The next three compositions were recorded on my harpsichord album in 2018. I have been trying to recreate the sounds of the early harp for some time now and the harpsichord seems to evoke that old medieval quality with the wire strings.

The compositions were also inspired by a local Friary called Ross Errily Friary. This now beautiful ruin situated just outside Headford, in Co. Galway provided a wealth of inspiration for these tunes. The Friary, known locally as Ross Abbey, was founded in 1351 and experienced great change and turmoil through the centuries. There are many legends associated with it and some of these are referenced in the titles.
In 1656, Cromwellian forces unfortunately arrived at Ross Errilly. The 140 Franciscans living there had already fled, but the soldiers ransacked the grounds, destroying crosses and other religious iconography and even defiling tombs in search of loot. Apparently, the fleeing monks somehow found the time to remove the bell from the bell tower and sink it in the nearby Black River, where it remains today. Legend has it that it can still be heard ringing from the depths of the river in times of hardship.

I have many fond memories from my childhood cycling over to the Abbey to climb the bell tower just to appreciate the view from the top. This well-preserved ruin is well worth a visit and gives a great insight into how the monks lived.

The Black River is the river that runs alongside the Friary and divides the border between Galway and Mayo. I imagine it contains many secrets hence the title.