"Si Bheag, Si Mhor", also known as "Sidh Beag Agus Sidh Mor", "Sheebag, Sheemore", “Sheebeg and Sheemore” and other corruptions, according to O'Sullivan (1958) and tradition, was probably the first air composed by O'Carolan. The title of the air often appears as “Sheebag, Sheemore” an Englished version of the original Gaelic "Si Bheag, Si Mhor" which means "little faerie, big faerie,” but it has been suggested that Si is derived from the medieval Irish siod, meaning "fairy hill" or "fairy mound;" thus the title may also refer to "big fairy hill, little fairy hill". Squire George Reynolds of Lough Scur at Letterfain, Co. Leitrim (himself a harper and poet) was Carolan's first patron. He recommended Carolan to direct his talents to composing, since he was only a mediocre harper. It is likely this was Carolan’s first attempt at composition. His inspiration was a story told to him by Reyonolds of Si Bheag and Si Mhor, two ranges of hills near Lough Scur, that according to local lore were the seats of two groups of fairies of opposing disposition. The these hosts engaged in a great battle, in which Finn McCool and his Fianna were defeated. Some versions of the legend relate that the mounds were topped by ancient ruins, with fairy castles underneath where heros were entombed after the battle between the two rivals. I play this tune in a medley with:       The Spanish Cloak in the Irish section.