He’d be up around the Leader office or near Eamonn Martin’s shop.
4 Likes
Poor Teddy Gray is in an awful way these days drinking cans morning, noon and night. A legend of the city.
A grim day around the county.
A bad crash at the Lantern Lodge, one lady killed and another rushed to hospital in a serious condition. Apparently the deceased had a heart attack behind the wheel and her car went into someone driving the opposite direction, head on collision.
And another fatality at the river. A poor man went in a few hours ago but his body has been recovered.
3 Likes
In Adare?
Well.it is Limerick
Yeah, on the Patrickswell side of Adare. The mini roundabout there as you head down to the Woodlands.
1 Like
A Limerick man of little earnings,
…
1 Like
French polishing it was a dying trade.
1 Like
and the tales of wealth that came from England,
We always knew him as Francis Coleman. I tbink that he was knocked down as a kid and never recoved. From up around hyde/ Edward St area
2 Likes
Local fireman. Very sad to see something so crippling to lead to that
I love that song. The lyrics get stuck in my head from time to time, but I keep forgetting them all. Used be able to google them but now all I get is Seán South.
Great song. I’m missing bits and pieces of it also at this stage. Have it on CD somewhere, will see if I can locate it later.
What song is that?
My Home In Garryowen.
Managed to dig this out. Thank God for backups.
Think it goes back to 2008 recorded in aid of Cerebral Palsy Limerick.
I remember digitising the CD years ago, so may be of interest. Its about 55Mb.
Can’t remember where I got the lyrics.
“Tis of Limerick we Sing”
THE BEGINNNING:
[ TIS OF LIMERICK WE SING ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#TIS OF LIMERICK WE SING)
[ SHANNON RIVER ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#SHANNON RIVER)
SEIGE OF LIMERICK:
[ GARRYOWEN IN GLORY ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#GARRYOWEN IN GLORY)
[ SAINT MARY’S BELLS ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#St Mary’s Bells)
[ BALLYNEETY’S WALLS ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#BALLYNEETY’S WALLS)
PALINTINES DAUGHTER
THE FAMINE YEARS:
[ MY HOME IN GARRYOWEN ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#MY HOME IN GARRYOWEN)
[ FAR AWAY ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#FAR AWAY)
[ SLAN LE MAIGH ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#SLAN LE MAIGH)
REDEVELOPMENT:
[ MARY OF LIMERICK TOWN ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#MARY OF LIMERICK TOWN)
[ LIMERICK IS BEAUTIFUL ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#LIMERICK IS BEAUTIFUL)
THE COUNTY:
[ THE FAG A BALLA HALL ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#THE FAG A BALLA HALL)
[ FALLS OF DOONAS ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#FALLS OF DOONAS)
[ THE LIMERICK RAKE ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#THE LIMERICK RAKE)
LIMERICK FIGHTING SONGS:
[ CAREYS ROAD ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#CAREYS ROAD)
[ SEAN A GRA ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#Sean a Gra)
LIMERICK SPORTING SONGS:
[ A LAMENT FOR MICK MACKEY ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#MICK MACKEY)
[ DEAR OLD THOMONDGATE ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#DEAR OLD THOMONDGATE)
[ BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL MUNSTER ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL MUNSTER)
[ HURRAH FOR GARRYOWEN ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#HURRAH FOR GARRYOWEN)
[ MARY’S ARE WE ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#MARY’S ARE WE)
[ THERE IS AN ISLE ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#THERE IS AN ISLE)
[ MICK MAKEY’S MEN ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#MICK MACKEY’S MEN)
THE HOMECOMING:
[ LIMERICK MY HOME ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#LIMERICK MY HOME)
[ LIMERICK TOWN ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#LIMERICK TOWN)
THE BEAUTY:
[ LIMERICK YOU’RE A LADY ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#LIMERICK YOU’RE A LADY)
[ BY SHANNONSIDE ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#BY SHANNONSIDE)
[ THE BEAUTY OF LIMERICK ](http://www.csn.ul.ie/~treaty/songs.html#THE BEAUTY OF LIMERICK)
A LAMENT FOR MICK MACKEY
From lovely Castleconnell where the lovely Shannon flows
Came a prince of Irelands hurlers whose name forever glows
His skill and craft and valour is known throughout the land,
This man who held a hurley then just like a magic wand.
Twas in the early thirties that Mick Mackey hit the scene
This youth, a hurling genius in Limericks white and green.
His name is proudly written now in letters made of gold
His deeds at home and o’er the foam will be forever told.
Twas a sad day in September in the year of eighty two
This giant of our nationalgame met with his maker true.
And thousands from the Shannonside and places far away,
Went down to bid a fond adieu and a lovely tribute pay.
