The celebrated Irish songwriter Jimmy MacCarthy tells in his autobiographical collection Ride On: in Song and Story of how was inspired to write one of his greatest songs, Neidín, by the “sublime fiddle-playing of Seamus and Manus McGuire ” in Crowley’s bar, Kenmare.
“On Monday, Darby (Crowley) and I went to Crowley’s bar in Kenmare (Neidín), owned by the kindly and wise Mrs. Crowley, who keeps a great house for traditional sessions. We went for something to steady the nerves, and to listen to the sublime fiddle-playing of Seamus and Manus McGuire. We listened in delight for an hour, finished our drinks and headed for home…when I got home with my scribbled notes, I wrote the song, Neidín”
- Jimmy MacCarthy
Excerpt from lyrics of Neidín:
As I leave behind Neidín
It's like purple splashed on green
My soul is strangely fed
Through the winding hills ahead
And she plays a melody
On wind and streams for me
Won't you remember?
Won't you remember?
Won't you remember me?
And we wind and climb and fall
Like the greatest waltz of all
Float across the floor
Her sweet breath outside the door
And it's time that I was gone
Cross the silver tear
Won't you remember?
Won't you remember?
Won't you remember me?