The Phantom Piper's
Terribly Terrific Tunes




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Ceol traidisiúnta na hÉireann ar Píob mhór agus Píob beag


Bagpipe* Settings for Traditional Irish Session Music
*(aka Irish War Pipes or the Great Highland Bagpipes
and the Scottish Small Pipes)

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These tunes are a compilation of traditional Irish tunes popular in Irish sessions throughout America. I have heard these tunes in several session groups and have long wished to be able to play the same tunes on my pipes (i.e. the Great Highland Bagipies, GHB) the Píb Mhór or big pipes.

I was also greatly influenced by the recordings of such Irish groups as The Chieftains, Boys of the Lough, Planxty, The Bothy Band, Oisin, Aengus, and General Humbert. and many of my favorite Scottish groups such as The Whistlebinkies, Battlefield Band, Silly Wizard, Tannahill Weavers, and Ossian also played many traditional Irish tunes.

Over the past fifteen to twenty years many of the grade I Pipe Bands (in particular, the Canadian 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band, Simon Fraser University Pipe Band and the Irish Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band) put traditional Irish tunes in their competition medleys.

So I knew it was possible to play these tunes on the big pipes but it is very difficult to find Irish music for the big pipes in America. I only recently found the following books (on the Internet) even though they have been published for over ten years. Traditional Irish Music for the Bagpipe by David Rickard formerly of the Fintan Lalor Pipeband of Dublin but now a member of the St. Lawrence O'Toole Pipeband of Dublin, and Irish Tunes Old & New by Pipe Major Terry Tully of the St. Lawrence O'Toole Pipe Band, Dublin. He has two more books called Terry Tully Collection of Traditional Irish Music and Terry Tully Collection of Traditional and Contemporary Irish Music. If you want to know where to get the books mentioned, search the Internet under their names or contact me and I'll send you some links to stores selling their books.

Robert Wallace of the above mentioned Wistlebinkies, who is credited with the revival of the Scottish Highland Small Pipes also published a book entitled The Glasgow Collection of Bagpipe Music, which has many of his settings for Irish tunes played by him on the Scottish pipes with the Whistlebinkies.

I also highly recommend the Highland Bagpipe music book The Moidart Collection or A Cheud Ceud by Allan MacDonald the brother of Iain MacDonald former piper with both Ossian and the Battlefield Band mentioned above. It has many Irish tunes in it!

I believe it is good to have many different settings to choose from as there are for traditional Scottish pipe tunes. My settings and many of my tunes are different than what you will find in the above mentioned books.

I used the program Bagpipe Music Writer, also known as BMW by Robert MacNeil to put these tunes on staff notation.

If anyone can help me with the Irish Gaelic for these tune names I would greatly appreciate it.

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I have changed my focus from just being able to play my favorite Irish tunes on the GHB to playing them on Scottish Smallpipes in traditional Irish seesions.

I found that not all of my arrangements were suitable for session playing. So I have made different arrangements. Of course you can play any setting on any type of pipes.

For example I play three different versions/arrangements/settings of the polka John Ryan's. One for the Smallpipes in the key of "A" and the Border Pipes, another for the Smallpipes in the key of "D", and a third version that I perfer playing on GHB that changes keys and therefore not appreciated by most session players. Though they play more versatile imstruments they don't want to adapt tunes to the limitations of the Scottish pipes. This limits which tunes you can play on the Scottish pipes in a traditional Irish session.

I will eventually identify the tunes listed below as to which will work for session playing.

I now have the following different types of pipes.

ASSP = Scottish Smallpipes in the key of "A" The B above the pipe scale is usually a High G and the F# below the pipe scale is uaually a Low A. Measures are often an octave above or below what the other musicians are playing.(For example the tune Up and Down Again above would work in a session played on the Smallpipes in the key of "A" or the Border Pipes. Humours of Whiskey might also work on these pipes depending on the session.

DSSP = Scottish Smallpipes in the key of "D" Parts are often an octave above or below what the other musicians are playing. (For example the tunes Humours of Whiskey and Paddy Be Easy above would work in a session played on the Smallpipes in the key of "D".

LBP = Lowland or Border Pipes allow for chromatic fingerings, which might also work on your GHB chanter! Tunes have F and/or C naturals, and/or G sharps.

