School: An Druipseach

On this page

1. When Mallow Beat Blackrock

   

   Share Share Post

   I
   Come all ye trueborn Irish lads and listen to my song.
   I'll speak but just a word or two and I won't detain you long.
   My tale is not of murder foul, or prisoners in the dock.
   But 'tis the story of the glorious day when Mallow bate Blackrock.
   II
   We set our sails for Blarney groves on the first day of July.
   With our gallant men all re-arranged, to conquer or to die.
   Our eyes were bright, our hearts were steel, before the dreadful shock.
   That shook the earth and heaven itself when Mallow bate Blackrock.
   III
   The day it was an awful sight with wind and driving rain.
   But Mallow pride could e'er defy the thundering Spanish main.
   They cast their garments to the clouds at half past three o'clock.
   And then they clashed with frightful glee, the rakes and bold Blackrock.
   IV
   The rain did stop, the wind did quail before the mighty roar.
   And Blarney Castle stood up straight and called the Old Dromore.
   The whistle blew, the battle raged "we are no laughing stock".
   "Ye Mallow rakes, we'll show you ye now" laid the hurlers of Blackrock.
   V
   Like thunderbolts Jove's right hand, like wolves round flocks of sheep.
   Like tigers from the forest fast, like sharks from ocean deep.
   They struggled for an hour or more and with many a bloody shock.
   These dashing, smashing hurling men of Mallow and Blackrock.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

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

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Dan O Connell

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Curraleigh, Co. Cork

   Informant

   Mr Daniel O Connell

   Relation

   Parent

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Curraleigh, Co. Cork