Women of Ireland

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Lyrics
Ta bean in Éireann a phronnfadh sead damh is mo shaith le n-ol
Is ta bean in Éireann is ba bhinne leithe mo rafla ceoil
No seinm thead; ata bean in Eirinn is niorbh fhearr lei beo
Mise ag leimnigh no leagtha i gcre is mo tharr faoi fhod

Ta bean in Éireann a g ead liom mur bhfaighfinn ach pog
O bhean ar aonach, nach ait an sceala, is mo dhaimh fein leo;
Ta bean ab fhearr liom no cath is cead dhiobh nach bhfagham go deo
Is ta cailin speiriuil ag fear gan Bhearla, dubhghranna croin.

Ta bean a dearfadh da siulann leithe go bhfaighinn an t-or,
Is ta bean 'na leine is is fearr a mein no na tainte bo
Le bean a bhuairfeadh Baile an Mhaoir is clar Thir Eoghain,
Is ni fhaicim leigheas ar mo ghalar fein ach scaird a dh'ol.

"Women of Ireland", or Mná na h-Éireann in Irish, is a song composed by Seán Ó Riada. The words are written by Peadar Ó Dornín. Usually it falls under the category of Irish rebel music. It honors the memory of the women dedicated to Ireland, specifically the Irish nationalist movement.

It was first recorded by Ceoltóirí Chualann, then later done instrumentally by The Chieftains and Na Connerys.

Alan Stivell has made another version, sung in Irish, accompanying himself with a metal strung Celtic harp, on his 1995 album Brian Boru. Mike Oldfield made another version of the song on his 1996 album, Voyager. Kate Bush recorded a Sean nós rendition for the 1996 compilation, Common Ground - The Voices of Modern Irish Music. Guitarist Ronnie Montrose recorded an instrumental version for his 1986 recording Territory.

Sarah Brightman also made her version which is called "So Many Things" on her album Eden released in 1998. Another version of this song, with the name of Words, was recorded in 1989 by the english soul band The Christians. This song reached the #18 position in the UK singles chart.