airBeginner
Star of the County Down
A beloved Irish folk ballad set to the old air Kingsfold (or Dives and Lazarus). Its expressive, minor-mode cadence makes it a lyrical showpiece on whistle.
Key SignatureEm
Time Signature4/4
Recommended InstrumentKey of D Whistle
Suggested Tempo90 BPM
6-Hole Fingering Tablature Preview Opening Phrase
Visual whistle fingering holes for the initial notes. Filled circles represent closed holes.
ABC Notation Code
Standard ABC format compatible with all ABC tune players and software.
X: 5 T: Star of the County Down R: air M: 4/4 L: 1/8 K: Em E2 | B2 BA B2 de | d2 B2 A2 GA | B2 E2 E2 DE | G6 E2 | B2 BA B2 de | d2 B2 A2 GA | B2 E2 E2 D2 | E6 :: d2 | e2 ed e2 ef | g2 fe d2 B2 | d2 BA B2 de | d6 GA | B2 BA B2 de | d2 B2 A2 GA | B2 E2 E2 D2 | E6 :|
Tune History & Origins
Written by Cathal McGarvey (1866–1927), telling the tale of a young man smitten by Rosie McCann, the star of County Down.
Notable Recordings
- Van Morrison & The Chieftains
- The Pogues
- High Kings