In a beautiful white gown, hair and make-up set perfectly, Patrice was the vision of the perfect bride as she sat on her husband’s lap at their wedding reception. Surrounded by her family, joy shone on Patrice’s face. However, the happy night clearly wasn’t over yet when her sister, Clodagh, began to sing. She launched into the Irish folk song ‘Rattlin’ Bog’, a wordy song that many know but few are actually able to sing. Music Man readers will be amazed by how skillfully she took on the song.
The performance started off as a relatively simple folk number, with the reception guests all joining in on the chorus. Then the song grew more complex, with more lyrics added to the verse each time it came around, and the entire song picked up speed as it continued. Despite the complexity, Clodagh sang every word perfectly, even at 5 a.m., seeming completely at ease as her mouth worked a mile a minute to fit them all in, prompting one viewer to comment, “That is phenomenal.”
I was very moved to see how much joy exuded from everyone who joined in with the sing-along. All the guests joined in with gusto, growing more enthusiastic as the song continued, culminating in a final energetic chorus. I found it particularly special to see how much fun the two sisters were having as they sang together. The talent clearly runs in the family too, as I was blown away to hear Patrice singing in perfect harmony when she joined in, naturally fitting in with her sister’s melody.
Music Man readers may be more familiar with the versions of ‘Rattlin’ Bog’ that have been performed by Ireland’s most popular folk groups over the years, such as The Irish Descendants or The Irish Rovers. Watching The Irish Rovers perform the song live, the song’s sing-along tradition quickly takes hold, as audience members can’t help but eagerly join in with the chorus. It’s once again clear how much joy this lively folk song brings to everyone who takes part.
One of the most wonderful things about folk songs like this is the way that they bring people together. Whether at a concert of a popular folk band or at a wedding reception, crowds can’t help but join in with songs like this. The fact that Clodagh had the idea to sing it at an event as special as her sister’s wedding just goes to show the impact a song like this has, and it’s clear from the joy on everyone’s faces that it achieved its intended purpose beautifully.
Clodagh’s dazzling, rapid-fire rendition — with Patrice joining in perfect harmony — turned a wedding moment into a joyous, viral folk triumph. For more on the sisters, the full performance and the story behind “Rattlin’ Bog,” check the useful links below.