By Dan Walsh in Bunclody
A new book called O Were I at the Moss House; Songs of Bunclody, a compilation of songs relating to Bunclody and the surrounding area was officially launched tonight (Thursday) in Bunclody Library by Cllr John O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
Cllr O’Rourke said Aileen Lambert’s work involved poems, songs and esteemed writers in the community reflecting the history, heritage and nostalgia and is testament to the town (Bunclody) and the community. He acknowledged the presence of Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy and Una Cahill from the Wexford Arts department.
“My aim with this project is to draw the attention of singers, locals and visitors to songs associated with Bunclody and the surrounding area,” said editor and facilitator Aileen Lambert, who added; “It is hoped that this songbook may provide the basis for a further performance related project that will see the songs all given voice, some for the first time, as intended by the writers of the songs many decades and even centuries ago.”
It was a launch of few words, but strong on songs with contributions from Deirdre Tobin, Paul Tobin, Noel Armstrong, Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Gavin Byrne, Aileen Lambert, Niall Toner, Ian Barry and Suzi Brooks White.
The title O Were I at the Moss House is the opening line of the Streams of Bunclody which is universally acknowledged as “one of the best-known traditional songs in the country.”
O Were I at the Moss House; Songs of Bunclody and Beyond, compiled and edited by Aileen Lambert, 25 songs, 48 pages, published by folklore.ie. ISBN: 978-1-7398403-4-1
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