School: Leac Dhearg (Lickerrig)

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1. The Mills of Gamahoe

   

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   In the townland of Riverville not far from the school and on the side of the road between Loughrea and Athenry are the ruins of a flour-mill. This mill belonged to Lord Dunsandle. About seventy years ago Lord Dunsandle was at a party in Dublin. He was asked to sing the "Dusty Miller". He thought the people were having a joke about his mill. When he returned he ordered P. Ryder a mason from Lissalondoon to knock down the mill. Ryder tried to knock it but he was unable.
   The following song was (told about) written about the mill.

   My name is Patrick Ryder, my age is sixty four.
   Lissalondoon is my Native place, not far from Gamahoe.
   I'm one of the best of masons, the country well does know.
   And (N) nothing ever failed me, but the mills of Gamahoe.

   When Ryder went to knock the mill, his fortune for to try
   He thought he'd knock it readily, and drive it in the sky
   But alas he was mistaken, to his great grief and woe
   He wished he never laid a hand, on that mill in Gamahoe

   T'was early Monday morning, those masons they began
   When Ryder broke the tamping bar, he thought of a good plan
   We might as well go home says Dempsey, the holes they are too close
   O no you fool says Ryder, I'll tamp it with my nose

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Annie Maloney

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Lissalondoon, Co. Galway

   Informant

   Patrick Dempsey

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   84

   Address

   Lecarrow, Co. Galway