On Nóirín Ní Riain's CD, Caoineadh na Maighdine in the last song, also titled Caoineadh na Maighnine (The Blessed Virgin's Keening) there is the phrase repeated, in antiphon style by the monks - och ochón agus ochón ó. The liner notes that accompany the CD have all the other phrases in the song translated into English except this one.

After studying FGB, the best I can do is "Alas, indeed, alas" Would there be a more accurate rendition?

Go raibh maith agat.

quote:

would there be a more accurate rendition?

No.

och [ainmfhocal][intriacht]
focal ochláin; mo mhairg! ochón!.

ochlán [ainmfhocal firinscneach den chéad díochlaonadh]
osna, cúis bhróin; osnaíl (ag gol is ag ochlán).

That CD sounds about my speed, I adore chant and it would be grand with well-done Sean nos.

Beir bua agus beannacht

Go raibh maith agat a Aonghuis. It's nice to have such a comprehensive dictionary like Foclóir Béarla Gaeilge and your expertise to confirm my attempts at translating. I don't mean to take your help for granted - I really appreciate it though.

A Ríona, definitely check out Nóirín's CD if you have the chance. Not only is the music so beautiful, but there are translations into English for each of the songs.