School: Cill Mhic Abaidh, An Léim (roll number 11245)

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1. John Mitchell's Farewell

   

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   I
   I am a true born Irishman John Mitchell is my name.
   And for to join my countrymen, from Newry first I came.
   I struggled hard both day and night to free my native land,
   For which I was transported into a foreign land.
   II
   When first I joined the Irish ranks it was in '42
   And what did follow after, I'll not relate to you,
   I raised the standard of repeal and gloried in the deed,
   And vowed to Heaven I ne'er would rest till Ireland would be free.
   III
   Farewell my gallant comrades, it grieves my heart full sore,
   To think that I must part from you, perhaps from evermore,
   The love I bear my native land, I know no other crime,
   That is the reason I must go into a foreign clime.
   IV
   When in the prison, close confined, before my trial day,
   My loving wife she came to me and thus to me did say,
   "John, my dear, cheer up your heart, and daunted never be,
   For 'tis better to die for Ireland's rights than live in slavery.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Seán Ó Donnabháin

   Gender

   Male

   Informant

   Seán Ó Muirthuille

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   76

   Occupation

   Oibrí

   Address

   Kilmacabea, Co. Cork