| "Women of Ireland" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Ceoltóirí Chualann from the album O'Riada Sa Gaiety | |
| Genre | Irish rebel music |
| Language | English/Irish |
| Writer | Peadar Ó Dornín |
| Composer | Seán Ó Riada |
| Cover versions | |
| The Chieftains and Na Connerys Alan Stivell Mike Oldfield Sinéad O'Connor Kate Bush Ronnie Montrose Bob James Sarah Brightman The Christians Davey Graham Helene Segara Sharon Corr Jeff Beck Nolwenn Leroy |
|
"Women of Ireland", or "Mná na hÉireann" in Irish, is a song composed by Seán Ó Riada (1931–1971). The poem, on which the music is based, was written by Peadar Ó Dornín (?1704–1769). Usually it falls under the category of Irish rebel music. It honours the memory of the women dedicated to Ireland, specifically the Irish nationalist movement.
Contents |
It was first recorded by Ceoltóirí Chualann, with lead vocal by Sean O Sé (on the 1969 live album O'Riada Sa Gaiety), 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.[1] Kate Bush recorded a rendition for the 1996 compilation, Common Ground - Voices of Modern Irish Music. Guitarist Ronnie Montrose recorded an instrumental version for his 1986 recording Territory. The song was also arranged by Bob James and included in his 1976 album Bob James Three.
Sinéad O'Connor recorded a version for the 1995 compilation CD, Ain't Nuthin' But a She Thing, in connection with a multi-artist television special for MTV.
Sarah Brightman also made her version which is called "So Many Things" on her album Eden released in 1998. Brightman also performed the song at her One Night in Eden concert, recorded at Sun City, South Africa, later released on DVD. 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 No. 18 position in the UK Singles Chart.
French singer Nolwenn Leroy also recorded her own version on her album Bretonne, released on December 6, 2010.[2]
The song is also a frequently played song at concerts. One example of a notable act performing "Women of Ireland" is guitarist Jeff Beck, who at times performs it with Irish violinist Sharon Corr. It also appears on her first solo album, Dream of You.
"Women of Ireland" has been used in various media, primarily in film and television. Such examples include: