This song immediately brought me back to 1982 when I bicycled all around Ireland by myself. At Enniscorthy, I stopped at a pub and drank a couple of beers with a Irish government surveyor who was in town on business. That afternoon he took me out to a spot overlooking Vinegar Hill and described the slaughter that occurred there. Glory oh, glory oh to the bold Fenian men, to Wolf Tone and the United Irishmen Rebels of 1798.
Vinegar Hill is well worth visiting. It would appear you never forgot it. I spent a lot of time in my younger years around Co Wexford. My father was a gorey man and that's my grandmother and auntie at the start of the video. Other family members are in it as well. Nice story
@@JohnBreenFolk Thanks for the video and for the comment. Best version of Down by the Glenside I've ever heard. I used to sing it and play the tune on my harmonica. I was seriously into American Civil War studies (and my ancestors' part in it) at the time of my bicycle trip and you can imagine my surprise and intense delight when, quite by accident, to find an entire floor of ancient Reginald's Tower in Waterford filled with the uniforms, arms, certificates and military decorations of the illustrious General Meagher, who organized the famous Irish Brigade. The trip lasted only two weeks, but what I saw and did while in Ireland enriched the rest of my life.
@@JohnBreenFolk If I (an American plastic paddy) can speak to authenticity then I'd say he's got it right. Well done. It's like how Al Jolson sang the old American folk songs like "O Susanna" and it ruins what otherwise is very tight musically. It's funny because it's just certain songs that artists sing and they sing them too "big" if that makes sense. I mean (I dunno why I'm using Al Jolson as an example) but if you compare his version of "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" to his version of "Camptown Races." I understand that Camptown Races is a "Minstrel song" but it seems that all over the world people sing certain songs as if they were singing minstrel songs. I think there's some correlation between how official and patriotic a song is and how gaudy it's sung.
Bravo!!!🙂🙂🙂 Lorna Gillies used to do an outstanding version of this song. Sadly can't find any existing recording of this great Irish Rebel song by her.💘💘💘
On the one hand, I appreciate the way The Irish maintain their culture, traditions and historical memories. On the other hand, I cannot understand how they can still bear a grudge even after centuries...
Being free of the EU allows choice. England was smart of leave. However they regardless of EU status have mismanaged their country. They'd struggle regardless making the decisions they do. But ultimately being EU skeptic is about valuing sovereignty over foreign control. Id argue brussels having no say in my countries affairs i much worth possible negative outcomes. The germans were stopped ring europe in 1918, and 1945. Why must they be allowed to do it now?
@@knoll9812your country is over ran with third worlders. They're 🗡️ little girls. Preying on young women. What the hell is wrong with you. What gated community do you live in?
@@therecalcitrantseditionist3613 No one's saying anything was better under the crown. Your small island nation is being irrevocably changed with demographics by ppl who have no concept of your customs an openly wish to conquer your island. Theres only a few million irish. Do you not study your own history? How did you get Northern Ireland? Your sleep walking into the modern plantations an your trying to praise it. 🤢 🤮 Ppl like you are the problem. Ireland can be independent an not be beholden to anyone. Instead you have a huge problem. Recognize that as all of europe is beginning to. You have been sold out to globalists. Your ancient culture means nothing, they gotta keep ur country more diverse, cant let the numbers fall, gotta keep profits at maximum. Never mind you dont even have enough houses to house all of the few million actual irish people. Youve been sold out. An your screen name? How the hell are you recalcitrant taking up for the very govt doing this. Your the opposite of recalcitrant.
Certainlly not bad. Very nice, in fact. Really. If you mix this recording again though, you could maybee try and attenuate the low frequencies a bit. Because the bass is too high in my opinion.
+Flapjackbatter I take your advice on board and respect your comment. The truth is that this was recorded in the small spare room of an old friends house. That same old friend is playing the mandolin/fiddle and bass in the recording. I most probably will never record it again as I am not a lover of music too polished when it comes to singing Irish Ballads. Almost all of my music outside of my contract with emphasis records is un - reherased as you can see in the following link www.johnbreenmusic.com 'it is more serious. That's what I like about the rawness of a good old Ballad - not being too perfect and enjoyed among friends :)
![[Down By The Glenn] The Bold Fenian Men](/img/1.gif)
Amazing voice fair play to you love this song and very well sung xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
What a fantastic rendition. I choked on my tears, literally. And I'm a 70 year old Australian male.🇦🇺❤️🇮🇪
Why was it "that bad"?@@sarahl398
@@sarahl398 why is it so bad? Look at all the likes.
This song immediately brought me back to 1982 when I bicycled all around Ireland by myself. At Enniscorthy, I stopped at a pub and drank a couple of beers with a Irish government surveyor who was in town on business. That afternoon he took me out to a spot overlooking Vinegar Hill and described the slaughter that occurred there. Glory oh, glory oh to the bold Fenian men, to Wolf Tone and the United Irishmen Rebels of 1798.
Vinegar Hill is well worth visiting. It would appear you never forgot it. I spent a lot of time in my younger years around Co Wexford. My father was a gorey man and that's my grandmother and auntie at the start of the video. Other family members are in it as well. Nice story
@@JohnBreenFolk Thanks for the video and for the comment. Best version of Down by the Glenside I've ever heard. I used to sing it and play the tune on my harmonica.
I was seriously into American Civil War studies (and my ancestors' part in it) at the time of my bicycle trip and you can imagine my surprise and intense delight when, quite by accident, to find an entire floor of ancient Reginald's Tower in Waterford filled with the uniforms, arms, certificates and military decorations of the illustrious General Meagher, who organized the famous Irish Brigade. The trip lasted only two weeks, but what I saw and did while in Ireland enriched the rest of my life.
