Voices of Placentia Bay Webpage

Mary Anne (Barry) Counsel

Mary was born in Little Paradise in 1912, and moved to Red Island with her family when she was around 8 years of age. Her mother died in childbirth when she was 14 leaving her to raise five younger children. She learned how to cook, plant vegetables, sew, spin wool and knit, hook mats, raise hens and sheep, take care of the hay and help her father take care of the fish.
In 1936, she married Michael Counsel from Red Island and went on to have her own family of 11, three died in infancy, and she raised 8. Her hard working attitude carried over into her married life where this resourceful woman could do anything! She truly was "woman of the island".
Despite her immense work load, she still had time for volunteering for her church and school. She also assisted the island midwife with deliveries, and helped "lay out" people who had died. Her musical ability was well known on the island. She would play the accordion for parish dances and sing for kitchen parties whenever the occasion arose.

A Few of Mary's Songs

Erin's Lovely Home

A young man imprisoned for trying to elope with his employer's lovely daughter returns to marry her.

O'Brien Has No Place to Go, Mussels in the Corner

Dennis O'Brien has to rid his house of three boys courting his three daughters. A 1908 Irish ballad written by Stanley Murphy and George Evans. This is followed by a lively and popular accordion tune.

Erin's Lovely Home

O'Brien Has No Place to Go, Mussels in the Corner

The Tidal Wave Song