Sean Nolan's Dublin Orchestra: Thomond Bridge/Standing Abbey (hornpipes)

This set of hornpipes was recorded in 1927 by Sean Nolan's Dublin Orchestra. Born Isaac Nolan, Seán Nolan was also an Irish revolutionary, solicitor, and Dublin sheriff. Born in 1899, Seán was an Irish speaker and joined the Gaelic League in his teens and was later a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. He served during the War of Independence and Civil War. Nolan was arrested by National Forces in 1922 and was eventually released in 1923.

His fiddle playing took him to the United States where he lived in Los Angeles in 1925 and 1928. He recorded for the Victor and HMV labels between 1926 and 1928.

Neither of these hornpipes were recorded frequently during the 78rpm era. Thomond Bridge appears on an Aughrim Slopes Ceilidhe Band recording in 1937 and a James Morrison disc in 1935. The Standing Abbey appears in the Roche Collection, but this may be the first recorded instance of the tune.

Release on the Victor label (20764-A). From the Ted McGraw Collection, McGraw 78 00-854.

Learn more about Seán Nolan's life via the Crumlin & Walkinstown History Group.