The Monaghan

'The Monaghan' is a traditional Irish jig tune. It’s known for having a somewhat dark or "sinister" feel, often played in the key of E minor.

Structure and Playing: The tune is typically made up of four parts, though it's sometimes played with only the first three. A repeating phrase marks the end of each part, which musicians often vary by holding the D note longer. The fourth part is considered the most difficult to play.

Origins and History: The tune appears in Nathaniel Gow’s 1809 collection of Scottish dance music, identified as “Irish.” A fourth part, attributed to a Scottish violinist, was also included in Gow’s collection. While some traditional musicians like Séamus Ennis and Joe Cooley did not use the fourth part, others, such as Patsy Touhey, Michael Coleman, and George Rowley, included it. The tune also appears in P.W. Joyce’s 1909 collection of Irish music.

Possible Connections: Some believe the tune may be related to the Scottish Jacobite song "Donald Mc Gillivray," but this connection is considered speculation.

Regional Variations: Different versions of the tune exist, with some featuring notes like C# that alter the key from E minor to E Dorian. The inclusion of the fourth part in sessions can vary depending on the setting and the preference of the musicians.

Notable Performances:

• Phil Smillie and Alan MacLeod of the Tannahill Weavers played it as a whistle duet in the early 1980s.
• Mary Bergin has a recording of a version that differs from some others.
• Darrach MacMathúna and Gerard Coughlan played it together.
• Andy McGann and Paul Brady have also performed it.

Where to Find It: Recordings of the tune can be found on YouTube and online music archives.