Maurice O'Neill
[1917-42]
The lyrics for this song come courtesy of Kerry Public Libraries. It was composed by Brian O'Higgins ‘Brian Ó hUigínn’ (1st July 1882 – 10th March 1963), also known as Brian na Banban. He was an Irish writer, poet, soldier and politician and was a founding member of Sinn Féin and served as President of the organisation from 1931 to 1933. He was a leading figure in the Gaelic revival movement and was widely regarded for his literary abilities. He produced a number of books and pamphlets including ‘The Voice of Banba, songs, ballads and satires (1907)’ and ‘Ballads of Battle, songs of the Irish freedom struggle (1910)’
It rings through the mountains of Kerry
from Tarbert to Cahersiveen,
and wakens proud memories of valour
in the fights of the days that have been,
and out o'er the green fields of Ireland
it sweeps with a loud welling peal,
that cry full of anger and sorrow
"they have murdered young Maurice O'Neill"
And a prayer rises up from the faithful,
the faithful in woe and weal,
"this night 'mong the martyrs of Ireland,
God rest you brave Maurice O'Neill"
He sprang from a long line of free men,
who never bent knee to the foe,
and his heart gave unfaltering allegiance,
to a cause that was trampled and low,
he came to the red gap of danger
where thousands had fallen before,
he died like a Gael and a soldier
and his memory is green evermore
His name shines through the darkness of thraldom,
shines out like the flashing of steel,
and the true heart of Ireland is calling,
"God bless you brave Maurice O'Neill"
"Let no voice plead for me with the traitors"
he cried, when the death hour was nigh,
"May the young men be faithful forever,
to the cause that has caused me to die,
when the deathless Republic of Ireland
is rescued from thraldom and shame,
I ask but a place in her memory,
and her soldiers' salute to my name"
And the young men of Ireland make answer,
"when the foemen in front of us reel,
as we march to the dawn light of freedom,
you will march with us Maurice O'Neill".