What is Cork's best song? The search is underway

Thu, 28 Nov, 2019 - 22:24

Amy Nolan

WHETHER it's a retro classic or a recent release, Cork City Libraries want the public to have their say about Cork's greatest hit.

The campaign in its inaugural year is celebrating Cork’s musical heritage and the contribution of music libraries such as the Rory Gallagher Music Library on Grand Parade over the past 41 years by asking people to vote for their favourite Cork song.

Cork singer/songwriter John Spillane was written many beloved classics such as Will We Be Brilliant Or What and the Dunnes Stores Girl.

Run in conjunction with Creative Ireland, the public are invited to submit their nominations, with the stipulation that the song is about Cork, or written by a singer/songwriter that is from or based in Cork.

Leading the initiative on behalf of Cork City Libraries is Patricia Looney, Senior Executive Librarian.

"The objective is to encourage people to ponder, look back, reminisce… unearth stories and tales that contribute to the Cork of today.

"We want to hear of the tunes, songs and jingles that have moulded our character and define our individuality," Patricia commented.

Seán Ó Sé with Liam Clancy in the Arcadia Ballroom in 1962, just after Seán had recorded ‘An Poc Ar Buile’. Pic: The Life & Times of Seán Ó Sé by Seán Ó Sé with Patricia Ahern.

With a rich and diverse heritage of music to choose from Cork people will be spoilt for choice when it comes to potential nominees.

From nostalgic Cork anthems such as 'The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee', sung by every primary school child during a Lord Mayor's visit to the crooning vocals of John Spillane in tracks such as 'Passage west' and 'The Dunnes Stores Girl' to traditional songs such as 'The Boys of Fairhill' and 'Johnny Jump Up' there are plenty of classic hits to pick from.

Rory Gallagher with Phil Lynott. Gallagher has a number of songs that could be named Cork's favourite.

In the rock genre, the legendary Rory Gallagher will no doubt be well represented in the new campaign.

Producing more than a dozen albums before his untimely death aged 47, the Donegal native moved to Cork when he was eight and produced famed tracks such as 'Bad Penny' and 'I Fall Apart'.

Sultans Of Ping F.C. will be best known for their songs 'Where's Me Jumper?' and 'Give Him a Ball (And a Yard of Grass)'

Also likely to see more than a few submissions are tracks such as 'Where's Me Jumper?' and 'Give Him a Ball (And a Yard of Grass)' by punk band, Sultans Of Ping F.C.

More recent musicians to make their mark on the Cork scene include musician Eoin French, also known as Talos with hypnotic tunes such as 'Odyssey' and 'This Is Us Colliding' skyrocketing him to fame.

Also making waves in the industry are Lyra, 1000 Beasts, and beatmaker Jar Jar Jr.

To have your say visit https://www.corkcitylibraries.ie/en/