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I first heard this from the pipe playing of Leo Rowsome (1903-1970). It seems like I’ve known the tune forever. Its title reminds us of an old custom of a going away party for young people who left Ireland by boat at a time when their return home was very much in doubt. In some cases, they were never to be seen again. Their last night in Ireland was honored with a large gathering of people who would cry, sing, drink, make music and dance, and offer words of encouragement and final words of goodbye.
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