This is an old timey tune associated with southwestern Virginia and bordering areas of North Carolina. It is named for a type of early-ripening apple that matures in Spring in the southern United States. Locally we sometimes play the tune over apples that have survived in the root cellar until June.
Although this tune is commonly thought of as Irish, it is actually a Metis tune that is often credited to mid-twentieth century Manitoba fiddler and composer Andy deJarlis. Whether he also wrote it is unknown.
Although this tune is most often referred to as Father Kelly's, the author named it The Rossmore Jetty, after the pier on the river Shannon near his hometown Woodford, in East Galway. Rossmore is said to be a most beautiful and peaceful spot.