Summary: Turlough O'Carolan wrote many of his harp tunes to honor the friends where he stayed at length, earning his living as a bard. Those friends are called patrons and the tunes are called planxties. Lady Athenry was one such patroness who hosted him as he traveled. It's written that this composition was one of his loveliest. I found that 2-finger picking was the easiest way for me to play this tune. It was exciting arranging a tune in 6/8 time in this style since I sort of make up my own rules as I go. If I want to pick something twice in a row with my thumb, I do. If I want to use my finger likewise I do! Not using picks, though, the tone may not be as bright as it could have been.
