"The Charladies' Ball" is an Irish

Ireland

Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...

 folk song written by Harry O'Donovan

Harry O'Donovan

Harry O'Donovan was an Irish comedy scriptwriter, stage manager and actor.-Life:He was born in Dublin, Ireland and was apprenticed to a painter. In his spare time, he took part in amateur dramatics, finally joining a troupe of actors and touring Ireland for several years...

 and popularised by his collaborator, music-hall singer and comedian Jimmy O'Dea

Jimmy O'Dea

James Augustine "Jimmy" O'Dea was an Irish actor and comedian.-Life:Jimmy O'Dea was born in Lower Bridge Street, Dublin, where his mother kept a small toy-shop. He was one of 11 children. His father was an iron-monger and had a shop in Capel Street. He was educated at Blackrock College and...

. The song concerns O'Dea's character Biddy Mulligan's attendance at a ball in Dublin.

Recordings

The song was recorded by Frank Harte

Frank Harte

Frank Harte was a traditional Irish singer, song collector, architect and lecturer. He was born and raised in Dublin. His father Peter Harte who had moved from a farming background in Sligo owned 'The Tap' pub in Chapelizod...

 on the album Daybreak and a Candle End.

Also by the Black Brothers

Black Brothers

Black Brothers was a well-known West Papuan pop group from Jayapura. The band consisted of five members, led by Andy Ayamisiba. Their music, sung in Tok Pisin, included influences from reggae and political elements inspired by the Black Power movement. The group went into voluntary exile in Vanuata...

on their album What a Time.

Also by Martyn Johnson on his album Jolly Boys 2008.