GHB = Great Highland Bagpipes Tunes usually have key changes that are not traditional. Session players usually won't like this version. (For example the tunes Fig For A Kiss, Hardiman the Fiddler, above would not work in a session played on the Smallpipes or the Border Pipes.

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IRISH SCOTTISH
Tempo Time Signature Tune Type Time Signature Tempo
200-224 4/4 Reel ¢ 98-108
137 6/8 Single Jig 6/8 132
137 12/8 Slide 12/8 Jig 132
127 6/8 Double Jig 6/8 120-130
144 9/8 Slip Jig 9/8 Jig 132
84; 180 2/4; 4/4 Hornpipe 2/4 94
137 2/4 Polka 2/4
Fling/Strathspey C 126
42 6/8 Air 6/8 46
104 4/4 Air/March 4/4 84
90 3/4 Air/Retreat 3/4 94
137 2/4 March 2/4 86
137 6/8 March 6/8 86

If you want the pipe music for any of the tunes listed below try the following links, which have many but not all of the tunes in these different formats; BMW, abc, and GIF. Some are my arrangements and some are by others. If you can't find the tune you want just e-mail me and I'll send you one or more arrangemnts of the tune.


  
Gaelic Béarla
Ríleanna Reels
Réice an Mala The Rakes of Mallow
Pádraic Réiciuil Rakish Paddy (Cabair Féigh)
An Tuiséara The Gauger (The High Reel)
Garráin Ghlasa na hÉireann The Green Groves of Ireland
Slán le hÉireann Farewell to Ireland
Eireaball na Fáinleoige The Swallow's Tail (Bean Pheadrin)
An Cloúr ar an nGeata The Pigeon on the Gate (The Swallow's Tail)
Bláthana an Chnoic Rua The Flowers of Red Hill (The Pigeon on the Gate)
Craith na Cleiteacha Toss the Feathers
An Ghaoth a Chroitheann an Eorna The Wind that Shakes the Barley
Cailíní deasa Mhuigheo The Pretty Girls of Mayo (Muirsheen Durkin)
Caisleán Uí Cheallaigh Castle Kelly
Gearrchailiú an Dúin Mhóir The Dunmore Lassies (The Road to Knock)
Na Madraí i measc na Toim The Dogs Among the Bushes (Athole Brose)
Mairgheanin Suantach Drowsy Maggie (The Reel with the Beryle, The Ladies Bonnet)
Bealach Gairbhéalach The Gravel Walk to Granny (glen between Ardara and Glencomcille, County Donegal)
Máirseáil Uí Néill O'Neill's Cavalry March
Sliabh Bána The Silver Spear
Delfrigh leis an gCéachta Speed the Plough (Tom Billy's)
Bí ag Treabhadh leat Speed the Plough (The Naval Pillar)
Iníon NicLeòid Miss Mcleod (Mrs. MacLeod of Raasay)
Práiscín an Mhásúin The Mason's Apron (The Kerry Reel)
An Buailteoir Meidhreach The Jolly Banger (The Fairy Dance)
Píopaí Greig Greig's Pipes (Craig's Pipes, Kregg's Pipes, The Kerry Huntsman, The Manchester)
An Cupán Tae The (Unfortunate) Cup of Tea
Na Fiairí Feá The Merry Harriers
Sagart an Cheoil The Musical Priest
Ríl an Chonsairtín The Concertina Reel
Ríl Caisleán The Castle Reel (Dick Gossip's, The First Cup)
The Moving Clouds
The Otter's Holt
An Bean Sí The Banshee (McMahon's)
Brenda Stubbert (a Canadian tune)
St. Anne's Reel (a Canadian tune)
Da New Rigged Ship (a Shetland tune)
Poirta Shingile agus Sleamhnáin Single Jigs and Slides
An Bóthar go Lios Dúin Bhearna The Road to Lisdoonvarna
Smidiríní na Fuinneoga Smash the Windows (Roaring Jelly)
