The Pigeon On The Gate

'The Pigeon On The Gate' is a popular Irish reel tune. It's considered a standard tune, though it can be surprisingly uncommon in some areas. Some musicians find it gets overlooked because it's similar to other reels.

There's some debate about its name and association with other tunes. It has been mistakenly identified as "The Old Copper Plate," but that is a separate tune. Some people play it with variations or connect it to tunes like "CooIey’s," "Toss the Feathers," “Star of County Down,” or "Kerry Reel,” sometimes calling the combination "Toss the Cooley’s."

Origins and History:

The tune's name is intriguing, and its origin is not definitively known. It is speculated to have Scottish connections. Some sources suggest the tune may have been learned from a wax cylinder recording by Seamus Ennis from a piper named Touhey. It also appears in the books of the Scots Guards. It’s been played by various musicians over time, including Paddy Carty (reportedly in three keys), Joe Burke, and Martin Hayes.

Notable Performances & Versions:

Many musicians have performed and transcribed 'The Pigeon On The Gate,' each with unique elements. Notable recordings include those by Liz Carroll, Loretto Reid and Brian Taheny, John Weir, Clare Keville, and Eithne Ni Dhonaile, and Arcady. Kevin Burke has a unique setting of the tune. Dymphna O’Sullivan plays it in D minor on concertina.

How It's Played:

The tune is often played in Edorian key. It has been arranged for different instruments, including guitar, bass, flute, mandolin, harmonica, and bagpipes. Some bands incorporate it into sets with other tunes like "Dick Gossip’s" and "Mason’s Apron.”