In Limericks golden era of this grand old hurling game,
The Mackeys and the Cohesseys have won eternal fame.
The Ryans, Mick and Timmy then who played a gallant role,
And the mighty Paddy Scanlon too, defiant in the goal.
So farewell to you Mick Mackey as you cross the great divide,
Where hurlers of those happy days will gather by your side
And the stalwart men from Fedamore, Ahane and sweet Adare
Will all line up to welcome you, the hurling cavalier
DRUMCOLLOGHER
I’ve been to a great many places
And wonderful sights I’ve seen
From Navaroh to Killmaknow
To Ballyboreen
But when they talk of the places
That over the ocean lie
When they say to me, Pat,
What do you think of that
I oft and I says, says I
Have you been to Drumcollogher
You haven’t, well now I declare
Just wait till you’ve been to Drumcollogher
And see what a fine place we have there
O there’s only one street in Drumcollogher
But o what a glory to see
You can yalk til you’re dumb
But give me your Drum
For Drum is the place for me
I was over in London quite lately
And I gave Queen Liz a call
Says the butler she’s out
I don’t think she’s about
I don’t see her hat in the hall
But if you would like to look around ,Sir
The beautiful sights we have here
Then he says to me, Pat
What do you think of that
I oft and I says, says I
I suppose you have been to Drumcollogher
You haven’t, well now I declare
Just wait till you’ve been to Drumcollogher
And see what a fine place we have there
O theres only one shop in Drumcollogher
Sells hardware and porter and paints
You can talk till you’re dumb
But give me your Drum
For Drum is the place for me
There’s beautiful iles of the ocean
By Italys golden shores
Where life all day long
Is a wonderful song
With flowers that bloom gyloor
They say that the sun does be shining
With never a cloud in the sky
But when they have done
With their flowers and their sun
I oft and I says, says I
Repeat
Have you been to Drumcollogher
You haven’t, well now I declare
Just wait till you’ve been to Drumcollogher
And see what a fine place we have there
O there’s only one street in Drumcollogher
But o what a glory to see
You can yalk til you’re dumb
But give me your Drum
For Drum is the place for me
DEAR OLD THOMONDGATE
Oh Thomondgate our native place, so beautiful and grand
We see the Shannon’s purple tide there rolling down the strand
And when you walk out the new road, you can view the hills of Clare
They are nicer than Killarney or the of old Kildare
Oh the merry boys and girls here wherever they may go
You will always find that they have come
From where the River Shannon flows
In dancing they are famous and great songs they can relate
Oh it’s little wonder we are proud of dear old Thomondgate
We hear them speak of foreign lands their landscapes and their pride
Their castles and their mansions far reaching the sky
We hear of the great Niagra Falls in the Great United States
But what is that to the Curraghour that sweeps through Thomondgate
Oh there lives a man named Billy Lee, he came from Limerick Town
He used to come out here every night and knock the peelers down
The peelers could not take him sure his strength it was so great
One night he came and met his match in Dear Old Thomondgate
Oh Thomondgate is nigh well gone from what it used to be
Long ago they made fine whiskey in the old distillery
It’s crumbling walls are standing yet and the shafts stand tall and straight
It commemorates the good old days in Dear Old Thomondgate
We are noted here in this old place for large funerals and great wakes
Some people call us Munchin’s while more call us soda cakes
But let them call us what they like there’s no parish in this state
Can complete with this noble spot called Dear Old Thomondgate.
FALLS OF DOONAS
As I roved out one evening
A sol cast its rays
Behind the distant mountain
And the wild western seas
I carelessly roved out
My leisure hours to pass
For to view the Shannon water
That flows through Doonas.
In Doonas I was born
And tis there I’d like to die
And there in its churchyard
My old bones will lie
But if fortune proves in favour
Then the sea I ne’er will cross
Or bid adieu to Clonlara
Castleconnel or Doonas.
Have you been to Killarney That Causeway or veil
The proud Bay of Dublin
Loophead or Kinsale
The intrinsic cove of Cork
Seems but shadows to cast
When compared with the proud
Roaring falls of Doonas.
Go into the rock gardens To take a refreshing breeze
Where the holy hand of time
Has spread beneath its trees
Tis there you will see the anglers
Both bunny, bright and gay
With their artifical flies
In the sweet month of May
And if you’re not tired of walking
Proceed on still
To the right of Massey’s mansion
Tis there you will find your fill
And when you reach the torrent
Come fill up your glass
Drink a health, wealth and honour
To the falls of Doonas,
And if you’re not tired of walking
Proceed further still
Until you come up to St. Senans holy well
Where the blind, lame and weary
A cure ever has
In that healing gift from heaven
Near the falls of Doonas.
