John Ryan's Polka

Planxty made this polka famous on Cold Blow and the Rainy Night in 1974, in a set with "Denis Murphy's Polka" and "The 42 Pound Cheque." Most players now drop the middle tune and pair the other two.

It is also called "Sean Ryan's Polka," though "John Ryan's" is the usual name. Flute player Josie McDermott had no name for it, so on his album Darby's Farewell it was called "The Keadue Polka," after the Roscommon village near Carolan's grave. It is so common now that many players consider it a beginner's tune.