Brian O'Rourke (composer)

Brian O'Rourke
Born	1949
Died	2022 (aged 72–73)
Nationality	Irish
Occupation	Composer

Brían O'Rourke (1949-2022) was a composer and singer of Irish folk songs. He lectured in Irish Studies at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and authored several books on Irish folk songs.

Life

O'Rourke was born in Ratheniska, County Laois.[1] He was married and had three children, with whom he lived in Magherabaun, Feakle. O'Rourke taught Irish Studies or Irish Heritage at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.

Works

O'Rourke published two volumes with collections of Irish songs.[2] These songs were frequently performed by Sean nós singers.

• Blas Meala (english: A sip from the honeypot)[3]
• An Dhub ina Bhan (english: Pale rainbow)[4]

As a composer, he was best known for "The Bhodrán song" (when I grow up), included on the album The Very Best of Irish Ballads (ARC Music 2015) and Chantal du Champignon.[5]

In the book chapter "County Mayo in Gaelic Folk Song", O´Rourke identifies a series of characters in the history of County Mayo that are remembered through folk songs.[6]

• Seán Mac Aoidh, murder suspect and ascribed author of the poem Sail Og Rua
• Dónal Ó Maoláine, rapparee described in an adventure song
• Lacky Ó Máille, the troubled friar and author of two songs
• Tomás Bán Mac Aodhagáin, a person sentenced to be hanged who is described in the song that bears his name
• Dónal Meirgeach Mac Conmara, the freckled adscribed author of the song An Ghaoth Andeas

References

1. McGarry, Fiona (15 April 2022). "Tributes paid to late Dr Brían O'Rourke at funeral". The Clare Champion. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
2. "Composer Of Irish Folk Songs- Brian O'Rourke". Enjoy Irish Culture. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
3. O'Rourke, Brian (1985). Blas meala : a sip from the honey-pot : a selection of Gaelic folksongs with prose translations and verse equivalents. Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland: Irish Academic Press. ISBN 0-7165-2357-4. OCLC 13396163.
4. O'Rourke, Brian (1990). Pale rainbow : a selection of Gaelic folksongs with prose translations and verse equivalents = An Dubh ina bhán. Blackrock, Co. Dublin: Irish Academic Press. ISBN 0-7165-2425-2. OCLC 22422317.
5. Spiegel, Max. "Lyr Add: Chantal du Champignon (Brian O'Rourke)". mudcat.org. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
6. Mayo : aspects of its heritage. Bernard O'Hara. Galway, Ireland: Archaeological, Historical, and Folklore Society, Regional Technical College. 1982. ISBN 0-9508233-0-9. OCLC 9687670.