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Tune Title Meanings

Tune Title Meanings

I have two tunes in my collection and have no idea what their respective titles mean. Perhaps they are from the local vernacular.
The first one is a jig that appeared on a John Regan recording, and later on one of Marcus O'Murchu's fine offerings.The title is "Mahu Snaps".

The second tune I picked up from De Danann and learnt it as Seán Ryan's(reel). I've seen it listed as "Blockers". The only blockers I know of are used by some snooker players and I'm almost sure that the title does not refer to these "delicacies".If anyone knows the origins of these titles I'd be most appreciative.

# Posted on December 22nd 2008 by Tony O'Rourke

Re: Tune Title Meanings

The "Maho Snaps" is named after a series of bumps on a road in Co. Fermanagh - source for that is an RTE live recording of flute-player Gary Hastings. I think that might also be mentioned on the sleeve notes of Cathal McConnell's first LP.

# Posted on December 22nd 2008 by Kenny

Re: Tune Title Meanings

The Maho Snaps http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/811

"Mick Hoy had this from fiddleplayer Pat Carty of Garrison, who was a policeman in Canada for a time. Pat named the tune after a particularly bumpy stretch of road alongside Lough Erne, between Enniskillen and Belleek."

'Hidden Fermanagh' (Cyril Maguire, 2003)

# Posted on December 22nd 2008 by nigelg

Re: Tune Title Meanings

It's a great wee tune that one. It is becoming a standard in our session through 2 of our players both from around that area. Please correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the composer blind, so when being driven in a car he felt these "snaps" more than a sighted person might as they'd be unexpected.

# Posted on December 22nd 2008 by Rudall the time

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