I was named after an old Irish song that was famously sung by John McCormack, Joseph Locke and my Grandad, John Tarpy. My grandfather made this song into a record, as far as I am aware, there are no longer any copies in existence.
It was written by an Irish Poet, John Keegan Casey in 1867. Tragically, he died 3 years after writing it at the age of 24. it was set to music in 1900 by classical composer George Aitken.
It is pronounced Moyer
Maire My Girl
Over the dim blue hills strays a wild river
Over the dim blue hills rests my heart ever
Dearer and brighter than jewels and pearl
Dwells she in beauty there Maire my girl.
Down upon Claris heath shines the soft berry
On the brown harvest tree droops the red cherry
Sweeter thy honey lips softer the curl
Straying adown thy cheeks Maire my girl.
‘Twas on an April eve that I first met her
Many an eve shall pass ere I forget her
Since my young heart has been wrapped in a whirl
Thinking and dreaming of Maire my girl.
She is too kind and fond ever to grieve me
She has too pure a heart e’er to deceive me
Was I Tyrconnell’s chief or Desmond’s earl
Life would be dark, wanting Maire my girl.
Over the dim blue hills strays a wild river
Over the dim blue hills rests my heart ever
Dearer and brighter than jewels or pearl
Dwells she in beauty there Maire my girl.
