School: Béal an Átha Móir (B.)

Location:
Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim
Teacher:
Seán Ó Heslin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0225, Page 220

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0225, Page 220

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  3. XML “Ballinamuck”

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  1. It happened once upon a time,
    As sages tell in phrase sublime,
    That Tom Gilheany, stout and straight,
    Prepared his pipe in '98,
    And from Drumkeerin did advance
    To join the gallant sons of France.
    To see how foremen reeled and ran
    Was balsam for an Irishman.
    Besides the band in unison played
    In thundering strains, 'The White Cockade'',
    And brilliant was Gilheaney's luck
    Till he arrived in Balinamuck.
    Then, by reverse of fortune there,
    He had to fly in wild despair.
    Over hill and valley, mead, and moor,
    This life, not for a moment, sure.
    That might beneath a hedge he lay
    Until it was approaching day.
    When stepping forward at the dawn
    He met a man called Shuffling Seán,
    To whom he did communicate
    This sore distress, and helpless state;
    And that he did not break his fast
    Foe eight-and-forty hours past.
    Seán brought him to his cosy cot,
    And for him good refreshments got.
    He pleased the refugee so well
    That he did, his adventures, tell.
    '' I have some money here to spare
    That you may take unto your care
    Whate'er my lot, in the long run,
    Pray let may parents have the sum.''
    The money being such tempting stuff
    was freely taken, sure enough.
    And when he started you must know
    Seán pointed out the road to go,
    And told him where he might be sure
    To rest some days, and lie secure.
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Topics
    1. genre
      1. poetry
        1. folk poetry (~9,504)
    Language
    English
    Informant
    Micky Creamer
    Gender
    Male
    Address
    Curraghnawall, Co. Leitrim