CAHANS ULSTER SCOTS NIGHT
Slowly but surely Cahans Meeting House, Stranooden, Ballybay is developing a reputation as a community centre of cultural and social distinction. On Friday 15 September last it was the occasion for an attentive audience to be entertained at an Ulster Scots Night which explored the language and music from Scots ancestors.
A fascinating talk and visual presentation by teacher Matthew Warwick of the Ulster Scots Community Network, introduced us to the words used to describe every day events, practices and human foibles that were spoken of generally throughout Ulster since the 17th century. From that time, the Scots tongue came to Ulster with the waves of migration when up to 100,000 lowland Scots came in search of prosperity and religious freedom. Within a century the language was firmly established.
During Matthew’s presentation many of us, especially those of us from an agricultural background, recalled the many traditional words that we grew up with and took for granted. Words like `dunt` (a nudge) which a young calf might give you. Or your mother could give out a `gulder` (a shout) if you didn`t `redd up` (tidy up) your toys. `Midlin` meant you were average. If `crabbit`, you were angry. Matthew gave lots of words and phrases of Scottish origin, for example: `pernickety` (fussy), `carnaptious` (irritable), `canny` (stubborn), `clarty`or `mingin` (dirty), and so on. He also gave examples of once common phrases like `thon wee lad`s a hallion` (that fellow is a rascal) and `thon oul doll`s gye nebby` (that old woman is very nosey). Matthew also brought along complimentary information on the Ulster Scots tradition including a `wee guide` to the language, a surname map and pocket history of the Scots in Ulster, a Cavan – Monaghan heritage trail brochure, and a child`s story book.
After the interval of tea and refreshments, the Northern Ireland folk group, Stonewall, playing a variety of musical instruments, enthralled the audience with a medley of Ulster Scots and Irish traditional songs and instrumentals. These included: The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, Aileen`s Joke, The Temperance Reel, gospel songs, and some amazing guitar playing. A highlight of the performance was the rendition of the poignant Andy Irvine – Paul Brady song, Mary and the Soldier. Another high point was the recitation by Matthew of The Dance written by Charlie Gillen, Ballymoney. A list of forthcoming events will be published soon.
