School: An Clochar, Béal an Átha Móir (roll number 13614)

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1. Daring Dermott Dhunn - Breffni's Last Rapparee

   

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   (I)

   Adown the mountain strode the last of the Breffni's Rapparees,

   His dark long hair defying care was flying in the breeze.;

   He says " The priest will be today below on yon Mass Rock -

   I'll join them and if need there be I'll guard him and flock".

   
   (II)

   
   Then down he went, and armed was brave Dermot to the teeth,

   "If England's sleuth hounds come" he said "I'll meet them on the heath, [?]

   They'll never touch our Sagart dear while I a gun can draw,

   I bid defiance here today to England and her law".

   
   (III)

   He knelt while mass was going on; the women shrugged and said

   "We never thought we'd see him here for wild's the life he's led."

   But Dermot prayed most fervently, and told his Maker there,

   That if the foemen came in search they'd find a lion's lair.

   
   (IV)

   When near the ending of the Mass, the ban - dogs did appear,

   The women and the children screamed and old men shook with fear;

   Then Dermott rushed up to the priest and said "now Father dear,

   Give me the outer vestment and for your life now clear".

   
   (V)

   Then, on he put the Chasuble the priest he forced away,

   "God bless you, Father, we shall meet upon the Judgement Day;"

   Make for the mountains quickly now, I'll take your place and well,

   I'll fight them when they meet me in yon spot beyond the fell."

   (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

   Mary Rita Darcy

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Drumrackan, Co. Leitrim