In Doonas I was born
And tis there I’d like to die
And there in its churchyard
My old bones will lie
But if fortune proves in favour
Then the sea I ne’er will cross
Or bid adieu to Clonlara
Castleconnel or Doonas.
HURRAH FOR GARRYOWEN
We won’t go home without it
We’ll dress it up in blue
We won’t go home without it They’ll hang us hang us if we do
Let the forwards do their duty And the backs will follow up
And home to Limerick we’ll bring the Munster cup.
Chorus
Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah for Garyowen
Hurrah for Thomandgate
There stands the Treaty stone
We never will deny it nor we never will disown
The city of the violated Treaty
When William saw whathe had done
To Killaloe he fled
And left the sons of Limerick to guard and bury their dead
Soon after he returned with victory on his head
To the city of the violated Treaty.
Chorus
Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah for Garryowen
Hurrah for Thomondgate
There stands the Treaty Stone
We never will deny it nor we never will disown
The city of the violated Treaty
We took it by O’Briens bridge
And back by Killaloe
We took it by O’er Briens bridge
And back by Killaloe
We took it boys, we took it
And dressed it up in blue
So let the forwards do their duty and the backs will follow up
And back to Limerick we’ll bring the Munster cup.
Chorus
Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah for Garryowen
Hurrah for Thomondgate
There stands the Treaty stone
We never will deny it nor we never will disown
The city of the violated Treaty.
LIMERICK IS BEAUTIFUL
Oh, Limerick is beautiful,
As everybody knows,
And by that City of my heart,
How proud old Shannon Flows!
It sweeps down by the brave old town,
As pure in depth and tone,
As when Sarsfield drove the Saxon
From the walls of Garryowen.
Tis not for Limerick that I sigh
I love her in my soul!
The times may change and men will die,
And men will not control.
No! not for ever flown
But that the maiden I adore
Is sad in Garryowen.
The girl I love is beautiful,
And world wide is her fame,
She dwells down by the rushing tide.
And Eire is her name.
And dearer than my very life,
Her glances are to me,
The light that guides my stormy soul,
Across the life’s stormy sea.
I loved her in my boyhood,
And now in manhoods bloom,
The vision of my life is still
To dry thy tears, aroon’
I’d sing into the tomb, or dance
Beneath the gallows tree,
To see her and her hills, once more
Proud, passionate and free.
THE FAG A BALLA HALL
On the banks of the Groody
We have built a fine hall
And everyone is welcome there
Be they little, big or small
It’s not a lordly mansion
In truth I must declare
But all the Ballysimon Boys
Can now assemble there
When our days work was over
To the rockery we strayed
We dug out the foundation
With shovel, pic and spade
We got finished in October
When the leaves began to fall
May God bless the boys that built
The Fag a Balla Hall
Oh good luck to the lady
Who gave us the land
And likewise to the young man
Who drew down stones and sand
A word of praise is also due
To all those we recall
Who gave a helping hand to build
The Fag a Balla Hall.
Now our grand hall is finished
You can still sit down at your ease
The door is always open
You can walk in when you please
And if ever you are weary
You need only give a call
And you’ll always find a welcome in
The Fag a Balla Hall
Now we got the grand name printed on
We hung it o’er the door
Some cowardly rascal came by night
And down the name he tore
But if ever we find out his name
He’ll surely get a fall
And he’ll curse the night he meddled with
The Fag a Balla Hall
Up we went to Morrissons
To have our social drop
We were scarcely gone inside the door
When in the sargent popped
We asked him not to summons us
Been it Christmas time and all
And he marched us to Ballynetty
From The Fag a Balla Hall
We came home by car
No’ry where our forefathers are laid
Who drank a pint at Morrissons shop
Before free state laws were made
Now they are above in heaven
Where there’s no law at all
And they are looking down with pleasure on
The Fag a Balla Hall
Now good advice I’m giving you
To the lads both young and old
Keep up the reputation of the black, the green and gold
For the present generation
Must answer their last call
And leave boys and girls behind them
In the Fag a Balla Hall
Fair thee well Ballysimon
Fair thee well for a while
It’s all around the borders
Of sweet Bothar Carr
When Ireland gets her freedom
We’ll rally one and all
And we’ll dance our Irish jigs and reels
In the Fag a Balla Hall
GARRYOWEN IN GLORY
Let Bacchus’ sons be not dismayed
But join with me each jovial blade
Come booze and sing and lend your aid
To help me with the chorus.
CHORUS
Instead of spa well drink brown ale
And pay the reckoning in the nail
No man for death shall go to jail
From Garryowen in glory.
CHORUS
We are the boys that take delight in
Smashing the Limerick lamps when lighting
Through the streets like sporters fighting
And tearing all before.
