from the Irish Traditional Music Archive, historian of NUI Galway Niall Ó Ciosain, song collector and singer John Moulden and Góilín traditional singers club member, Máire Ní Chróinín. Songs include ‘The Forger’s Farewell’ about outlaw hero William Hill, ‘Eamonn an Chnoic’ about Éamonn Ó Riain and ‘Newryhighway Man’ about a young apprentice. Nicholas Carolan, director of the Irish Traditional Music Archive, shares his concept of a herosong; “From the very beginning even the continental Celts had herosongs praising their great men, their bravery and the things they did for the community. They did exactly the same thing here in Ireland so it goes back to the beginning of human occupation in Ireland.” #athenamedia #herosongs #rteradio1