Who is Ireland's greatest songwriter?

[progeezer]

OR, you could simply listen to people from Ireland and learn from what they call it, rather than refusing to accept what we call it and coming up with ridiculous and unnecessary solutions to non-existent problems.

First of all, I specifically used the words "right or wrong" in my post. I am definitely NOT presuming to know more about the Republic of Ireland than you (or any resident of EITHER Ireland OR Northern Ireland). I would also agree that anyone outside Ireland who presumes to know more than its citizens is either crazy or has incredible hubris, or both.

I was MERELY pointing out that to everyone outside Ireland, Van is thought of as being Irish, whether that's right or wrong. I'm sorry you took away something else from my post.

The line between national pride and overreacting is a thin one indeed. I AFFIRM what you've said. You're correct. But that's not what my post was about.

[Trane]

I was MERELY pointing out that to everyone outside Ireland, Van is thought of as being Irish, whether that's right or wrong. I'm sorry you took away something else from my post.

Isn't Van Catholic (I'm basing my guess on the St Dom Preview artwork)?

If he is, that would sure as hell make him an Irish...

[JeffCarney]

Some great mentions. I'd certainly put Van Morrison and Phil Lynott at the top.

But let's not forget Clodagh Simonds (later in Thin Lizzy), from Mellow Candle, etc.

[Calabasas_Trafalgar]

Hmm, I am not of fan of this particular band that I don't think have been mentioned here yet. I don't even know who writes their songs? Bono/The Edge?

But U2 is by far the most popular band that ever emerged from Ireland. Don't they get a mention?

I mentioned him. See post #36

[Modry Effekt]

Some great mentions. I'd certainly put Van Morrison and Phil Lynott at the top.

But let's not forget Clodagh Simonds (later in Thin Lizzy), from Mellow Candle, etc.

Dr. Strangely Strange - sign of My Mind

Good call.

[SuperTed]

Isn't Van Catholic (I'm basing my guess on the St Dom Preview artwork)?

If he is, that would sure as hell make him an Irish...

Van's a protestant from East Belfast FWIW...

[NeonKnight]

I mentioned him. See post #36

Skipped right by that. Good call.

[Plasmatopia]

The original post was probably a rhetorical question (and an answer was supplied in that post) since very few of us are likely to know which artists will fit the criteria (apparently).

[JKL2000]

Cookie O'Puss

[Trane]

Van's a protestant from East Belfast FWIW...

oh well... He's on the oppressing side, then....

long live atheism...

[JKL2000]

oh well... He's on the oppressing side, then....

long live atheism...

Yeah! Especially since it's obvious that everyone from that island is completely the same.

[PeterG]

You actually... I thought you were an English expat...

LOL!! No, Irish born & bred.

[bigbassdrum]

Hmm, it might be one of these guys ....

Trad .... or..... Anon

I've seen a lot of songs written by them

[llanwydd]

No mention of Bono yet?

[moecurlythanu]

I'll go with Johnny McEvoy.

Peter, I'm on the other side of the pond, and I understand the distinction between the Republic of Ireland and the UK province in the north. Didn't know Van was from the north, though.

[moecurlythanu]

No mention of Bono yet?

Is this thing on?

[PeterG]

No mention of Bono yet?

Well, not by the people who answered the poll anyway, so...

[NeonKnight]

Who is Ireland's greatest prog band?

This was actually a serious question. Peter or anyone else willing to take a stab?

[PeterG]

This was actually a serious question. Peter or anyone else willing to take a stab?

Sorry, I missed the question first time round. Well, Ireland and Northern Ireland were never huge prog countries, we only had a handful of bands that could be called "prog rock" but the obvious ones that spring to mind (i.e. the ones I've heard of ) are Fruupp, Horslips, Andwella, Dr. Strangely Strange, Tir Na Nog, Sally Oldfield, Mellow Candle - BUT apart from Fruupp, none of the others were purely prog in my opinion it was all mostly a combo of folk, psych, pop, new age and soft rock.

So, I'd have to say Fruupp.

[NeonKnight]

Sorry, I missed the question first time round. Well, Ireland and Northern Ireland were never huge prog countries, we only had a handful of bands that could be called "prog rock" but the obvious ones that spring to mind (i.e. the ones I've heard of ) are Fruupp, Horslips, Andwella, Dr. Strangely Strange, Tir Na Nog, Sally Oldfield, Mellow Candle - BUT apart from Fruupp, none of the others were purely prog in my opinion it was all mostly a combo of folk, psych, pop, new age and soft rock.

So, I'd have to say Fruupp.

Thanks for the swift answer.

I only recognize one band from your list, Horslips. The rest are all new to me.

Do you have any favorite Fruupp YT clips you care to share?

As far as the Irish Island not being a hotbed for prog, why do you think that might be?

I shudder to think the answer might be because progressive music is "Essentially British"?

[Modry Effekt]

My top list is:
(and remember this is about songwriters, not performers)

2. Christy Moore

What would be best place to start with Christy Moore?
I just came across of this song.Sad,grim and hopeless.

[Toothyspook]

Johnny Duhan
Joe O'Donnell

Both originally from Grannys Intentions - a Limerick band

Maybe not the 'greatest' writers but surly up there somewhere

[markowitz]

I'm a big Van fan, but what about the Frames? Some good songs and good writing for sure. I had heard at the time they were the number 2 rock band in Ireland to U2. Don't know if that is true. Glen Hansard can sign a little as well as write too. Too bad the Blue Nile is from Scottland (had to look that up that they might be Irish) really like their song writing.

[markowitz]

PS Glen Hansard can also sing (not really sure if he can sign)

[Modry Effekt]

Christy Moore