School: Ballygarvan (C.) (roll number 9830)
- Location:
- Ballygarvan, Co. Cork
- Teacher: Eibhlín, Bean de Barra
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0391, Page 145
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- XML School: Ballygarvan (C.)
- XML Page 145
- XML “John Maher”
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On this page
- The following Ballad was given to me by Mary Dempsey, a school child aged 13. The title of the song is the name of the composer. He lived in a little house near Carrigaline, and he died in a farmer's house in Ballygarvan. He was evidently of the labouring class. This song is still sung locally at the "Threshings".
Mary Dempsey resides at Ballea, and she got this Ballad from her Mother.John MaherMy name is John Maher, I always love pleasure,
Its two dozen years since I first saw the light,
Like Samson I'm strong; and by real Irish measure,
I'm fully 6 ft and 2 inches in height.When I came to my 'teens, the Almighty thought proper,
To show my example his power over man,
He made me a time somewhat like a napper,
And then a wild rambling life I began.Near sweet Carrigaline, where I chanced to be born,
Devoid of all trouble, I sauntered along,
The reapers when cutting the golden new corn,
Resist for one moment to hear my sweet song.(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Mary Dempsey
- Gender
- Female
- Age
- 13
- Address
- Ballea, Co. Cork
