Offaly author to hold evening of song and dance in Edenderry

An evening of song and story presented by Tullamore native Raymond Daly from his historical songbook Ten Faithful Years (1913-1923) will take place at the Parish Centre, St Mary's Road, Edenderry tomorrow night (Friday, March 27) at 8pm.

During this light hearted event, Raymond will relay how he was inspired to compile the book from events which took place in 2016, and will recall the many stories of research, the local people who came on board to share their stories, his relatives involvement in the Great War, and other relatives who fought for Irish freedom to end British rule in Ireland.

Songs and ballads from the book will be performed on the night by Michael Middleton.

Raymond said that people can expect to step into one of the most defining decades in Irish history through story and song.

“This historical songbook features 105 songs and ballads from before, during, and after the revolutionary period. Each song is accompanied by a concise introduction, offering insight into the author, origins, and historical background - providing valuable context for readers, performers, and historians alike,” said Raymond.

Sample titles include The Foggy Dew, Grace, The Rising of the Moon, The Wearin’ of the Green, The Ballad of Michael Collins, and Four Green Fields.

As its title suggests, the book was inspired by events in Offaly, the Faithful County, but Raymond extends further into the midlands and far beyond in this compendium of a pivotal period.