AN SPAILPÍN FÁNACH / The Wandering Labouring Man
I had only limited success when trying to find images to go with the lively and spirited character of ’An Spailpín Fánach’. On the internet most of the images show a nation in trauma. The roots of the song lie in the hope for a successful rising by the United Irishmen (see verse three below).
Its failure in 1798 led to the abolition the Irish Parliament in Dublin.
The version recorded by Seán Ó Sé in the 1960s includes the memorable words:
“Agus bratacha na