Annotation:Dispute at the Crossroads (The)
Tune properties and standard notation
DISPUTE AT THE CROSSROADS, THE (An tAighneas ag an gCrosbhóthar). AKA and see "Doctor Gilbert." Irish, Reel. E Dorian. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB (Breathnach): AA'BB' (Feldman & O'Doherty). The title comes from Donegal fiddler John Doherty, derived from his uncle, Mickey McConnell, who was playing the melody while walking home after a dance. McConnell was inebriated and had been stopped by the local constables, which led to an argument. According to Caoimhin Mac Aoidh, Doherty also called it "The Loughros Point Reel," a name that had associations with Anthony Helferty. The tune is a version of the tune that is perhaps better known as "Doctor/Dr. Gilbert," a signature tune of Sligo fiddler Michael Coleman's (recorded in 1929). However, while clearly related, the reels are not interchangable in session playing.
Source for notated version: fiddler John Doherty (1805-1980, Co. Donegal, Ireland) [Breathnach, Feldman & O'Doherty].
Printed sources: Breathnach (CRÉ II), 1976; No. 228, p. 119. Feldman & O'Doherty (The Northern Fiddler), 1979; p. 67.
Recorded sources: Shanachie 79093, Paddy Glackin & Robbie Hannan - "The Whirlwind" (1995. Set in D Major, derived from the playing of John Doherty). See also listings at Jane Keefer's Folk Music Index [1], Alan Ng's Irishtune.info [2], Alan Snyder's Cape Breton Fiddle Recordings Index [3].