School: Béal an Átha Móir (B.)

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1. Ballinamuck (continued)

   

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   The old man's passion grew so hot,
   He took his bai?in on the spot,
   And made a flourish roundabout,
   And like a deer he started out.
   His consort asked where he was going,
   And he replied '' let me alone,
   A minute I'll not stand, or stop,
   Or break my fast, or taste a drop,
   Or sleep till I give Séan a lick,
   Or two, of this good blackthorn stick.''

   The Tom looked on with childish glee
   And said at this, ''leave Séan to me.''
   The good old fellow there and then
   Did not insist but returned in,
   And did no further freaks display
   When the excitement died away.

   Soon rolled around thrice seven years
   With all there joys and with all theri tears,
   When Ferguson did then prepare
   And start off for Drumkeerin Fair.
   And, like a busy business man,
   To buy a horse he there began.

   But when the bargain it was made
   Another man stepped in and said
   '' I'll keep this horse, and you may try
   Another of his kind to buy.''
   Sure Ferguson did long contend,
   Without assistance of a friend,
   Till he got overawed and cowed
   At the appearance of the crowd.

   At length a man asked for his name,
   And for the place whence he came.
   His answer was, '' I'm far from home,
   And to you all I am unknown.
   But no howling mob I might fear
   If Tom Gilheany had been here.''

   A lusty voice did then cry out.
   '' Pray tell me what's this all about
   For if not mentioned for a sham
   The man Gilheany, here I am.''

   '' Now Tom, ? mic'' the buyer said,
   '' I think I'm worth of your aid
   At least, I'm sure you must allow,
   If only you but know me now.''
   So when he took a look at Bob
   He said to him ''fear not this mob''.
   Because your case I'll rectify.
   At any cost were I to die.
   The horse he grappled by the head.
   And the intruders quickly fled.

   Gilheany brought him home that night.
   To all his neighbours great delight,
   They spent the night in mirth and cheer,
   Until the daylight did appear,
   When Ferguson he did repeat,
   '' I'm proud I lived in '98
   I'm glad Gilheany did not die
   So now I bid you all good-bye.''

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. genre
      1. poetry
         1. folk poetry (~9,504)

   Language

   English

   Informant

   Micky Creamer

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Curraghnawall, Co. Leitrim