I live in Ireland but this breaks my heart 💔 I could never imagine leaving this isle but back then, people were in desperate circumstances and travelled to the unknown… all they could do was hope it was better. No internet and trip advisors then. God bless them all ❤
@irisheyes "I live in Ireland but this breaks my h..." There are those who left and those who stayed. Of the overwhelming majority who went to the North Americas, some returned even if for holidays. Those who went to Australasia, there was no way back, one 6-8 month trip by sea was enough. Sean Keane's voice is perfect for modern Irish music
@irisheyes "I live in Ireland but this..." Believe me, the Famine escapees, particularly their descendents in both the North Americas and Australasia, survived, established communities with your values, made their marks and formed the cultures of both their hemispheres, so strongly that consequentially, that of the World. The British Empire might have disappeared but the Irish Influence hasn't and won't. I still maintain that the raison d'etre of the Republic is an gorta mor rather than the Uprising.
@@jjlynchee961 “Greetings from one of your cousin…”. If you mean the US, don’t be too ready to write it off just yet. It’s going through a rough patch but it’s institutions are sound.
You weren't growing up there in the 80'ies....in the West, it was England or the USA....if you weren't born into land....? It was hard leaving, I lost all my friends, all my GAA games, and club, and I won several county medals....my mother left back in the 50'ies, so she kind of understood....
@@sherp2u1 you make a sweeping statement not knowing my family background. The song is set in 1892. Times were beyond bleak. I had family in the north who left in the 70’s, 80’s for a better life away from the troubles. Everyone has their story of making sacrifices for a better life but a 15 year old girl from Ireland in 1892 made the first step into America, to be followed by millions more.
I dedicate this to my Uncle Joe who has never beeun found in San Francisco Bay when his boat turned over when fishing!Sheelagh will never forget you!You will always be in her heart!Do R.I.P.
I just said the same thing to my wife I dedicate this to my uncle Joe who we've just brought home from new york and buried all of 60 years old. This reminds me of him so much. Sorry for your loss.
Annie later married a bakery clerk, and had 11 children, only five of whom survived to adulthood. She died of heart failure in 1924 at 47 years old, and was buried with six of her children in an unmarked plot at Calvary Cemetery in Queens. “She had the typical hardscrabble immigrant life,” Smolenyak said.
This is superb Captures the soul of the song brilliant.... As a former emigrant 20 years stateside... This song has a special place i mo chroí... Thank God I made it home... Maith sìbh..😷
Great song! I'm mostly of Irish heritage from primarily East Galway, with North Kerry, Limerick, Mayo and Waterford. I've had ancestors come from Ireland from different times in the 19th century and they all married either Irish-Americans or other Irish immagrants. One fact remains, their love for their heritage. Their love for the land of their forefathers. I'm proud of my green blood and so thankful for their sacrifices that went before me.
Well ,,,,,it doesn’t get any better than this ,,,,,,,I’m a great dubliners fan ,,,,,and since there’s only John left ,,,it’s great to see a band coming along and keeping up this standard of traditional music ,,,,,I think you will get a lot of fans singing songs of this calibrate ,,,,,,ta
The seminal event in Irish history, reflected in its politics and casual reference, is the Easter Uprising. There's a fair argument that it should be the post Famine emigration, especially when it comes to the histories of the North Americas and Australasia and that's my take on it. My 8 Great Grandparents emigrated in the late 1840s and early 1850s but to the other side of the World. The beacon that the North Americas and, to a numerically lesser extent, Australasia offered to those poor souls is captured in my mind by the line "17 million people had come there for sanctuary". Thanks to them, we've had good lives. It's a toss up between Whistling Donkeys and Sean Keane's versions, both moving.
awesome job guys, love this song , so much meaning and a great tribute to those who came before us. much of my family history is from Ireland, O'Keefe from county Tipperary and Ducey from Dungarvin, they settled in Newfoundland but never the less left Ireland due to hardship with hope for a better future. They passed on the culture and here we are several generations on still carrying the love for our Irish history especially the love of the Irish music . keep the music flowing
County Tipperary here too, Knockballynoe. My 4th great grandfather brought his wife and their son, my 3rd great grandfather, to the US in the late 1840s to escape the famine.