CHORUS
We’ll break windows,we’ll break doors
The watch knock down by threes and fours
Then let the Doctors work their cures
And tinker up our bruises.
CHORUS
Well beat the bailiffs out of fun
Well make the mayor and sheriffs run
We are the boys no man dare run
If he regards a whole skin.
CHORUS
Our hearts so stout have brought us fame
For soon tis known from whence we came
Where’er we go they dread the same
Of Garryowen in glory
CHORUS
Johnny Connell’s tall and straight
And in his limbs he is complete
He’ll pitch a bar of any weight
From Garryowen to Thomandgate
CHORUS
Garryowen is gone to wreck
Since Johnny Connell went to Cork
Though Harry O’Brien leapt over the dock
In spite of of judge and jury.
CHORUS
BALLYNEETY’S WALLS
The night was dark o’er Limerick and everything was still
As for our foe in ambush we lay beside the hill.
Like lions bold we waited to dash upon our prey,
As we rode with Sarsfield at our head at the dawning of the day.
From Dublin came our foremen with guns and warlike store,
To take the own of Limerick they wanted ten times o’er.
But little was their dreaming that we would be their doom,
As we rode with Sarsfield at our head right down from Slieve Bloom.
They asked us for our password and Sarsfield was the man,
And “Here I Am”! our general cried as down on them we ran.
Oh! Had we bridged the firmament the moon and stars gave light
And for the battle of the Boyne we had revenge that night.
When the convoy it was scattered we took their mighty store,
Pontoons and carts and powder casks and cannons by the score.
Then hastely with eager hands we piled them all on high
Laid down the fuse, applied the match and blew them to the sky.
Loud laughed our gallant general as fast we rode away,
And t’was many the health we drank to him in Limerick town next day.
So here’s a health to Sarsfield who showed us one and all
We blow up the royal artillery at Ballyneety’s walls.
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL MUNSTER
Ferkie Lynch the tree-quarter lay dying
The ball it was under his head
The forwards around him were crying
And these were the last words he said
Work me up in me ol’ football jersey
And bury me deep in Thump’s field
The backs and the forwards were a queer lot
They need all our players in the shield
Beautiful, Beautiful Munsters
Star of my soul fade away.
I sigh when I think of young Munster
With whom I played many a game.
Dublin can boast of old Wesley,
Cork of the College and Con
But Limerick can boast of young Munster
Whose best games are yet to be seen.
Beautiful, Beautiful Munster
Star of my soul fade away.
I sigh when I think of young Munster
With whom I played many a game.
Now there were bohs in red, UCC,
Garryowen the boys in blue,
With Sundays Well,Twould be hard to tell
What the Dolphin boys would do,
And Cons all white made a right good fight
In the final well they showed,
But they all gave it up, for the Bateman Cup
Was won by the Yellow Road.
Then cheer, boy cheer, for our own fifteen
Of black and amber fame,
We’re a true home team, and have always been
And we’re proud of Young Munster name
Their task well done, their victory won,
All glory to them is owed,
And we’ll sing our song, sing it all day long,
Sing hurrah for the yellow road.
You can go up to the Bombin field on a Sunday,
Watch the young boys go out to train,
Sure it make an old man about sixty,
Play the game over again.
BY SHANNONSIDE
As I sit here now, I make this vow
That I’ll n’er leave Shannonside
Or Treatystone and Sarsfield Bridge
Are surely all her own
Though I may roam the whole wide world
In air or on the tide
Ah the wish of my heart
When were far apart
Is to be by Shannonside
The yellow road in Garryowen
Are places we all love
But many of the old folks who live there
Are gone now up above
For Limerick men though thick and thin
Did battle o’er the tide
Ah but better for them.
They sleep in peace
Down by the Shannonside.
Her beauty and her majesty
Are well known everywhere
For Irish sons and daughters
Are living over there
In Canada and America
They are scattered far and wide
But the wish of their hearts
When they are far apart
Is to be by Shannonside
Oh I proudly boast to all I meet
That I come from Limerick town
For no matter what your country
You must never let your side
For when I’m dead and in the sod
My thoughts from heaven will guide
And I’ll sleep in peace for eternity
Down by the Shannonside
CAREYS ROAD
It was late in 1917, the Nation’s pulse was weak
And Ireland still was reeling,
From the blows of Easter Week,
New blood was badly needed,
To help her bear her load,
Thank God we found it bubbling o’er
The hearts of Carey’s Road.
Oh, there was found a warrior race,
Brave youths and fearless men,
We told them Ireland wanted help,
They gave it there and then.
Our ancient town where long ago,
The gallant Sarsfield rode,
Took heart again that fateful night,
We marched down Carey’s Road.
Now came the bloody Black and Tans,
The spawn of British Jails,
And in many a deadly ambush
Did we twist their British tails,
They couldn’t face our bullets.
