Brian O'Rourke (composer)

O'Rourke was born in Ratheniska, County Laois.^[1] He was married and had three children, with whom he lived in Magherabaun, Feakle. O'Rourke taught Irish Studies or Irish Heritage at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.

O'Rourke published two volumes with collections of Irish songs.^[2] These songs were frequently performed by Sean nós singers.

• Blas Meala (english: A sip from the honeypot)^[3]
• An Dhub ina Bhan (english: Pale rainbow)^[4]

As a composer, he was best known for "The Bhodrán song" (when I grow up), included on the album The Very Best of Irish Ballads (ARC Music 2015) and Chantal du Champignon.^[5]

In the book chapter "County Mayo in Gaelic Folk Song", O´Rourke identifies a series of characters in the history of County Mayo that are remembered through folk songs.^[6]

• Seán Mac Aoidh, murder suspect and ascribed author of the poem Sail Og Rua
• Dónal Ó Maoláine, rapparee described in an adventure song
• Lacky Ó Máille, the troubled friar and author of two songs
• Tomás Bán Mac Aodhagáin, a person sentenced to be hanged who is described in the song that bears his name
• Dónal Meirgeach Mac Conmara, the freckled adscribed author of the song An Ghaoth Andeas