Dan Cleary’s Favourite reel

This tune was composed by that mighty fiddler Seán Ryan of Tipperary. I transcribed this from Seán Ryan’s double CD. The recording is down a half step; I don’t know if he was tuned down or the recording speed was a little off. Either way, I’ve set this in fiddle-friendly E dorian.

At first I thought this tune sounded like a really personal, turned-inside-out version of The Lads of Laois, which is why it caught my ear. Closer inspection shows it’s a very different tune.

Dan Cleary is credited with having composed The Trip to Durrow.

A truly beautiful musical tribute from one great fiddle player & composer to another. Two beautiful gentlemen also. Rest in peace Sean & Dan.