Folklore: Parnell's Rhyme
Year: 1936
Collector: Seán de Buitléir
Location: Wexford
Informant: Eamonn Ó Mirneagh
Here I am the great Parnell,
A true son of Granuaille,
In the Co. Wicklow I was born in a place called Abbondale,
For Eirinn’s cause, I struggled hard.
For her I crossed the main for to unite for tenant right and Land League for to gain.
I united a part of Munster and Leinster to a man.
And a noble part of Ulster would join me in my plan.
Concreate clod mountain's so dark and deep obscure.
For years great desolation we had for to endure.
It being in the town of Wexford I showed a grand display, where 50,000 welcomed me with shouts and loud hurray.
The town was decorated with harps and evergreen.
With banners and grand arches the most glorious ever seen.
The green flag was unfolded and floated in the gale
For grand display the very next day
They confined me in a jail.
I have no gun or musket,
With them I don't intend to fight.
One word will gain the victory
when Ireland will unite.
We'll wake the Harp of Tara's Hall
With music streams once more
And the birds shall ring with freedom
Throughout green Erin's shore.
Credit to the Dúchas project at the National Folklore Collection, University College Dublin.
Please find more of their fascinating work here:
https://www.duchas.ie/en/info/res