School: Baile Stiabhna, Askeaton (roll number 7900)

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   Memories of Ballysteen - An Exiles Enquiries

   (Supposed to have been spoken by an exile on meeting a fresh emigrant from the locality)

   And this is you from Ireland, Jack,
   Alannah, ah, give me your hand.
   For memories now come crowded back
   Of that dear, old sweet old land.
   I can see the 'Cross' and Naughton's hill,
   And Kenerks little field so green,
   And every bush, and bank and sill,
   In dear old Ballysteen.

   Is the whitethorn bush at the corner yet?
   Ah, many and many a day
   I was told by whom, and when it was set
   Sure she's now 'neath the cold, cold clay.
   Tis 'Mommy' I mean. She often said
   "Boys don't abuse that tree,
   You'll all meet here when I am dead
   And I know you'll pray for me."

   I'm told the thatched house is gone from the scene,
   That the walls are all fallen and bare.
   Twill not be at all like Ballysteen
   If the old thatched house isn't there.
   Twas often I sat in the corner seat

   (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

   Muriel Fitzgerald

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Ballinvoher, Co. Limerick

   Informant

   Jack Hayes

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Ballysteen, Co. Limerick

   Informant

   Mr Patrick Moran

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Milltown North, Co. Limerick