Just came across this discussion & have a bit of (hopefully) helpful info to contribute.
The Donegal name 'The Drunken Piper' for this tune comes from the shaggy dog story John Doherty told to introduce the tune; the story concerns a drunken piper's encounter with the Mín a' Tóiteáin bull- so it's not connected with the more common tune of that name. It's a great story but too long to get into here!
A page at reocities says that the tune is in fact a Donegal version of the Inverness Gathering rather than the Drunken Piper, even though it is called the Drunken Piper in Donegal. (Links seem not to be allowed in comments, but Google “Notes on the Northern Fiddler” together with “Inverness Gathering” and you will find it. To judge for yourself, listen to Youtube video z-DS_O6cul0
@caoimhinsmo Hey there, how you doing. I've played the Inverness Gathering on the pipes myself (used to play in pipe bands), but I wouldn't agree that this tune comes from that root. The Donegal lads did say that the Drunken Piper was an alternate name and that it was different from the Scottish 'Drunken Piper'. I guess that since these tunes have evolved over time, some taken from Scotland back to Ireland, and not written down for a long time, the original root is obfuscated. Great tune anyhow!
Just came across this discussion & have a bit of (hopefully) helpful info to contribute.
The Donegal name 'The Drunken Piper' for this tune comes from the shaggy dog story John Doherty told to introduce the tune; the story concerns a drunken piper's encounter with the Mín a' Tóiteáin bull- so it's not connected with the more common tune of that name. It's a great story but too long to get into here!
dannydiamage 3 months ago
A page at reocities says that the tune is in fact a Donegal version of the Inverness Gathering rather than the Drunken Piper, even though it is called the Drunken Piper in Donegal. (Links seem not to be allowed in comments, but Google “Notes on the Northern Fiddler” together with “Inverness Gathering” and you will find it. To judge for yourself, listen to Youtube video z-DS_O6cul0
caoimhinsmo 4 months ago
@caoimhinsmo Hey there, how you doing. I've played the Inverness Gathering on the pipes myself (used to play in pipe bands), but I wouldn't agree that this tune comes from that root. The Donegal lads did say that the Drunken Piper was an alternate name and that it was different from the Scottish 'Drunken Piper'. I guess that since these tunes have evolved over time, some taken from Scotland back to Ireland, and not written down for a long time, the original root is obfuscated. Great tune anyhow!
sushiguru 4 months ago
I think the proper spelling is maybe “Mín an Tóiteáin” (See logainm.ie)
caoimhinsmo 4 months ago
Go h-iontach ar fad!
caoimhinsmo 4 months ago