Along with other Irish speakers, I was active in founding the Toronto branch of Conradh na Gaeilge in 1988, and am a former chairman of the Branch. Along with Kate Crossan, Deb Quigley and Jack McRae, I participated in Kitty's Kitchen, a traditional band in Toronto. In 1998, a received a third at the All-Ireland Fleadh in the "Newly Composed Song in Irish" category. I received a third again the following year at the All-Irelands in Enniscorthy for my piece "Litir an Navvy". A former Irish language officer of the Langan/Gorman Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, I received a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to conduct research in, and compose, traditional Irish music.
I did not learn Irish, nor do I write songs in that language, because I'm some kind of pseudo-Irishman who wants to appropriate a culture that doesn't belong to me. I do it, rather, as a proud Canadian, and a descendant of those Irish people who came to Canada and who contributed to the cultural heritage of our country. I feel my work cannot be separated from the context of Canadian multiculturalism, a guiding principle of our society..
The Upper Ottawa Valley, from which my family come, remains an important centre for Irish-Canadian culture and music to this day. The themes of most of my songs can be traced to this area, along with the struggles of Native Peoples for self-government, Irish history, and the legacy of the Famine in Canada.
Many people may enjoy the performance of a song in Irish without having the language themselves. Reading verses in translation, however, or listening to short sound clips and midi files, may hold less appeal. This site, therefore, is directed primarily towards those people with some Irish, and above all, to traditional musicians, because composing is a sterile occupation while songs remain unsung. Writing Irish language songs in Toronto can also be a somewhat isolating pursuit, so why not send me an e-mail from time to time, or leave a message in the Guestbook? What do you think of the site and the compositions? I look forward to hearing from you.
Tadhg Ó Muiris
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