John Roarty’s reel

This is an Ed Reavy tune, as played by Jim Eagan, a Baltimore fiddler, on his cd, At Reavy’s House. Fine stuff from Jim.

My name is Therese. I grew up in Drexel Hill, Pa. My Grandfather was John P. Roarty. I believe he was a great influence in "fiddling". As a matter of fact, my aunt told me that was his nickname, The Fidd;er. He had an orchestra by the name of Pride of Killarney Dance Orchestra, in which my mother, Agnes, was the pianist. My Grandfather also owned a tap room on Market St. by the same name of the Orchestra, although to regulars it was called "The Pride". In this new age of computers, I looked up my Grandfather’s name and read what an influence he was on Revy and that a "reel" was done in his honor. I am so sorry that I did not have a chance to speak with Mr. Reavy, considering he was so close to my home town. But, thank you Mr. Reavy, thank you for honoring my Grandfather who I never go to know because of his sudden death in the 1940’s If you knew my Grandfather or any stories or legends, please let me know. Thx, The Fiddlersgranddaughter

A different version of this is to be found on Derek McGinley and Tara Connaghan’s recording "The Far Side of the Glen", with the Irish name "Gealach an Fhomhair".

That should be "Gealach an Fhómhair", with the accent on the O.