The founder of the Blayney family in Ireland was Edward Blaney of Montgomery. Having served in Spain and the Low Countries, he accompanied the Earl of Essex to Ireland in 1598 as a Colonel in the army. The subject of Carolan's air is probably Mary, the wife of the 6th baron whom she married in 1686. She was the daughter of William Caulfield. At the time of her marriage she was the widow of Arthur Dillon of County Meath. Lord Blaney succeeded to the title in 1689 and was one of the few protestants who attended King James's Irish Parliament in that year. Lady Blaney died on 8th August, 1724 and was buried with her husband in Castle Blaney which he built.
Notations are courtesy of Carolan, the Life and Times of an Irish Harper by Dónal O'Sullivan p 168 Celtic Music Edition 1983.
Replay background music: Lady Mary Blaney
Filleadh go liosta Cearbhalláin
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