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Notes
The Banshee (also known as “McMahon’s Reel”) is one of the most iconic and frequently played reels in the Irish traditional music repertoire. It was composed by the legendary flute player James McMahon, originally from County Fermanagh.
The tune is set in the key of G Major (often played in G Major / E minor) and is characterized by its bright, rolling melody and steady eighth-note rhythm. Despite its somewhat spooky name, the tune is energetic and uplifting, making it a cornerstone of session culture. It is famously associated with The Bothy Band, whose high-energy recording in the 1970s helped cement its status as a global favorite among fiddlers, flute players, and tin whistle enthusiasts alike.