Brian O'Rourke (composer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian O'Rourke
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| Born | 1949 |
| Died | 2022 (aged 72–73) |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Composer |
Brían O'Rourke (1949-2022) was a talented composer and singer of Irish folk songs. He taught about Irish culture at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. Brían also wrote several books about Irish folk songs.
Brían O'Rourke's Life
Brían O'Rourke was born in a place called Ratheniska, in County Laois, Ireland. He was married and had three children. They lived together in Magherabaun, near Feakle. Brían shared his knowledge by teaching Irish Studies, which is all about Ireland's history and culture, at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
His Musical Works
Brían O'Rourke published two books filled with collections of Irish songs. Many famous Sean nós singers often performed these songs.
- Blas Meala (This means "A sip from the honeypot" in English)
- An Dhub ina Bhan (This means "Pale rainbow" in English)
As a composer, Brían was most famous for his song "The Bhodrán song" (also known as "When I Grow Up"). You can find this song on the album The Very Best of Irish Ballads (released by ARC Music in 2015). He also composed a song called "Chantal du Champignon."
Songs About County Mayo
In a special chapter of a book called "County Mayo in Gaelic Folk Song," Brían O'Rourke wrote about different people from the history of County Mayo. These people are remembered through old folk songs.
- Seán Mac Aoidh: A person linked to the poem Sail Og Rua.
- Dónal Ó Maoláine: A rapparee (a type of Irish outlaw) featured in an adventure song.
- Lacky Ó Máille: A friar who wrote two songs.
- Tomás Bán Mac Aodhagáin: A person whose story is told in a song that carries his name.
- Dónal Meirgeach Mac Conmara: A person believed to have written the song An Ghaoth Andeas.