But true to Cromwell’s code,
They hit back at our helpless ones,
And savaged Carey’s Road.
Throughout the land for four long years,
By weary night and day,
WE hit them where we found them,
And dearly did they pay,
With Irish guns we fought them,
And twas British blood that flowed,
And twas Ireland’s courage that cheered us,
To revenge for Careys Road.
But that was many years ago,
We’re old and useless now,
Except to tell old stories,
When the youngsters gather round,
Of raids and runs and renegades,
And lights that ebbed and flowed,
And of the gallant fighting men,
Who’d roots in Carey’s Road.
Now Carey’s Road has vanished,
With the men who brought it fame,
The Rangers Club and Boherbuee,
Are only there in name,
And when there’s talk of fighting men,
And stirring tales are told,
Please God the youngsters won’t forget,
The men of Carey’s Road.
LIMERICK MY HOME
O Limerick my city I’m coming home to you
Across the broad Atlantic I bid New York adieu
My heart is beating faster I think about you all
Sean McScool and Sarsfield, the woman on the wall
Is the treaty stone still standing, is the castle looking fine
Do the boys drink down at Angela’s?
How are they in the Isle?
Will you meet at the airport?
I’ll be shy and i’ll be at ease
O Limerick I love you
Your gentle Shannon breeze
Are the girls all as pretty?
As gentle as the dove
Does Mary Walsh come home at all?
She was my own first love
We walked the lands of Plassey
Held hands and laughed all day
O Limerick I love you
Your gentle Shannon breeze
How is the River Shannon?
Flowing gently to the sea
Carrying the memories
Of our proud history
Kings and merchant sailors
Warriors, sportsmen all true
O Limerick I love you
Your gentle Shannon breeze
LIMERICK TOWN
It’s been fifty years since I first did roam
In search of my fortunes in silver and gold
Still none of the riches and fame that I found
Could make match to the treasures of sweet Limerick
Chorus
Roll on Shannon River, roll down to the sea
Through the city that brings so much pleasure to me
God keep her and hold her till time has run down
That gem of old Ireland, my home Limerick town
Chorus
I’ve sailed all seven seas of the world
Round the great Cape of Horn many times I’ve been hurled
But there’s no where on earth that can ever be found
To compare with the beauty of sweet Limerick Town
Chorus
I recall of the days that I were only a boy
And those mischievous times that spark a gleam in my eye
Memories so vivid and fears still resound
On the big happy days spent in sweet Limerick Town.
Chorus
Remembering places where up to times I strayed
Long hikes to Blackwater on warm summer days
By the falls of the Naas, back then around
By the banks of the Shannon to sweet Limerick Town
Chorus
Now feeble with age I can journey no more
On the tides that once led me to faraway shores
Still I’m happy again with the treasures I found
My family and friends back in sweet Limerick Town.
LIMERICK YOU’RE A LADY
Chorus
Limerick you’re a lady
You’re Shannon waters tears of joy that flow
The beauty that surrounds you
I’ll take with me love
Where e’re I roam
While waking in the arms of distant waters
A new day finds me far away from home
Limerick you’re a lady
The one true love that I have ever known
As children you and I spent days of fun
In winters snow or summers golden sun
We fished in silver streams
The fabric of my dreams
Was fashioned by your loveness
And so I have to say
Chorus
Limerick you’re a lady
You’re Shannon waters tears of joy that flow
The gift that time has made
To travellers on our way
Seeing out the beauty of our land
A shrine where children play
And bells ring out to say
Thank God we’re living
Just to feel the freedom of each day
Chorus
Repeat last four lines
SHANNON RIVER
Though my feet are planted in a far off land
There is somewhere they would rather be
Faith, tis planted firmly in the dark brown sand
Where the Shannon River meets the sea.
My heart is e’er returning darling
Whose blue eyes mean all the world to me
Heav’n and someone placed an angel there
Where the Shannon River meets the sea.
Though he told me other lands were fair
I’m afraid with him I can’t agree
For I long to breathe the scented air
Where the river meets the sea.
There are no lips so sweet and so beguiling
As the lips that sure belong to me
Though I’m roaming, faith, my heart remains
Where the Shannon River meets the sea.
MY HOME IN GARRYOWEN
A Limerick Lad of little earnings
French polishers it was a dying trade
And the tales of wealth that dwelt in England
Surely for me were tailor made
And so John Bulls iron city called me
I sailed away on an Aran boat
And among the faceless men and women
Worked my trade for a sterling note.
CHORUS
It’s nice to be in Limerick City
Nice to be home in Garryowen
Nice to go Donerailing
Lovely to be with thee.
