This short film from Hilltown captures an outdoor performance of one of Ireland’s most beloved songs, The Banks of the Bann. Its melody shares common ground with several other Irish folk songs, such as Slane, and the hymns Lord of All Hopefulness and Be Thou My Vision.

Like many Irish folk songs, it tells the story of a lonely stranger, far from home, who falls in love with a woman. The stranger, named Delaney, reveals that his exile is the result of a life spent squandering money and drinking. Though the woman’s parents disapprove of him, Delaney vows to work hard and provide for her. The song concludes with an image that is as uncertain as it is hopeful: Delaney has won her love and dreams of a future filled with happiness and splendour.

This rendition, performed at the conclusion of a walk organised by the Hilltown convenors, is sung with great soul and met with the audience’s approval. 

Courtesy of Sinead McAleavy

• Hilltown Community Association