Bridhidin as Sligeach (Feidhlime an Gleiceadoir) The Biddy from Sligo (Felix the Wrestler, The Boys of the Naul, The Bogs of Waul)
An Píléara agus Gabhar (An Gabhar Bán) The Peeler and the Goat (The White Goat)
Téir Abhaile Riú Will you go home to them (The Tidy Woman or Behind the Bush in the Garden)
Rincaí Chiarraí The Kerry Dances
An Giorra san Arbhar The Hare in the Corn
Réalta os cionn Ghairtéar Star Above the Garter
An Cailín Dubh i bhFeisteas Gorm The Dark Girl in Blue (Denis Murphy's Slide)
Chill Fenora (An Shean Peata) Kilfenora (The Old Favourite)
Cúil Aodha Coolea [in County Cork](Connie Walsh's)
Tá an Coileach ag Fógairt an Lae When the Cock Crows in the Day
Sleamhnán Uí Chaoimh O'Keefe's Slide
An Chailleach an Cuinneog The Old Hag at the Churn (The Highlander)
Port Dhonncha Uí Dhubhshlaine Dinny Delaney's (The Old Hag at the Kiln)
Sleamhnán Sheáin Uí Cheallaigh John Kelly's
Beidh aonach amárach i gContae an Chláir There'll be a fair tommorrow in County Clair
Patsy Geary's
Poirt Dúbalta Double Jigs
An Chailleach sa Tornóig The Old Hag in the Kiln (Dinny Delaney's)
An Chailleach Rua The Redhaired Hag
Cailleach an Túirne The Old Hag at the Spinning Wheel
Cailleach an Airgid The Hag with the Money
Cailleach do mhaireas mé (Tiocfaidh tú Abhaile liom) Old Hag You've Killed Me (Will You come Home with me?)
Capaillín Langstern Langstern Pony
Amach ar an tAigéan (Anonn an Farraige) Out on the Ocean (Over the Sea)
Muga Leanna doinn (Port Chláir) Mug of Brown Ale (The Clare Jig)
Rogha Liadroma Leitrim Fancy
Tae ab' ea a Theastaíonn is Tú Tinn? When Sick is it Tea You want?
An Turas go Sligeach The Trip to Sligo
Ruaig an Mí-ádh Banish Misfortune
Port Uí Mhuirgheasa Morrison's Jig
Banríon na Luachair Queen of the Rushes
Port Shean tSéain Old John's Jig
Port Sheain tSeosaimh John Joseph's Jig (old Joe's)
Bóthar an Chêiste go Sligeach (An Maide Draighneán) The Coachroad to Sligo (The Blackthorn Stick)
An Gandal i bPoll na bhFataí (An Bhrathar) The Gander in the Pratie Hole (The Monk)
Port an Bhrathar (An Lucharachán Caillte) The Monk's Jig (The Lost Elf)
Cúnla (An Bhriste Bhráthair) The Frieze Breeches (The Friar's Britches)
Port Chéise (Chinn Coraidh) The Kesh (Kincora) Jig
An Buachaillín Buí (An Fuiseog ar Maidin) The Littel Yellow Boy (The Lark in the Morning)
Aonach Bhéal Átha na Sluaighe
(An Bean Sí Rince, Bád Chill Dalua)
Ballinasloe Fair
(The Lilting Banshee, The Killaloe Boat)
Pléaráca Baile Átha Troim (Na Tonntracha Reatha) The Humours of Trim (The Rolling Wave)
Aonach Dhomnacha Broca (Pléaráca Dhomnacha Broca, An Áthas Bheatha) Donnybrook Fair (The Humours of Donnybrook, The Joy of Life)
Athair Uí Fhloinn Father O'Flynn (The Rolicking Irishman, The Top of Cork Road)
Tá Beatha Seicear Life is All Chequered
Tá An Siocán i ngach át The Frost is all Over (Kitty Lie Over, Paddy's Return,
The Praties are Dug)
Caomhnaigh na Beanmná Cherish the Ladies
Tabhair Póg/Rinc Meidhreach Bean Chaecar Merrily Kiss/Danced the Quaker's Wife
An Oilthreach Bhlárnan The Blarney Pilgrim
Na hAillte Mhoher The Cliffs of Moher