And then Australia shores she called me
For Sydney town I sailed away
And in Queensland then two year a wondering
And then I went down Tasmania way
But now my travelling days are over
In a house of stone I’ll make my own
And I’ll sleep the sleep of our ancient heroes
Save by the walls of Garryowen.
CHORUS
And now as daylight is softly creeping
My lovely Limerick soon awakes
Sure I’ll bless the morning
Safe by the walls of Garryowen.
SHANAGOLDEN
The cold winds from the mountain
Are calling soft to me
The smell of scented heather
Brings bitter memories
The wild and lonely eagle
Up in the summer skies
Flies high o’er Shanagolden
Where my young Willie lies.
Do you remember darling
We walked the moonlit road
I held in my arms then
I’d never let you go
Our hands they were entwined my love
All in the pale moon light
By the fields of Shanagolden
On a lonely winter night.
Then came the cal to arms my love
And the hills, they were aflame
Down from the silent mountain
The Saxtons strangers came
I held you in my arms then
My young heart wild with fear
Near the fields of Shanagolden
In the springtime of the year.
Oh but that was long ago my love
And our son grows fine and tall
The hills they are at peace again
The Saxons strangers gone
There’s roses on your grave my love
There’s an eagle in the sky
Flying high o’er Shanagolden
Where my young Willie lies.
Flying high o’er Shanagolden
Where my young Willie lies.
Sean a Gra
He was born in Limerick City where the river Shannon flows
A lad of princely bearing as everybody knows
He loved the Gaelic language because it was his own
Oh Irishmen will not forget Sean South of Garryowen.
The wee ones in Fermanagh homes are asking where he’s gone
Where is that red haired soldier boy who spoke the Gaelic tongue
Who sat beside our firesides and spoke of Pearse and Tone
Oh mammy will we see again Sean South of Garryowen.
As New Years Day was drawing nigh he met our ancient foe
Not many were there to see him for few had seen him go
But when his riddled body came to rest among his own
There were thousands there to welcome him Sean South of Garryowen
Oh Sean agra your resting now with Limericks martyred dead
While the Ulster Hills are crimson with the blood you nobly shed
May God above in heaven take you to his princely throne
And Irishmen will not forget Sean South of Garryowen.
GARRYOWEN IN GLORY
Let Bacchus’ sons be not dismayed
But join with me each jovial blade
Come booze and sing and lend your aid
To help me with the chorus.
CHORUS
Instead of spa well drink brown ale
And pay the reckoning in the nail
No man for death shall go to jail
From Garryowen in glory.
CHORUS
We are the boys that take delight in
Smashing the Limerick lamps when lighting
Through the streets like sporters fighting
And tearing all before.
CHORUS
We’ll break windows, we’ll break doors
The watch knock down by threes and fours
Then let the Doctors work their cures
And tinker up our bruises.
CHORUS
Well beat the bailiffs out of fun
Well make the mayor and sheriffs run
We are the boys no man dare run
If he regards a whole skin.
CHORUS
Our hearts so stout have brought us fame
For soon ‘tis known from whence we came
Where’er we go they dread the same
Of Garryowen in glory.
CHORUS
Johnny Connell’s tall and straight
And in his limbs he is complete
He’ll pitch a bar of any weight
From Garryowen to Thomandgate
CHORUS
Garryowen is gone to wreck
Since Johnny Connell went to Cork
Though Harry O’ Brien leapt over the dock
In spite of of judge and jury.
CHORUS
St Mary’s Bells
How many a time in Cratla’s dells
I list your chime, St Mary’s Bells!
And hearing, seem to find unfold
As in a dream, the legend old
Which tells of one with a master hand
Who of silver spun your magic bland
That from your tower, at the holy hour
Around us swells, St. Marys Bells.
Again I view your founder sail
The ocean blue for Innis fail
Again I hark the breakers roar
About his bark on Shannon shore
Till, in heaven sent calm to the hope for-lorn
Your angel psalm o’er the ocean borne
Rings on his ear with rapture clear
And with tears he tells his own sweet bells
FAR AWAY
Far away a light is burning
In a window clear and bright
Far away you’re not forgotten
Someone thinks of you tonight
Far away a sprig of ivy
Clings around a cabin door
Far away a robin red breast
Singing as in days of yore
It may be the golden summer
It may be the winter white
Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Someone thinks of you tonight
Write to home and dear old mother
Send your love to dear old dad
Tell them that you’re feeling happy
‘Though at times you may feel sad
Never tell the world your trouble
Smiles are better for them than tears
Tell them that you will be home soon
‘Though you may be away for years
Far away a light is burning
In a window clear and bright
Far away you’re not forgotten
Someone thinks of you tonight
Someone thinks of you tonight
MARY OF LIMERICK TOWN
One morning in July alone as I stray’d
By the banks of the Shannon,
I met a fair maid,
Her cheeks were like roses, Her hair a dark brown
She is beautiful Mary of sweet Lim’rick town.