This song and Fergal's wonderful voice touched me somewhere down in the deep currents of my soul because it made me think of my paternal grandfather who went through Ellis island from county Kilkenny many years ago. I got a little emotional but don't tell anyone, men aren't supposed to be like that.
A lovely song. My maternal grandmother, Mary Mahoney, (born 1902) first went to New York when she was a teenager. No doubt she went through Ellis Island when she left County Kerry.
I loved listening to this song, it was very powerful to what people had to do to survive, just after first hearing it my ancestry account came back with a hint to my great great grand parents moving to Ellis island and the boat they sailed on. powerful and strange after being drawn to the song.
I'm very late comin' to the party, but now that I've heard them, I'm in love! Through a convoluted online search for a rendition of 'When You Were Sweet 16' that touched me, I came upon this voice . . . . this group, and it was settled. Their version, in my humble opinion, is by far the best I've heard. And then I listened to 'Isle of Hope' and through my tears the deal was sealed. This group and especially the lead singer, have a rare something that few groups ever achieve.
No truer words, "Mam", he has d gift, and no monies in d World can nor ever will be able to buy, a natural born, beautiful instrumental voice, and knows how to use it, "Naturally", that's how!?! Top Group, Sharron, may they continue to entertain us, and us keep d sense of hearing to continue to, "savour and devour", it!!! Sláinte Sharron Day 🍺🍻🍻
How did I missed this mesmerizing song? I was reading a novel where the protagonist sings this song and the audience were all teary. so I came to YT to listen how much heart-touching is it. Well, I'm impressed.
@integrafreak "How did I missed this mesmerizing song? I was reading a novel wher..."19th Century Ireland. Immediate post Famiine, emigrate or die. My ancestors survived, emigrated but to the far less popular Antipodes where they and their offspring prospered. The overwhelming majority who survived and emigrated went to North America. But for America, 90 % would have perished. God bless America.
Fantastic job. I cover this one myself on occasion. being from Newfoundland we are rich with Irish culture and the songs are carried on here every day. The whislin' Donkeys are certainly a great band. cheers
Beautiful song...Amazing voice .... sung from the heart....I wish my parents hadn't left Eire.....I would have loved to have been married to an Irish lad.....just like this singer.....My Irish blood runs through my veins, and pulls at my heart strings...
Well I see I'm not the only one who cried through this song. My Swedish great-grandfather came through Ellis Island and my Irish great-great-great-grandmother came to NY right before Ellis Island opened. I still carry their history in my cells.
Awesome job , Brian Adam’s would be proud, I personally think that this song sounds best when accompanied by the beautiful, amazing and Stunning Meadoh Walsh ❤️ , But b’ys keep doing you, because your also Amazing !
[Couplet 1] On the first day of January 1892 They opened Ellis Island and they let the people through And the first to cross the threshold of that isle of hope and tears Was Annie Moore from Ireland who was all of 15 years Isle of hope, isle of tears Isle of freedom, isle of fears But it’s not they isle you left behind That isle of hunger, isle of pain Isle you’ll never se again But the isle of home is always on your mind [Couplet 2] In a little bag, sur carried all her past and history And her dreams for the future in the land of liberty And courage is your passport when your old world disappears But there’s no future in the past when you’re 15years Refrain When they closed down Ellis Island in 1943 17 million people had come there for sanctuary And in the springtime when I came here and stepped onto its piers I throught of how it must have been when you’re 15 years Refrain
I live in Ireland but this breaks my heart 💔 I could never imagine leaving this isle but back then, people were in desperate circumstances and travelled to the unknown… all they could do was hope it was better. No internet and trip advisors then. God bless them all ❤
@irisheyes "I live in Ireland but this breaks my h..." There are those who left and those who stayed. Of the overwhelming majority who went to the North Americas, some returned even if for holidays. Those who went to Australasia, there was no way back, one 6-8 month trip by sea was enough. Sean Keane's voice is perfect for modern Irish music
@irisheyes "I live in Ireland but this..." Believe me, the Famine escapees, particularly their descendents in both the North Americas and Australasia, survived, established communities with your values, made their marks and formed the cultures of both their hemispheres, so strongly that consequentially, that of the World. The British Empire might have disappeared but the Irish Influence hasn't and won't. I still maintain that the raison d'etre of the Republic is an gorta mor rather than the Uprising.
