– Michael B. Gregory

We return to the set of polkas mentioned in our February 2010 issue. There we presented the first polka of this set played by four of the master tutors of Scoiligse. Here we’ll learn the second tune of this wonderful set, called Padraig O’Keeffe’s, as announced by Jimmy Morrisson in his introduction.  The melody is quite straightforward but after you’ve mastered the tune, listen carefully to the banjo in this video, as played by Maeve Buckley. She executes several elementary ornaments that add greatly to the sound.  In the tablature I haven’t indicated any of the pick directions because I recommend all downstrokes with the exception of the sixteenth notes, which of course should be played with upstrokes.  I have heard the first two parts of this polka referred to as The Kenmare. In that form, it can be found on page 37 of the fine book by Dave Mallinson called “Mally Presents 100 Irish Polkas“. Reasonably priced, there is also a cd available in which Mally plays all 100 tunes. A very useful feature of the book is the list of alternate titles given on the very last page.  Finally, the third part seems to be the melody of a traditional song called Muirsheen Durkin.  Here’s a famous version of it as performed by Luke Kelly of the Dubliners: 

o’keefes’ slow.mp3 | o’keefes’ tempo.mp3 | Printable Version

= down stroke
= up stroke
 

  Comments, questions and suggestions are always welcomed.  You can reach me at – michael.gregory@und.edu