As she tripp’d o’er the meadows so green and so gay,
She far out shone Flora,
The goddess of May.
I told her I’d freely resign a king’s crown
To be lov’d by fair Mary of sweet Lim’rick town.
“For bear, sir,” she said,
“For your suit is in vain,
For the lad that I love is cross’d over the main.
In London he married a maid of renown,
Therefore I will live single in sweet Lim’rick town”
Then finding the maiden so loyal and true,
I said "Sweetheart Mary, I’ve return’d unto you.
These seven lone years, love,
I’ve rav’d up and down,
But my heart was still with you in sweet Lim’rick town "
Then she flew in my arms with joy and surprise,
And on me she gaz’d
With her sparkling eyes,
By the banks of the Shannon together we sat down,
On a bank of primroses by sweet Lim’rick town.
Soon after, with great joy, together we went,
And married we were,
With her parents consent
We have great stories of riches our pleasures to crown,
And now live in splendour in sweet Limerick town.
MARY’S ARE WE
St. Mary’s are we, our title is glory,
Fearless and bold whatever the danger be,
Onward we go in our fight for victory forever,
St.Mary’s are we, the Blue, the Blue and white forever
Santi-clover, Santi-clover one loaf of bread between the whole of us
For we are happy, as happy as can be
We are the soldiers from the Island field.
And it’s a grand old club to play for,
And it’s a grand old cup to win,
And if you only knew the history
It would make your heart go oh, oh, oh, oh,
We don’t care whether we win, lose or draw
It’s all the same to us, but we only know
Whether we win, lose or draw
The winners, St. Mary’s will be there.
THERE IS AN ISLE
There is an Isle, a bonnie Isle
Stands proudly from the sea
And dearer far than all this world
Is that dear Isle, is that dear Isle to me.
It is not that alone it stands
Where all around is fresh and fair
But because it is my native land,
And my home, my home is there
But because it is my native land
And my home, my home is there.
Farewell, Farewell, though lands may meet
May meet my gaze,
My gaze wher’er I roam.
I shall not find a spot so fair
As that dear Isle, as that dear Isle to me.
It is not that alone it stands
Where all around is fresh and fair,
But because it is my native land,
Any my home, my home is there.
TIS OF LIMERICK WE SING
We sing with pride
Of our county side
And the Shannon majesty
And that ancient town
Of high renown
Which means the world to me
Chorus: Tis of Limerick we sing
And our chorus will ring
In praise of its beauty rare
With the new and the old
The story is told
Of Limerick that city so fair
It’s lake’s and streams
Inspire my dreams
Of Bygone days of yore
The castle walls
The fast flowing walls
The much loved Treaty Stone
Chorus: Tis of Limerick We Sing……
Then sing with pride
All who abide
Down by the Shannon shore
Let those who will
Their glasses fill
And toast our town once more
Chorus: Tis of limerick We Sing……
THE LIMERICK RAKE
I am a young fellow that’s aisy and bold,
In Castletown Connors I’m very well known,
In Newcastle West I spent many a night
With Kitty and Judy and Mary
My father rebuked me for being such a rake,
And spending my time in such frolicsome ways,
But I ne’er shall forget the good nature of Jane,
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
My parents had reared me to shake and to mow,
To plough and to harrow, to reap and to sow,
But my heart being too airy to drop it so low
I set out on a high speculation.
On paper and parchment they taught me to write,
In Euclid and grammar they opened my eyes,
And in multiplication in truth I was bright
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
If I chance for to go to the town of Rathkeale,
The girls all around me do flock on the squares,
Some buy me a bottle and others sweet cakes
To treat me unknownst to their parents.
There is one from Askeaton and one from the Pike,
Another from Ardagh my heart has beguiled,
Though being from the mountains her stockings are white
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
To quarrel for riches I ne’er was inclined
For the greatest of misers must leave them behind.
I’ll purchase a cow that will never run dry
And I’ll milk her by twisting her horn.
John Damer of Shronel had plenty of gold,
And Devonshire’s treasure is twenty times more,
But they’re stretched on their backs among nettles and stones,
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
This cow can be milked without clover or grass
For she’s pampered with corn, good barley and hops,
She’s warm and stout, and she’s free in her paps,
And she’ll milk without spancel or halter,
The man that will drink it will cock his caubeen,
And if anyone cough there’ll be wigs on the green,
And they feeble old hag will get supple and free,
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
If I chance for to go to the market of Croom
With a cock in my hat and my pipes in full tune,
I’m made welcome at once and brought up to a room
Where Bacchus is sporting with Venus.
