School: Loch Measca
- Location:
- Caherrobert, Co. Mayo
- Teacher: Máire, Bean an Bhrúnaigh
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0103, Page 408
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- This ballad is a small tribute to the dead hero - Michael O'Brien, Kildun, The Neal, who was killed in the Tourmakeady Ambush, 3rd May 1920.
l.
It was a Tuesday afternoon just on the third of May.
The noble soul michael O'Brien from earth did pass away.
He fought and fell for Róisín Dubh neath a Tourmakeady sky,
Then his spirit joined that noble band whose deeds shall never die.
ll.
He was a gallant soldier of the famous I.R.A.
That host of knightly warriors who have stunned the world to-day.
With deeds of Irish valour, of chivalry and renown,
In battling for our freedom against the forces of the Crown.
lll.
On New Year's Day at sunset, O'Brien went "on the run,"
And side by side with Tom McGuire, he planned the English Huns
Should yield to them in battle in the cause of Éire Óg
Then he buckled on his armour, bright, to meet the Saxon rogue.
lV.
Now the English were determined that O'Brien should never fight,
they sought him day by day, and likewise at dead of night.
With soldiers and constabulary, and Auxiliary Black and Tans,(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Mary Kate Casey
- Gender
- Male
- Address
- Creevagh Middle, Co. Mayo
- Informant
- James Burke
- Relation
- Unknown
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 50
- Address
- Kildun More, Co. Mayo
