Annotation:Donnybrook Fair (1)
Tune properties and standard notation
DONNYBROOK FAIR [1]. AKA and see "Boys from the Lough," "Corovoth Jig," "Cunningham's Fancy," "Humors of Donnybrook," "The Joy of My Life," "Joys of (My) Life," "The Joys of Youth [2]," "Fisherman's Lilt," "Oh! Irishmen Never Forget," "Old Horned Sheep," "Our Own Little Isle." Irish, Double Jig. G Major. Standard tuning. AABB (Roche): AABB' (Allan, Mallinson, Perlman, Tubridy). O'Neill prints the tune as "Joy of My Life." It was recorded fairly often in the 78 RPM era, according to Philippe Varlet, and is now considered something of a 'beginner's tune', and thus not often heard on modern recordings. It may have migrated to Prince Edward Island through the 78 records.
Source for notated version: Kevin Chaisson (b. 1950, Bear River, Prince Edward Island) [Perlman].
Printed sources: Allan's Irish Fiddler, No. 4, p. 2. Cotter (Traditional Irish Tin Whistle Tutor), 1989; p. 47. Giblin (Collection of Traditional Irish Dance Music), 1928; No. 87. Mallinson (100 Essential), 1995; No. 93, p. 40. O'Neill (1915 ed.), 1987; No. 138 (appears as "Joy of My Life"). Perlman (The Fiddle Music of Prince Edward Island), 1996; p. 129. Roche Collection, 1913; vol. 1, p. 42, No. 95. Tubridy (Irish Traditional Music, vol. 1), 1999; p. 35.
Recorded sources: Bobby Casey - "Taking Flight." James Keane - "Roll Away the Reel World."