Julia Delaney's

"Julia Delaney's" is a traditional tune, likely a reel (meaning it’s played fast). Its origins are somewhat unclear, but it’s believed to have northern roots, possibly from Scotland or Ireland. People have heard it played by musicians like Glackin and T. Peoples.

Key Details & Variations:

• Appearance in Collections: The tune appears in O’Neill’s collection of Irish music, though the origin isn’t documented there. There’s also a version in the Portland Collection.
• Related Tunes: Some believe it's closely related to "Maude Miller" and shares similarities with "Musical Priest.”
• Notable Performances: Many musicians have performed "Julia Delaney's," including Paddy Moloney and Sean Potts (on their "Tin Whistles" album), Kevin Burke and Michael O’Domhnaill, Jerry Holland, Paul O’Shaughnessy, Shane McAleer, and Johnny McGreevy.
• Key & Difficulty: The tune’s written key (D Dorian) can be difficult to play on certain instruments, like a D whistle. It’s often easier to play on a C whistle after shifting it up to E Dorian. The O’Neill version is considered unplayable by some.
• Playing Style: It’s versatile and can be played fast or slow, with room for improvisation. It is sometimes played as a single reel (four bars repeated) but also as a double reel (eight bars repeated).

Rumors & Speculation:

• Some believe Julia (and other Delaneys) were related to Captain O'Neill, possibly nieces or grandchildren.
• The tune’s distinctive sound has been linked to Eileen Curren.
• Some speculate that the Scottish influence on the tune may explain certain musical characteristics, like the use of F naturals.