The Monaghan Twig ia a reel in the key of Amix. It has many associations with sessions in the north of Ireland. The first recording of the tune was by James Kelly, Paddy O’Brien and Daithi Sproule on the LP “Is It Yourself ?”. It was recorded by Brian O’Donnell in Belfast, 1966.

first part

• | E D C# A   A B C# D | E D C# A  A G e | B C#A A  B C# D E | D B A G  B D |
• | E D C# A   A B C# D | E D C# A  A G e | B C#A A  B C# D E | D B A G  B D |

second part

• | C# D E F#  G’ F# E D | B C# D E   F# E D | C# D E F#  G’ –E | D B G B  D |
• | E D   C# D E D | C# D E D  C# A A B | C# D E F#  G’-E | D E E D  B A G B | D E D |

Maggie In The Wood will be the first polka of a set of three that we will be learning this term. It is a very popular tune and known widely known in music sessions. Practice the tune played slowly until you build up confidence before moving on to the faster version.

Maggie In The Wood played slowly

first part

• B A G d   G A B E | E G’ E D   B A G A | B A A
• B A G d   G A B E | E G’ E D   B A B G G

second part

• D G’ F# E   D B E E | G’ E D B   A G A B | A A
• D G’ F# E   D B E E | G’ E D B   A B G G

Maggie In The Wood played at polka speed

Maggie In The Wood & Denis Doodys Polka Set