* Cooley's Reel, one of the most popular Irish reels of the 20th century, has no ironclad history. Usually played as a two part reel, the third turn surfaced recently on a 2 CD compilation of Sligo fiddler Michael Gorman (1895-1970) which was assembled by Reg Hall for Topic records.![]()
In trying to search out the 'true' composer(s), I've read a few theories. The most likely comes from Allan Jardine, a folklorist who interviewed a number of Irish composer / musicians during the 1970s. In his interview with Galway accordionist Joe Mills:
"There has always been some contoversy over the authorship of the tune. According to Joe Mills, who does claim to be the composer, the story goes that Joe Cooley was a young lad of 18 or so when he first heard Joe Mills playing the tune, (1938). They were both members of the Aughrim Slopes Band and Cooley was reported to be mad for the tune. "He quickly learned it, and played it sometimes 2 and 3 times per night."Joe Mills feels that this is why so many people came to associate the tunes with Cooley, as does even his own brother, Seamus.
Mill's title Luttrell's Pass refers to the Battle of Aughrim, fought in Joe Mills' neck of the woods in the early part of the 17th century. Other titles include Joe Cooley's Fancy (Tony McMahon recording), and the Tulla Reel, (Ceol Rince na hEireann, Vol. 1, #200.)
Below are a few of the other possibilities:
We await confirmation...
last update 12/1/2001