@@jjlynchee961 “Greetings from one of your cousin…”. If you mean the US, don’t be too ready to write it off just yet. It’s going through a rough patch but it’s institutions are sound.
You weren't growing up there in the 80'ies....in the West, it was England or the USA....if you weren't born into land....? It was hard leaving, I lost all my friends, all my GAA games, and club, and I won several county medals....my mother left back in the 50'ies, so she kind of understood....
@@sherp2u1 you make a sweeping statement not knowing my family background. The song is set in 1892. Times were beyond bleak.
I had family in the north who left in the 70’s, 80’s for a better life away from the troubles. Everyone has their story of making sacrifices for a better life but a 15 year old girl from Ireland in 1892 made the first step into America, to be followed by millions more.
Love this song left Ireland as a child and still at 40 I cry for my home Ireland. 💚💚💚🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
I dedicate this to my Uncle Joe who has never beeun found in San Francisco Bay when his boat turned over when fishing!Sheelagh will never forget you!You will always be in her heart!Do R.I.P.
Rip Joe
I just said the same thing to my wife I dedicate this to my uncle Joe who we've just brought home from new york and buried all of 60 years old. This reminds me of him so much. Sorry for your loss.
@@cuchulainneire9157 23p
RIP
🙏🙏🙏💚💚💚
Annie later married a bakery clerk, and had 11 children, only five of whom survived to adulthood. She died of heart failure in 1924 at 47 years old, and was buried with six of her children in an unmarked plot at Calvary Cemetery in Queens. “She had the typical hardscrabble immigrant life,” Smolenyak said.
Thanks
Zim English and there is no better sound than Irish traditional music ,love it Keith j x
I adore this song and band. All of my grandparents came through Ellis Island from England, Ireland and Scotland. Their courage lives in me.❤
I did not leave until I was 22- but represented Ireland well -soon to return
How in the HELL have I never heard these guys before? They are remarkable, the vocals are amazing, I cant stop listening to them!
Same with me!!!
Yeah how? Beeswing, first time hearing them and was an instant fan.
Just recently introduced to the Whistlin Donkeys singing Travellin Soldier .. Superb🎵
So can hear them aswell.. 😅 They are unreal.. ❤
This is superb
Captures the soul of the song brilliant....
As a former emigrant
20 years stateside...
This song has a special place i mo chroí...
Thank God I made it home... Maith sìbh..😷
The Kingdom....Lol....🍻I don't know what's wrong with our young lads in Galway!
Thanks for playing it again its so emotional especially with all the Americans who now dwell there for Covid!God bless America!May they all R.I.P.
I love this song . As someone whose both parents came through Ellis Island over 100years ago . One from Mayo and one from Monahan .
Monaghan
"Kevin Young "If you are fair dinkum, you have to be pulling our legs all the way down Bourke street, Young ? The most inappropriate Surname, ever.
@@angusmckenzie9622what are you yapping about
@@AidanOMally “What are you y…” it took you a year and that’s all you could come up with ?