There’s Peggy and Jane from the town of Bruree
And Biddy from Bruff and we all on a spree,
Such a combing of locks as there was about me
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
There’s some say I’m foolish and more say I’m wise,
But being fond of the women I deem it no crime,
For the son of king David had ten thousand wives
And his wisdom was highly regarded.
I’ll till a good warden and live at my ease,
And each woman and child can partake of the same
If there’s war in the cabin themselves they may blame,
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
And now for the future I mean to be wise,
And I’ll send for the woman that acted so kind,
And I’ll marry them all on the morrow by and by
If the clergy agree to the bargain.
And when I’m on my back and my soul is at peace
All the women will crowd for to cry at my wake,
And their sons and their daughters will offer their prayers
To the Lord for the soul of their father.
MICK MACKEY’S MEN
We followed you through Munster
And we shouted for your fame
In Dublin’s far fadened pitch we stood
Ah there’s a glorious name
We jumped for joy
Each man and boy
Each maid and matron when
We saw the sheen of the white and green
For Mick Mackey and his men.
‘Twas well we knew
That it would be
O the fierce and a stormy day
When the Norside men came on the pitch
All eager for the fray
Resolved were they
To win their way
And gain the crown again
But we said no
It will surely go
To Mick Mackey and his men.
So to each and all
This gallant band
A tribute I must pay
The great Mick Mackey first of all
Was the hero of the day
And Paddy Scanlon tried and true
Has proved his worth again
Repelled attack with fighting crack
For Mick Mackey and his men
Of Jim McCarthy, Fena’s pride
Mick Kennedy and Ned Chalk
Of Peter Creegan and Jacky Power
Sure I’d love to sing and talk
John Mackey and Dick Stokes, my boys
All fought like Trojans then
And great Jim Roach
From Croomaboo
For Mick Mackey and his men
Now Timmy Ryan at center field
You’ve heard his name before
His powers at the ancient game
He’s know from shore to shore
Mick Mackey fierce and stony
Would face a lion in his den
But he’d rather stay and win the day
For Mick Mackey and his men.
There’s a man who hails
From Fedamore
Paddy Clohessy is his name
A star of loster shinning bright
And world wide is his fame
And from Kockany mount a cheer
A halfback they brought in
Twas Tommy Cook
With slash and slain
For Mick Mackey and his men.
Now Paddy McMahon
From Ahane
I will never forget
A tiger on the on set ball
He’s the man to smash the net
Three cheers for all this gallant band
Again and yet again
That great fifteen
In the white and green
For Mick Mackey and his men.
I’ll go out to Castleconnell
And I’ll spend and hour or two
I’ll call out Tiger Mackey
To some cozy rendezvous
We won’t talk of county councils
Bord of Health or things akin
But made no boast
We will drink a toast
For Mick Mackey and his men.
SLAN LE MAIGH
O slan is cead on dtaobh so uaim,
Cois maigh na gcaor, na gcraobh, na gcruach.
Na stad na sead na saor na sluagh,
Na ndan na ndreacht na gan ghruaim.
Chorus: Och, ochon, is breoite mise
Gan chuid, gan choir, gan choip, gan chiste.
Gan sult, gan sead, gan sport, gan spionnadh,
O seoladh me chun uaignis.
O slan go heag da saor-fhir shairc
Da daimh, da cheir, da hheigs’ da suadh.
Dom chairdibh cleibh, gan chlaoin, gan chluain,
Gan chaim, gan chlaon, gan chraos, gan chruas.
Chorus: Och, ochon, is breoite mise………
THE BEAUTY OF LIMERICK
I sing of a loved one who is dear unto me
Although we are parted by the deep rolling sea
My thoughts gladly wander to Erin’s green shore
Where dwells my sweet treasure mavourneen asthore.
By the side of a brooklet,a clear running stream
I fancy I see her, as in a fond dream
For there’s no girl fairer nor lovelier than she
My beauty of limerick, achusla machree
I sigh when I think of our farewell goodbye
When she tried hard to keep back the tear from her eye
Saying “Patrick, God bless you and bring you safe home
To the heart that is waiting for you all alone”.
How well I remember the promise I gave
To go back to old Ireland when money I’d save
For there’s no fairer girl nor lovelier than she
My beauty of Limerick, achusla machree.
I place ‘neath my pillow each night, ere I sleep
The beautiful token she gave me to keep—
The wee bit of ribbon she took from her hair
No King has a jewel more precious or rare.
In the morn when I waken I press to my heart
My colleen’s latest gift—from it ne’er will I part
For it comes from the dearest and sweetest to me
My beauty of Limerick, achusla machree.
9 Likes
That’s the one I was thinking of.
That’s a lovely portrait