School: Ardlow

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   “This poem was composed about the year 1827 about Daniel O'Connell.”

   

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   the evidence of Dolan Smyth got free. Dolan swore Smyth did the deed but he gave the hour at 7:30 AM whereas the deed was done at 6:30 or 6:25 AM. Smyth hurried across country and was in time for 8 O'Clock Mass in Mullagh. Going in the Church gate he walked side by side with the Police Sergeant in Mullagh to the Church door, and had a conversation about a greyhound which Smyth owned and was to course that day. This meeting and conversation with the Sergeant saved Smyth from the gibbet. According to Dolan's account the deed happened at 7:30 and Smyth was the Mullagh Church at 8 o'clock having come a distance of over 3 Irish miles in less than half an hour and on foot a feat unbelievable by the magistrates for the trial.
   The poet composed these lines on the events of the time.
   "On Dan O'Connell and his Time"
   I am an old woman of high understanding
   That passed through the temple of honour and fame
   My friends throughout Europe are widely expanding
   I have but one favourite and Dan is his name
   A bright inspiration his mind elevated
   His manly endeavours are pleasing to me
   And by the Almighty he is animated
   To slacken our chains and set us all free

   The Orange atrocious, insidious revilers
   Who ransack the Bible, religion to find

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   John Fitzsimmons

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Ardlow, Co. Cavan

   Informant

   Michael Meenagh

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   c. 64

   Address

   Ballintlieve, Co. Meath