Editor’s note: The following was written by David Foran (formerly of Quyon) and first published in the Dec. 17, 1986 edition of

THE EQUITY. It is being republished at the request of his cousins, Marilyn Tanguay and Sally Foran. David was an accomplished musician and wrote this as a tribute to some of his heroes in the fiddling community. Sadly, he passed away in December at the age of 72.

Nine Fine Fiddlers

Composed by David Foran

My name is David Foran, I’ve a story to tell

About some boys from the Valley, you know very well

They’re the nine fine fiddlers and none can compare

And without them “good music” just wouldn’t be there.

They hail from Old Quyon, North Onslow and Wolf Lake

And no matter where you go, you could never mistake

The music they play, all over the land

Oh! The nine fine fiddlers are so grand.

Johnny Doherty was one who passed away some time ago

There was happiness in the air when he resined the bow

And a few of the younger I’m sure will say,

It was Johnny who taught them and started them to play.

Another fine fiddler is Ervin McCann

When he grabs the old fiddle he’s right in command

And he loves to go fishing on weekends with the boys

And he’ll take out the fiddle, just to stir up some noise.

Another Wolf Laker is Gerry Lafleur

He’s the best in the land and of this I am sure

And no matter what he plays it is always so fine

He has style and grace and his music is divine.

For old tyme music Francis Daley is the one

He had a brother named Paddy, who could not be outdone

Switching back and forth playing and dancing so cool

On the 17th, these brothers were first choice at the School.

Music from North Onslow never cost us a penny

When you have the Curley brothers , they’re Dominic and Benny

Each with one hand on the fiddle and other on guitar,

And to see this again, you’ll have to go pretty far.

Reg Workman is another of these fine nine

To him the old fiddle is a great pastime

Check Fairbanks Hotel on Sunday at five

Reggie will be there with a fiddle that’s alive!

The last of these fiddlers is a man who’s sincere

It’s Cal Cummings Senior and we love him so dear

And though he can no longer, be in this part

“Jimmy’s favourite jig” remains deep in his heart.

So you people from the Valley I’m sure you’ll agree

That these fine fiddlers are the best from sea to sea

It’s a pleasure to play tribute in the words of this song

To the nine fine fiddlers may they reign very long.