Cean riome ar n-Imtheachd One Before We Go
An Sean Gob Liath The Old Grey Goose
Na Géabha sa bPortach The Geese in the Bog
Port Uí Mhig Uidhir Lt. McGuire's Jig
An Sean Duine Dóighte (Crò nan Gobhar, Tá na Caimbéalaigh ag Teacht) The Burnt Old Man (The Withered Old Man, The Goat Pen, The Campbells are Coming)
An Bhean Ní ocháin Éreannach The Irish Washerwoman
Pádín Ó Raifertaigh Paddy O'Rafferty
Na Spaisteoireachta Chonnachtach The Connaught Man's Ramble
Deun Deifir go de an Posgha Haste to the Wedding
Cuin deigh-phinghine (Na tri drumadoiridhe bheaga) The Tenpenny Bit (The Three Little Drummers)
Na Racairaidhe ua Cill Dara The Rakes of Kildare
Ag bogadh an Babaí Rocking the Baby
Tioman Na Ba a Baile Drive the Cows Home
An Maighistir-rinnce The Dancing Master (The Swallow's Nest)
Sgiap an Munloch Scatter the Mud
Port Bhoth Chomhla Bohola Jig (Seamus Cooley's)
Domhnall na Greine Daniel of the Sun (Thaddy you Gander, or Leg of the Duck)
Mo Mhuirnin 'sa codhladh My Darling Asleep
Daingnig an Cos Orti Fasten the Leg in Her, Fasten the Leggin'
An sean duine sugach The Jolly Old Man (There Cam' a Young Man to My Daddie's Door
Lord Dunmore's Jig, The Bride's Jig)
Scarta Glen Jig
Jimmy Ward's Jig
Johnny O'Leary's Jig
Da Full Rigged Ship (a Shetland tune)
Poirt Luasctha Slip Jigs
Ó ró, a Thaidhg, a Ghrá (An Féileacán) Oh Tim My Love (The Butterfly; Skin the Peeler)
An Mionnán ar an Sliabh The Kid on the Mountain
An Phis Fhliuch The Wet Quim (O'Farrell's Welcome to Limerick)
Glincíneanna Branda Drops of Brandy
Aoibhneas Élís ní Cheallaigh Liz Kelly's Delight
An Bóthar Carrach go Baile Átha Cliath Rocky Road to Dublin
Gáire na mBan
(Ni Maith Liom Póg, Gliogar an Mheadair)
The Woman's Laugh
(A Fig for a Kiss, The Gurgling/Splashing of the Milk Pail)
Eibhlin Ni Ghrada (Caitlin Ni Aodha) Ellen O'Grady (Kathleen MacHugh)
Cnoc Tiobraid-arainn Tipperary Hills (Andrew Carr, Michael Gorman's)
Ni bheidh mo aighne suaimhneach go deo (Cuaichin Aindi) My mind will never be easy, (Cucanandy), The Whistling Thief, As Pat came over the Hill, Happy To Meet And Sorry To Part, Woo'd an' Married an' a'
Suas agus Síos Aris Up and Down Again (Brose and Butter)
Scaip an drucht Spatter the Dew (I have a wife of my own)
Pléaráca an Fuisce The Humours of Whiskey
Fear-tailce an Fidileir Hardy Man the Fiddler (Hardiman the Fiddler)
Súgradh na hOidhce Aréir (Paidin Sasda) Last Night's Fun (Paddy be easy)
Port Fiaguidhe an Sionaigh The Foxhunter
Ulliamin Caoch Blind Billy (Would the Minister not Dance?)
Seo Sláinte do'n Píobaire Here's Good Health to the Piper (The Piper's Maggot)
Fáilte don Phíobaire Welcome the Piper (Dugald's Favorite)
An Píobaire Dall The Blind Piper (Drink the Worts and Spill the Beer, James Byrne's)
An Cailin Erinneach The Irish Girl (The Girl from Ireland)
An Saoi Pilib Mic Aedha (Rince Philip a 'Cheoil, An Mearbhal Cluitheach) Sir Philip McHugh (Philip of the Music, The Funny Mistake)
Airgead-mor Silvermore (Brian O'Lynn)
Toirdhealbhach eigh ogh an mheilteoir Terry Heigh Ho the Grinder
