From Kells to Gerringong

A new song composed in 2017 by Glenn McDonald and Anne Golden  for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Fenian rising of 1867.

Well I’ll tell you a story about a brave Fenian man,
Young Johnny Golden from down near Kells Strand,
He rose in arms with the Boys of Filemore,
To soon be imprisoned on a far distant shore.

The rebellion was set and Kells they did raid,
No Dingle fires burning, a campaign in vain,
Our Golden haired Fenian did his best to evade,
When captured in Cobh, charge of treason was laid.

His ma walked on pregnant with her 10th child,
60 miles to Tralee to see her first born stand trial,
Guilty as charged, five years he received,
Never more he’d see Kerry as a man who was free.

For the Port of Fremantle, the Hougoumont set sail,
Where 62 Fenians were thrown in the gaol,
A pardon was granted and Golden was free,
Arrived to meet Ellen and find love in Sydney.

Twas a short life of freedom in this new found land,
Having had seven children, John fell to God’s hands,
But connections were made and they continue to grow,
And we sing of young Golden so the young folk will know.

Chorus
From Kells to Fremantle and Gerringong to Kells
The story of Golden, we’ll continue to tell.
A story of loss and of love and of lore
The Goldens spread forth on a far distant shore.