School: Béal an Átha Móir (B.)

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1. Ballinamuck (continued)

   

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   There surrounded and four times outnumbered, defiant and fearless they stood,
   And many a red-coat went under, and many a pike tasted blood.
   Three hours the fierce combat lasted and victors again we had been,
   But the viceroy himself now advancing with a terrible army is seen.

   
   When Humbert, in haste, gave the signal advising the Irish to fly,
   He knows that he soon must surrender; these brave lads, if taken, must die.
   Some scorned to flee or seek safety, at his post died poor Gunner Magee,
   Freedom's torch gave a last feeble flicker, then sank in oppression's dark sea.

   
   Down then went the green flag of Erin, the hope of a nation were o'er,
   And the fetters we swore should be broken drawn tighter than ever before.
   Persecutions fell minions went prowling, abroad spread the Hessians and Yeos:
   The cowards that kept out of battle wreaked vengeance on unarmed foes.

   
   'Twas death now to harbour a Croppy, the wounded to aid was a crime:
   Some died in the hay-cochs, and ditches praying heaven to shorten their time.
   And for miles in the fields by the roadside, or up by the lonely ''boreen,''
   Each marking a Croppy's sepulchre, rough crosses on mounds, may be seen.

   
   God rest them, the brave lads who perished on the side of that bare rocky hill.
   No stone marks the spot where they perished, but their memory lives with us still;
   And in Connaught, around the turf fire, the "gosoons", with hearts beating high,
   Still list' to the Seanchaidhe telling the story that never shall die.

   
   The above was written by Anthony Curran B.A., ex N.T. Cloone, who is still living near Cloone. He had Dec. in poem, and Dublin instead of Granard. I changed it to Sep as Mr West was gathering his hay when the French arrived.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. time
      1. historical periods by name (~25)
         1. 1798 (~642)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Seán Ó hEslin

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   51

   Informant

   Mr Antony Curran

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Cloone, Co. Leitrim