Rakes of Clonmel

“The Rakes of Clonmel” is a traditional Irish jig with a rich history, dating back to at least the early 19th century. The term “rake” refers to a dissolute or carefree individual, derived from “rakehell,” which stems from the Old Icelandic word “reikall,” meaning “wandering” or “unsettled.” Clonmel, meaning “meadow of honey” in Irish, is a town in County Tipperary known for its historical significance.

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The tune has been known by various names, including “Tom Morrison’s Favourite,” “Double Head,” and “Sarsfield’s Jig.” Its structure varies across sources, with versions featuring two or three parts. A two-part version appears in the mid-19th century music manuscript collection of County Cork cleric and uilleann piper Canon James Goodman. Francis O’Neill, in his 1910 work “Irish Folk Music,” notes that he memorized the tune from the playing of piper Bernard Delaney and dictated it to fiddler James O’Neill, who added a third strain from an Ulster setting called “The Boys of the Lough.”

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The earliest known recording of “The Rakes of Clonmel” was made in 1923 by the Flanagan Brothers, featuring Joe on accordion, Mike on tenor banjo, and Louis on a hybrid harp-guitar. Over time, the tune has become a staple in Irish traditional music sessions, appreciated for its lively rhythm and melodic richness.