Mullagh Half Set

Lately I’ve been thinking about the Wille Clancy Festival in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare. Earlier in the week, I revisited this classic video of the Mullagh Half Set , and today I was inspired to work on some of their steps in the studio.

The Mullagh Half Set were a legendary group of dancers from Mullagh, Co. Clare just south of Miltown. This 1973 video features dancers Willie Keane, Kathleen Darcy, Anthony (Tone) Darcy, and Rita Tubridy accompanied by musicians John Dwyer, Paddy Glackin, Michael Tubridy and Michael O’Connor.

I worked on learning the advance-retire danced by Tone Darcy at the very beginning of the set. I break it down here for others interested in learning. Tunes from Mary McNamara’s album Traditional Music from East Clare.