Glanworth You’re Calling Me Back Home

‘Glanworth you’re calling me back home’ is a new song, recently penned by local man Eddie Quinlan which focuses on the historical village situated on the banks of the Funshion river.

Eddie Quinlan is a name that may ring a bell for many as the local musician is known for his live music sessions in many local establishments, as well as another song he penned in tribute to the late Aisling Murphy.

Following the murder of the young Aisling Murphy in Tullamore, County Offaly, Mr Quinlan wrote a song in her memory, acknowledging the tidal wave of grief her death sent throughout the country.

A native of Ballylegan, Glanworth, Mr Quinlan's most recent tune focuses on his hometown and his memories of Glanworth.

Now a local to Carrignavar, Mr Quinlan explained that he left his homeplace at just 17 to head to Cork City for work and only recently returned, viewing the locality with fresh eyes.

“Growing up, I was reared with the wireless and Ceilí House. I was always interested in Irish music that you would hear on the radio. One place alright in Fermoy, we used to socialise in Fermoy, ‘Talk of The South’ I think it was, they had a group called The Wolfetones there that night and it was my first time ever seeing or hearing them and after that, I got the bug for Irish Ballads.

“When I went to Cork City then, I was staying in a flat and I used to buy all the cassette tapes of Irish music. I bought a whistle then and started to learn by ear. I’m self-trained and self-taught,” Mr Quinlan said.

REFLECTING

According to Mr Quinlan, the small rural town has changed quite a lot since he lived there, but however, maintains the appeal and charm he recalls.

“It has changed quite a lot. A lot of the bars that were there when I was younger are gone now. A lot of the shops are gone. The general Glanworth that was there has downsized a lot since I lived there.

“Being away from a place sometimes can open your eyes a bit more to what level of history is on your doorstep,” he added.

For Eddie Quinlan, songwriting is somewhat of a new venture, and his latest tune ‘ Glanworth You’re Calling Me Back Home’ is very much a reflective piece.

Lyrics feature that of the millwheel ‘stopped and silent now’, recalling the ‘laughter and song’ of public houses in the years gone by, and how somewhere in time, the nickname ‘Arbour’ came about, as the village was locally known as 'The Harbour', stemming from its Viking roots.

“I’ve been back in Glanworth quite a bit, having a fresh look at it and looking at all the history around and reflecting on myself and my own background. I thought it was appropriate that I would have a go writing a song about it,” Mr Quinlan concluded.