The Sligo Maid

'The Sligo Maid' is a popular Irish reel tune. Many musicians play it, and there are many different versions.

Origins and Performance:

• Kevin Burke and Kevin Crawford are known to play the tune, though they play it differently.
• Carmel Gunning plays a fast, distinctive version on the whistle.
• Paddy Killoran is known for a particularly striking rendition.
• Donegal fiddler Danny O’Donnell has a version recorded by The Tap Room Trio.
• John Carty has a well-regarded version that some people attempt to learn.
• Foster and Allen play a version that is difficult to identify.
• Séamus Ennis recorded a version in 1955.
• Zoë Conway has a version that is a tribute to Séamus Ennis.

Musical Variations:

• Musicians often disagree on how to play certain bars, particularly bars 2 and 6 in the second part. Some play it as |b~g3 efge|, others as |b2gb abge|.
• Kevin Burke sometimes adds variations in the third time through the A part.
• Kevin sometimes removes triplets in the B part.
• Some versions have triplets in the first, fifth, and second-to-last bars.
• Some versions omit the C# and play it pentatonically (without the C# or F#).

Key & Chords:

• The tune is typically played in the key of A Dorian.
• Common chord suggestions for accompaniment include A, G, Em, and D, avoiding F chords. Playing it in D major is generally discouraged as it doesn't suit the tune.

Note: Several individuals have created their own versions or settings of 'The Sligo Maid,' demonstrating the tune's adaptability and the varying interpretations within Irish traditional music.