The Rannafast jig

An interesting tune from Donegal. I’ve heard it played three times: first by Dermot McLaughlin on “The Fiddle Music of Donegal, Vol. 3”, then by Ciarán Ó Maonaigh on Ceol a’Ghleanna, and finally on the eponymous album by the SíFidllers. I think it may be something of a showpiece. This transcription is mostly based on McLaughlin’s playing, but I took some of his arpeggiated virtuosic bits out. I also wrote the first part twice to show two common variations.

I don’t otherwise know much about the tune. I couldn’t find it in an online list of tunes and incipits from the Northern Fiddler, so I don’t know if it’s old or new. Information appreciated.

Here’s the SíFiddlers’ version, rather different and a bit more basic from McLaughlin’s. Good tune either way.

My take on this jig. Put it into G Major

another try of a flute friendly version