@@angusmckenzie9622 I asked what you were yapping about. It didn’t take me a year. I’ve just seen your reply. Dope
Great song! I'm mostly of Irish heritage from primarily East Galway, with North Kerry, Limerick, Mayo and Waterford. I've had ancestors come from Ireland from different times in the 19th century and they all married either Irish-Americans or other Irish immagrants. One fact remains, their love for their heritage. Their love for the land of their forefathers. I'm proud of my green blood and so thankful for their sacrifices that went before me.
My wife was IRISH
Brian Horton welcome 2 Ireland anytime🇮🇪🇺🇸
@@noelmoran5725 Thanks Noel. My wife and I plan to go next year.
Hope you made that trip@@brianhorton6658
Well ,,,,,it doesn’t get any better than this ,,,,,,,I’m a great dubliners fan ,,,,,and since there’s only John left ,,,it’s great to see a band coming along and keeping up this standard of traditional music ,,,,,I think you will get a lot of fans singing songs of this calibrate ,,,,,,ta
Sleep tight sweet Joe (13 years old) now an Angel loved this song 💙💙💔
Condolences
Sending you love over youtube Ann. We all meet again in time. Take care of yourself as well x
Joe had great taste and sounds like he was a very loved lad , my condolences Ann.
Sorry for your loss
May God let you find peace till you meet your beloved joe again so so sorry for your loss may joe rip
Beautiful, Beautiful, BEAUTIFUL !!! Carry on Guyz and Spirt of Ireland 🎇 EVERMORE 💛🌠
So beautiful. Thanks Lads , a wonderful job you are doing spreading the songs of Ireland. I listen with a loving pride.
Am ballin like a waine! What a voice, thanks for sharing.
Same ! Lol
Wonderful! Especially as having visited Ellis Island, the Irish communities of NYC, and of course knowing Ireland..
The seminal event in Irish history, reflected in its politics and casual reference, is the Easter Uprising. There's a fair argument that it should be the post Famine emigration, especially when it comes to the histories of the North Americas and Australasia and that's my take on it. My 8 Great Grandparents emigrated in the late 1840s and early 1850s but to the other side of the World. The beacon that the North Americas and, to a numerically lesser extent, Australasia offered to those poor souls is captured in my mind by the line "17 million people had come there for sanctuary". Thanks to them, we've had good lives. It's a toss up between Whistling Donkeys and Sean Keane's versions, both moving.
Absolutely beautiful song.🇦🇺🇮🇪
awesome job guys, love this song , so much meaning and a great tribute to those who came before us. much of my family history is from Ireland, O'Keefe from county Tipperary and Ducey from Dungarvin, they settled in Newfoundland but never the less left Ireland due to hardship with hope for a better future. They passed on the culture and here we are several generations on still carrying the love for our Irish history especially the love of the Irish music .
keep the music flowing
Thanks Gary...we need to keep our heritage alive and well, wherever we end up!
Gary Smith us Irish are proud of u, Slainte
98ó88
..llopppuu
County Tipperary here too, Knockballynoe. My 4th great grandfather brought his wife and their son, my 3rd great grandfather, to the US in the late 1840s to escape the famine.
This song and Fergal's wonderful voice touched me somewhere down in the deep currents of my soul because it made me think of my paternal grandfather who went through Ellis island from county Kilkenny many years ago. I got a little emotional but don't tell anyone, men aren't supposed to be like that.
John C... No probs....Top secret ! :)
A lovely song. My maternal grandmother, Mary Mahoney, (born 1902) first went to New York when she was a teenager. No doubt she went through Ellis Island when she left County Kerry.
She would have been Mary O Mahony if she came from kerry? incase you want to find records etc
I LOVE YOU
As a true Irish Man I love Ireland
I loved listening to this song, it was very powerful to what people had to do to survive, just after first hearing it my ancestry account came back with a hint to my great great grand parents moving to Ellis island and the boat they sailed on. powerful and strange after being drawn to the song.
