School: Gort Leitreach (roll number 15960)

Location:
Gortletteragh, Co. Leitrim
Teacher:
Seosamh Mac Cionnaith
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0214, Page 364

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0214, Page 364

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  1. XML School: Gort Leitreach
  2. XML Page 364
  3. XML “Jack Reenan's Hob”

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  1. Jack Keenan's Hob

    Good people, give ear to those lines I make mention
    It is my intention the truth to lay down.
    Concerning a hob, you may call it a hob.
    It was built by no stob I can tell you profound
    If you thing it a joke you may go in and smoke.
    And believe not the Poet if you dont see and find
    A hob, I can tell you in Jack Keenan's dwelling
    Right well put together and plastered with lime
    This hob it was built without splices or bits.
    With stones that wont split by the fire or flame.
    They were quarried and go in wonderful rock.
    Where the sledges did hop like a shower of hail.
    But when they were lifted both chiselled and clefted
    Each binder was fitted neatly and sure
    It will stand during ages exposed to the rages
    Of burning hot blazes that all things consume
    It was done with such knowledge so fir and solid.
    We must only call it a structure of art.
    That was undertaken by specification
    But, surely, the mason, he done his own part.
    The mother he used it could not be refused
    It was wrought mixed and bruised in such elegant style
    Without a mistake I can safely dictate
    It will not separate or diminish by time
    I'm sure all the burning in Pluto's dark dungeons
    Would not leave it sundered disordered or cracked
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Higgins
    Occupation
    Poet
    Address
    Clooncose, Co. Leitrim