Tabhair dhuinn deoach uisge Give Us a Drink of Water (Drown Drowth)
The Irishman's Joy
The Humours of Bray
The Cock and Hen (Dennis Ryan's, Cathal McConnell's)
Drive the World Before Me
Cornphíopaí Hornpipes
Cornphíopa Uí Dhonnchaidh Dunphy's Hornpipe
An Bóthar go Mainistir na Búille The Road to Boyle (Delahunty's, Wicklow)
Na Cearta Dhaonnacht The Rights of Man
Pléaráca California The Humours of (Off to) California
Cornphíopa Uí Chróinín Cronin's Rambles
Cornphíopa an Bhreathnaigh Walsh's Hornpipe
Cornphíopa Uí Bhroin Byrne's Hornpipe
An Giolla Ruadh (An Bacach Beag/Súgach) The Red Haired Youth (The Little/Jolly Beggerman)
Na Buachaillí na Chnoic Gorm The Boys of Blue Hill
Cornphíopa Learpholl The Liverpool Hornpipe
Cornphíopa (Londain) Dhoire The (London) Derry Hornpipe (The Elk's Festival)
Feis Fia Mór The Elk's Festival (The Londonderry Hornpipe)
Se Seaghan an Buachaill Jacks the Lad (The Sailor's Hornpipe)
Nead na Cuaiche The Cuckoo's Nest (Jacky Tar)
Crannciuil (Cornphíopa) na Siabhraedh The Fairies' Hornpipe
Cleite na Péacóige The Peacock's Feather (tune used by Planxty for Raggle Taggle Gypsy)
Polcaí Polkas
Polca Liam Uí Shuilleabhain Bill Sullivan's
Portach thíos sa Gleann Bog Down in the Valley-O (Rattlin' Bog)
Sráid an Teampaill Church Street
Mairgheanin sa gCoill (An bhfaca tú mo Shéamuismín?, Polca Chnoc na bPoll) If I Had Maggie in the Wood (Did you see my little Jimmy?, Knocknaboul No.1, Scartaglen, Humours of Ballydesmond)(The Piper's Cave)
Polca Sheáin Uí Rhiain John Ryan's
Máirseáil Uí Néill O'Neill's Cavalry March
Polca Dhonncha Uí Mhurchú Denis Murphy's (Sweeney's)
Tá Boinéad agam I have a Bonnet trimmed with Blue
Cath Eachroma The Battle of Aughrim
An Seic £42 The £42 Cheque
Polca Uí Shuibhne Sweeney's
Suas Up and Away
Polca Nua-Margadh The Newmarket
Cá Bláth na Lilí Where the Lilies Bloom
An Bhean Spáinneach (Asal Uí Dhubhshlain) The Spaniah Lady (Dolan's Ass, Paddy Doyle)
An Cnota Bán The White Cockade (The Ranting Highlandman)
Tórramh Thaidhg Uí Fhionnagain Tim Finnegan's Wake
Bríste lán Lúbeanna O the Britches full of Stitches
Tuar Mor No.1 Toormore No.1
Tuar Mor No.2 Toormore No.2 (Back of the Haggard)
Beidh abair mé mo Mháthair I'll Tell Me Ma
Cros Chrucaharain Crucaharan Cross
Bruaigh na Ché The Banks of the Quay
Polca Sheáin Mac Aodhagain John Egan's (I Went Out upon the Ice)
Polca Baile Deas Mhumhain No.1 Ballydesmond No.1
Polca Baile Deas Mhumhain No. 2 Ballydesmond No.2 (Maurice Manley's)
Trá Lí Priosún Tralee Gaol
An Caipin Sonais The High Cauled Cap
Jer an Rigéara Ger the Rigger
Peigín Leitir Móir Peggy Lettermore
Fonn Mall Aires
Eochaill Youghal (Boolavogue)
Gol na mBan san Ar (Fead an Iolar) Weeping Woman of the Slaughter (The Eagle's Whistle)
Rosc Catha na Mumhan (Briseadh na Bóinne) Battle Cry of Munster, (Defeat of Boyne) The Boyne Water, Will You Meet Me Tonight On the Shore, Come Out you Black and Tans
Anach Cuain (Eanach Cuain) Annaghdown (Marsh Harbour; Tune used by Planxty for the song 'Lord Baker')
Fill, Fill a Rún ó Return, Return My Dear
