The Deluge in Caherciveen 1930

As in the previous song the composer is using the Nom de plume ‘Mick McQuaid’. It would appear from the following lines that little has been done to rectify the drainage system in Caherciveen since the events of 1924. Although some of the characters have changed the sentiment remains the same. The song ‘Barr na Sráide’ in volume 1 of ‘Songs of Iveragh – Amhrán Uíbh Ráthaigh’, share a similar structure and rhythmic meter and is possibly by the same composer. The air to ‘Barr na Sráide’ which is loosely based on the air of ‘The wearing of the green’, which itself was used for other songs in the area would also be suitable for the ‘Deluge’ songs. The song appeared in the Kerry Champion on the 11th January 1930 with the additional lines below:

(To the Editor, “Kerry Champion”)

Sir,- On the evening of the 10th inst:, a big deluge descended on the town of Caherciveen, which caused serious inconvenience to the inhabitants, many houses in High Street and Main Street being completely flooded owing to the lack of proper drainage. The drains are unable to carry any volume of water, after a slight rain fall it is quite a common sight to witness the little water traps choked and the streets in a state of inundation. The authorities have been repeatedly warned as to the neglected condition of the drains along the Old Road which are unable to carry the huge volume of water which descends from the mountain – the main cause of flooding the principal streets. No steps have been taken to remedy the grievance. Surely it is high time they should realise their responsibilities to the over-taxed ratepayers, who are almost drowned with taxation. The following lines describe the recent flooding.”

Source: Kerry Champion (11th January 1930, p9)

There’s a flood in Barr na Sráide, Patie Andy raises Cain,

‘Tis coming down like lava, and flooding all the Lane.

There’s a flood in Old Market Street, Jim Keating’s in the dark.

In wrath he grinds his teeth; he wants a Noah’s-Ark.

There’s a flood in stinking Pound Lane, sure it steals a march,

Tom Murphy shouts “More Rain”, T’will only scour the Arch.

There’s a flood in Main Street, our M.C.C’s are at their posts,

They send us hearty greetings and the Auditors Report.

There’s excitement in the Four Courts, I heard a shout above the din,

“Who will hold the fort, where are the handy men?”

There’s a flood in Old Road, Jim Joy drowns his sorrow,