MYSTERY: Antiques collector Brendan O'Sullivan from Fossa with the unique songbook and he's looking for a musician to play the mystery tune. Photo: Michelle Crean

EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

A hidden treasure is proving a mystery for one Killarney man and he’s looking for the public’s help to try and get some answers.

Brendan O’Sullivan from Fossa got his hands on a unique songbook made in Manchester and sold by Marks and Spenser on genuine music paper featuring a number of Irish songs. However, out of the 76 songs featured, one called the ‘Killarney March’ he says he’s never heard of.

Now, he’s seeking the public’s help to find out more information – and is hoping a local musician will play him the tune.

Brendan bought ‘The Favourite Song: Killarney Song and Killarney March’ from an antiques dealer in Macroom. However, the tune named ‘Killarney March’ has left him baffled.

“I collect things like this as a hobby and this is unique,” Brendan told the Killarney Advertiser.

“I’ve never come across it before. Here we have a tune about Killarney and with St Patrick’s Day coming up and bands coming over, it’s something that should be recorded.”

‘Killarney March’ was the tune by Adolph Abbey who was born in Pennsylvania while

‘Killarney Song’ was written by Edward Falconer in 1857 just after Queen Victoria visited Killarney. It was later recorded by John McCormack in the early 20 century.

“It’s a bit of history no-one knows about and no-one in the world is playing it. I’m excited to hear it, especially as it was written by a fella from Pennsylvania.”