I really love this song it’s very nice I play this every day because it’s my favorite
Just brilliant new fan love you decicate this wee this song to Justin RIP a child age 22 due to drug abuse heartbroken Granny
Bernie
a band of legends. I remember them playing in the boe Inn on a stage made of pallets. fair play to them. talented boys. donkeys Abu..
Never get tired listening
I'm very late comin' to the party, but now that I've heard them, I'm in love! Through a convoluted online search for a rendition of 'When You Were Sweet 16' that touched me, I came upon this voice . . . . this group, and it was settled. Their version, in my humble opinion, is by far the best I've heard. And then I listened to 'Isle of Hope' and through my tears the deal was sealed. This group and especially the lead singer, have a rare something that few groups ever achieve.
Funny thing I discovered them the same way .Now I am on the hunt for their cd. Can't get it here in Newfoundland
No truer words, "Mam", he has d gift, and no monies in d World can nor ever will be able to buy, a natural born, beautiful instrumental voice, and knows how to use it, "Naturally", that's how!?!
Top Group, Sharron, may they continue to entertain us, and us keep d sense of hearing to continue to, "savour and devour", it!!! Sláinte Sharron Day 🍺🍻🍻
Celts....All their fights were happy and all their songs were sad
What a voice ..omg
My, now favorite, version of this tune.
Well done.
Thanks.
How did I missed this mesmerizing song? I was reading a novel where the protagonist sings this song and the audience were all teary. so I came to YT to listen how much heart-touching is it. Well, I'm impressed.
What’s the novel..
@integrafreak "How did I missed this mesmerizing song? I was reading a novel wher..."19th Century Ireland. Immediate post Famiine, emigrate or die. My ancestors survived, emigrated but to the far less popular Antipodes where they and their offspring prospered. The overwhelming majority who survived and emigrated went to North America. But for America, 90 % would have perished. God bless America.
@@shaneconnaughton5961reincarnated with the strongest system, Chapter 281: Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears
Fantastic job. I cover this one myself on occasion. being from Newfoundland we are rich with Irish culture and the songs are carried on here every day. The whislin' Donkeys are certainly a great band. cheers
Pier 21 🇨🇦🇮🇪
Could listen to this mans voice all day long keep her lit feargal
Go on you good McDermott there are loads of us best song ever when ould des sings it up the macks
Here's yr cuz
I absolutely love this song. Thanks for sharing guys ❤ from Newfoundland
Great band - love your music , hoping to see ye soon live , very passionate signing and makes it so real . Well done lads and keep it going and thanks
Well executed lads you have done it well 20 out of 10
Breaks my heart to listen.Often did they pang for their homeland. X 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚😊
Beautiful. Great job, lads. Regards from Germany.
Absolutely brilliant version 👏👏👏👏👏👏
absolutely brilliant, loved that, well done guys
Now my constant played son . Fantastic group and singer.
Absolutely 💯 beautiful song love this.hi from Ireland 🇮🇪
Probably the best version going. Absolutely brilliant
The violin solo is class 👌
First class version.Beautiful voice.
Pieman X ture
Song lifts you sparkling voice well done best of luck God bless take care and have got me listening to Irish music again Tony O'Driscoll
Beautiful rendition. I think it works so well because the voice is taking the forefront with gentle soft instrument accompaniment
Beautiful song...Amazing voice .... sung from the heart....I wish my parents hadn't left Eire.....I would have loved to have been married to an Irish lad.....just like this singer.....My Irish blood runs through my veins, and pulls at my heart strings...
Hi Evy ,so glad to hear u say that,I'm Irish an proud ,back living in Eire an I'm so happy .
No do not wish to be irish you are or your not see we can spell give me a shout please when you can
Very welcome 2 Ireland Evy
Powerful 🍀
Well I see I'm not the only one who cried through this song. My Swedish great-grandfather came through Ellis Island and my Irish great-great-great-grandmother came to NY right before Ellis Island opened. I still carry their history in my cells.
