School: Tuairín Árd (roll number 14078)

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1. The Blacksmith Volunteer - A Song of '22

   

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   by Tadg Barnett
   Clashnagough,
   Knocknagoshel.

   
   i

   Oh, Kerry foremost in the fight, when freedom first began.
   How many a hero lost his life, - how many a rebel gone
   Another song of grief and woe, bereft of hope and cheer.
   Another martyr is laid low, the Blacksmith Volunteer.

   ii

   At home he was a gallant son, a patriot tried and true,
   When Humphrey roused the flag of freedom what did Danny do,
   For Independence he did stand, for in his heart there was no fear,
   Tho' he grasped no rifle in his hand, - The Blacksmith Volunteer.

   
   iii

   Within his forge, he sang so sweet, as loud his anvil rang,
   He little thought that he would meet, Mulcahy's murder gang,
   "Mo Bhrón" - the spies were thick around, his hour of death was near,
   The Freestate Blood hounds did surround, the Blacksmith Volunteer.

   
   iv

   Oh, how the tigers did rejoice, they gloated oe'r their prey.
   The "sagart" vainly raised his voice, but they marched him quick away,
   To Baranarig's ancient wood, the devils quick drew near,
   Oh, how they thirsted for the blood of the Blacksmith Volunteer.

   
   v

   He quickly knew their business and he prayed to God on high,
   The shots re-echoed through the wood and bleeding he did lie
   Twenty bullets pierced his breast, God help his mother dear,
   He lived and died for Ireland,
   - the Blacksmith Volunteer.

   (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

   Liam Ó Murchadha

   Gender

   Male

   Occupation

   Teacher

   Address

   Knocknagashel, Co. Kerry

   Informant

   Tadhg Barrett

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   50

   Address

   Meenbannivane, Co. Kerry