Sean 'ac Donnca (1919-1996) and Maire Aine Ni Dhonnchadha, teachers by trade, are accompanied by violinist Denis Murphy (1910-1974) on this 1960 album. The melodies, singing style, and language are from the oldest surviving Irish traditions from Connemara and Clare counties. This music communicates a way of life beyond the careers of these musicians. The liner notes, written by American music historian Samuel B. Charters, describe the history of struggle and disestablishment of the Irish people that helped produce music that is at once sad, romantic, and bracing.