The origins of this beautiful Irish Folksong is unknown, but it has become very popular through recordings by artists such as Fairport Convention, The Chieftains and Sinead O’Connor for the soundtrack to the film "Michael Collins".

The introduction to this set of variations is Moderato announcement of the theme, firstly on strings, and then full orchestra.� The tune is in the mixolydian mode. The Andante is an interlude; the w/wind depict the unusual and odd expectations of what the sideshows of the fair can offer.

The Moderate Slow Swing with rhythmic ’feel’ on the clarinet and cellos, the upper strings have modern danceband chords and it is completed with jazz fill-ins on Flute and Trumpet.

Moderate 34 Allegretto interlude passage depicting, once again, some of the wierder sideshows.� A Larghetto string interlude, followed by an Allegro Moderato of the bustlig busy fair.� The Adagio represents a sort of religeous "Shrove Tuesday" type of fair with masses of people.

Medium Easy Swing portrays the gaiety and light- heartedness, everyone enjoying themselves, with not a care in the world.� A Slow Swing Waltz in canon form, represents a huge crowd of people.

Funky Beat, the people enjoying themselves in the vast fairground.

Finale, Larghetto, after a long long day the end of the day has come, and the tolling of the bell announces the closure of the fair. For those who have listened carefully the bell has stuck 13 times !!!

Please contact me if you would like to have the instrumental parts of this music.