Without doubt the best rendition of this beautiful song, well done guys.
Belle chanson et talent au rdv pour une voix exceptionnelle et de la bonne musique 🎶
Our absolute favorite rendition of this song. We're delighted to discover the Whistling Donkeys!
Great band.
I Love their version of bees wing
Never heard of them But there Brilliant Singers & Music love there songs❤❤❤❤❤❤
I can't express how much I love this band and this man singing. Fantastic
Great song lads , love the playing and the vocals are super
This is how this song should Sound. Thanks
Love the fiddler player!!!
This is a lovely song and Its very well done; When done Boys spot on, Keep it going 🪗🪗🪗Mick.
Awesome job , Brian Adam’s would be proud, I personally think that this song sounds best when accompanied by the beautiful, amazing and Stunning Meadoh Walsh ❤️ , But b’ys keep doing you, because your also Amazing !
Lovely, greetings from Ireland.
Never has a sad song been so beautiful.
Top class what a singer
Beautiful. Great vocals. Best version I have heard. So easy to listen to. The way it should be. Top class.
His voice is fantastic. This is my favourite of all their songs. ....🤗🤗😘
Fantastic, magic, voice Clare . You did to be near of them in your pub my heart transporter them. Thanks
Wow what a voice these are my new favourite band absolute class❤❤
great band they are and even better live
Brilliant. Both song and band. Up Tyrone
Pure CLASS
I love this voice! wished, i had someone around me with such a wonderful voice...
Best I've heard for a while.
Magic lads 💥🎤🎵🎶🍻🍻🍻💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚🙌
We must never forget the many Irish who came through and perished at Grosse Isle Quebec, and went on to live in 🇨🇦 Canada.
Oh, my heart... thank you, gentlemen.
Beautiful Song!! TY again.
Probably the best version of this song I have heard! Thanks lads.
Thank you, what a beautiful song for all immigrants!
reminds me of paddy reilly two great voices great band to go with nicely done !!
Class I love the whistling donkeys 🇮🇪😜👍
I love this song!!!
Best version of this song by far ..goosebumps
Wonderful rendition of this moving song. No more Ellis Island. But still a relevant story.
I love this song ❤❤
listening to these lads has got me wanting to start playing the Bodhran again
Beautiful, hopefully some day I will find my Sheeran family who travelled to Boston in 1889 X X 💚🥰🥰
Excellent lads 👍
Brilliant
Extremely beautiful song
I'm Brazilian and I love Ireland
I love this song and love the way you folks sing it.
so sad but beautiful song
These guys as as good as it gets
What a voice
[Couplet 1]
On the first day of January 1892
They opened Ellis Island and they let the people through
And the first to cross the threshold of that isle of hope and tears
Was Annie Moore from Ireland who was all of 15 years
Isle of hope, isle of tears
Isle of freedom, isle of fears
But it’s not they isle you left behind
That isle of hunger, isle of pain
Isle you’ll never se again
But the isle of home is always on your mind
[Couplet 2]
In a little bag, sur carried all her past and history
And her dreams for the future in the land of liberty
And courage is your passport when your old world disappears
But there’s no future in the past when you’re 15years
Refrain
When they closed down Ellis Island in 1943
17 million people had come there for sanctuary
And in the springtime when I came here and stepped onto its piers
I throught of how it must have been when you’re 15 years
Refrain
Wot a great ballad voice
So sad
Ty
Thank you ❤
Well done lads ..great stuff ..
Beautiful lads.
Brilliant 👏 👏
Great song
Lol listen to it in school and as soon as I got home I couldn't stop listening to it
To think that so many Irish people never saw their homeland again is heartbreaking.
What A Song This Is Studs 🇮🇪☘️🍀
Love from belfast, ireland🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
What a voice.
Beautiful ❤️
I've never really been a fan of of Irish traditional music....I heard this song 2 days fir the first time. Beautiful song ❤