A chara, – Frank Harte was right that Irish academic historians have, in the main, ignored political ballads (An Irishman's Diary, September 23rd).
A notable exception was John A Murphy, emeritus professor of history in UCC.
Many a time and oft have I heard John A silence the rowdiest pub with brilliant renditions from his vast repertoire of political ballads. There are private recordings of his performances, but it is a shame that they are not readily available to the general public. – Is mise,
PEADAR MAC MÁGHNAIS,
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Baile Átha Cliath 5.