@@oldgeezerproductions quite fascinating. I'm glad you enjoyed your time in Ireland
You were lucky to have a bike in the 80s
Best version ive heard. Theres a few close but this one has the aura of the song. An the voice. Perfect tempo. An not overly produced. Perfect.
⚔️🍀⚔️
IRELAND WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART !!!
Hauntingly beautiful story song----!
Thank you Tod 👍
Love your version of this song. Very emotional. Thank you.
you bring an authentic voice ,often lacking when this beautiful song gets an airing. John Breen ábu...
mik mcd thank you. Greatly appreciated
@@JohnBreenFolk If I (an American plastic paddy) can speak to authenticity then I'd say he's got it right. Well done. It's like how Al Jolson sang the old American folk songs like "O Susanna" and it ruins what otherwise is very tight musically. It's funny because it's just certain songs that artists sing and they sing them too "big" if that makes sense. I mean (I dunno why I'm using Al Jolson as an example) but if you compare his version of "Brother Can You Spare a Dime" to his version of "Camptown Races." I understand that Camptown Races is a "Minstrel song" but it seems that all over the world people sing certain songs as if they were singing minstrel songs. I think there's some correlation between how official and patriotic a song is and how gaudy it's sung.
One of my favorite versions of this classic - well done.
This is a truly beautiful version 💕
Thank you
Bravo!!!🙂🙂🙂 Lorna Gillies used to do an outstanding version of this song. Sadly can't find any existing recording of this great Irish Rebel song by her.💘💘💘
Moves me so much to hear this song...thank you...
My Mother's Song💚🇮🇪💚✊🇮🇪
Jojo keavy 👌
On the one hand, I appreciate the way The Irish maintain their culture, traditions and historical memories. On the other hand, I cannot understand how they can still bear a grudge even after centuries...
We still haven't,t got our 6 Counties Back..
Enjoyed it John. Good job.
Gorgeous song!!! 😙💖🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🎵🎼🎶IRELAND FOREVER!!!
eire .. all our enemies live in ireland ... they're dting in their droves at the moment their little "spartan child inverted fools " .
the best version
Thank you 👍
Fantastic song ✅✅
Thanks very much
Good man John, we are gonna have to meet up for a session and a sing song next time I am home c",)
Cheers, glad you like it
Bravo sir, brilliant
The Bold Fenian Men a song of passion about the plight of our courageous lrish rebels
never heard the original till i heard this.... this is better
Glory oh glory oh.b
Sounds good to me, session on :)
Very original song
My grandad was a fenian god rest him
God bless him, taciar ar la
So was mine
Love you song dude. Love from bangladesh
Thank you kindly Rahman. Thats my first ever comment from Bangladesh and is much appreciated
EIRE ABU !
Fantastic, in par with the Clancy version!
Brill song 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪💚💚💚
Makes you proud to be a irishman from the occupied 6 counties , hopefully one day we will be free
Erin Go Bragh!
Really enjoyed your beautiful Irish song :)
Thanks Liz
You're welcome :)
Thank you
God I'm so upset Ireland has been sold out to Europe may we leave this evil empire
Ireland has prospered in EU.
GB since Brexit says leaving EU is not an improvement
@@knoll9812 nonsense. Sources please.
Being free of the EU allows choice. England was smart of leave. However they regardless of EU status have mismanaged their country. They'd struggle regardless making the decisions they do.
But ultimately being EU skeptic is about valuing sovereignty over foreign control.
Id argue brussels having no say in my countries affairs i much worth possible negative outcomes.
The germans were stopped ring europe in 1918, and 1945. Why must they be allowed to do it now?
@@knoll9812your country is over ran with third worlders. They're 🗡️ little girls. Preying on young women. What the hell is wrong with you. What gated community do you live in?
@@therecalcitrantseditionist3613 No one's saying anything was better under the crown. Your small island nation is being irrevocably changed with demographics by ppl who have no concept of your customs an openly wish to conquer your island. Theres only a few million irish.
Do you not study your own history? How did you get Northern Ireland?
Your sleep walking into the modern plantations an your trying to praise it. 🤢 🤮
Ppl like you are the problem. Ireland can be independent an not be beholden to anyone. Instead you have a huge problem. Recognize that as all of europe is beginning to. You have been sold out to globalists. Your ancient culture means nothing, they gotta keep ur country more diverse, cant let the numbers fall, gotta keep profits at maximum. Never mind you dont even have enough houses to house all of the few million actual irish people. Youve been sold out. An your screen name? How the hell are you recalcitrant taking up for the very govt doing this. Your the opposite of recalcitrant.
Certainlly not bad.
Very nice, in fact. Really.
If you mix this recording again though, you could maybee try and attenuate the low frequencies a bit. Because the bass is too high in my opinion.
+Flapjackbatter I take your advice on board and respect your comment. The truth is that this was recorded in the small spare room of an old friends house. That same old friend is playing the mandolin/fiddle and bass in the recording. I most probably will never record it again as I am not a lover of music too polished when it comes to singing Irish Ballads. Almost all of my music outside of my contract with emphasis records is un - reherased as you can see in the following link www.johnbreenmusic.com 'it is more serious. That's what I like about the rawness of a good old Ballad - not being too perfect and enjoyed among friends :)
+John Breen IRISH Both comment were ace. Respect to both
Jim McCann did it way better...
Jim McCann was one of the greatest
They both did it well.
This authentic to the story
Beautiful version
Opening photo of the Buachaille Etive Mor in Scotland , strange.
The video was put together by a scotsman 😎