School: Carrowreagh (roll number 15220)

Location:
Carrowreagh, Co. Sligo
Teacher:
Elizabeth Benson
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0185, Page 0031

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0185, Page 0031

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  3. XML “The Returned Exile”

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  1. The Returned Exile
    Written in Sligo Prison 1882 by Mr John O'Dowd who died on 19th Oct 1937, aged 81.
    The ivied ruin of Ballymote
    Looks weird and lovely still
    And fair as ever proudly soars
    Keash-Corran's stately hill.
    The grim old tower of Emlafad
    Seems gloomy as of yore;
    And once again I stand beside
    The winding Owenmore.
    'Tis twenty years since last I trod
    This dear beloved spot,
    'Tis twenty years since last I gazed
    Upon my native cot.
    Ah me, how many and many a change
    Since then has taken place
    The ruins of my once loved home
    I cannot even trace!
    It stood amd the ashes tall,
    Right by the river here;
    And 'round it stretched on every side,
    Green hedgerows far and near.
    The "double-ditch" by briars crowned
    (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