Siúbhán ní Dhuibhir Susan Dwyer
Tá mé 'mo Shuí I've been sitting (since the moon rose last night)
Suantraí Hiúdaí Hiúdaí's Lullaby
Tabhair dom do Lámh Give me your Hand
Marbh na Luimneach (Caoineadh Luimnigh) The Lament for Limerick
Pléaráca hÉireamhón Planxty Irwin
Eibhli Gheal Chiuin ni Chearbhaill Dear Quiet Helen O'Carroll (The Fairy Lady of Loch Laerne)
Na hAillte Dhúnín The Cliffs of Doneen
Ar Éirinn ní 'neosfainn cé hí For Ireland I'd not tell Her Name
Casadh an tSúgáin Twisting the Hayrope
Aer (Londain)Dhoire (Ó ró a Dhónaill) Londonderry Air (O Danny Boy)
Do Bhí Bean Uasal (Carraig Fhearghais) There was a Noble Woman (Carrickfergus)
Thíos Garranta Sailí Down by the Sally Garden
Rósín Dubh The Black Rose
Tá Grá griofadach Love is Teasing
Tá Sí trí Aonach ar Siúl She Moved/Walked Through The Fair
Cnoic Fuar Choile (Cnoic Bhuairthín) Spancilhill (The hill of the cold wood)
Cinead na hÉirinn The Irish Nation (Paddy's Lamentation)
Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore
Lily of the West (Lakes of Pontchartrain)
Easy and Free (Jock Stewart)
From Clare to Here
Válsaí Waltzes
An Banda Veilbhit Dubh The Black Velvet Band
Believe Me If All the Endearing Young Charms
Pléaráca Fanni Poer Planxty Fanny Power (Mrs. Trench of Garbally)
Filleadh Beag Flannbhuí The Saffron Kilt
Inis Oírr Inisheer
Teilgean Fling
Ceapann Daoine go an t-Ainspiorad marbh Some Say the Devil's Dead (Jimmy Will You Marry Me)
Fas Luachair Glas Green Grow the Rushes O!
Máirseáil 6/8 March
Máirseáil Bhriain Uí Bhorumha go Cath na Chloinne Tarbh Brian Boru's March to the Battle of Clontarf
Máirseáil Ri Laoise (Ruaidri Na Cnoc,
Ruadhraí Uí Mórdha )
The March of King Laois (Rory of the Hills,
Rory O'Moore)
Máirseáil Uí Shúilleabháin Mhóir O Sullivan's March
Siúl Bhrídeach Bhean Uí Fhidléir The Walk of the Fiddler's Bride
Lá Fhéile Pádraig ar Maidin St. Patrick's Day in the Morning
Na Fir Aniar The Men of the West (Old Rosin the Bow)
Garraí Ehoghan Garryowen
Máirseáil 4/4 March
An Filleadh as Fine Gall (Cath na Chloinne Tarbh) The Return from Fingal (The Battle of Contarf)
An Buachaill Oirfideach The Minstrel Boy (The Moreen)
Ó Ceallaigh an Buachaill as Cill Ain Kelly the Boy From Killane
Máirseáil 2/4 March
Rodí Mac Coreallaigh Roddy McCorley
Ag Caithe na Glas The Wearing of the Green (The Rising of the Moon)
Réalta Chontae an Dúinn (Cailín Donn) The Star of County Down (Coleen brown)
Cath Eachroma The Battle of Aughrim
Fead an Iolar The Eagle's Whistle (Clan March of the Donovan's)
Tá Boinéad agam I have a Bonnet trimmed with Blue
Na Fir Paidhce The Pikemen (The Halting March)
Tiarna Mhaigh Eo Lord Mayo
Fínínaigh teanntásach The Bold Fenian Men (The Mountainy Men)
Fáinne Geal an Lae Dawning of the Day (Cooleen Dhas, Raglan Road)
An Drúcht Ceoch The Foggy Dew
An Treabhteoir Meidhreach The Merry Ploughboy
Is Bealach fada go Tiobraid Árann It's a Long way to Tipperary

NÓTAÍ / NOTES
Reels
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2.
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