The Fenians

Source: Schools collection, An Clochar, Cathair Saidhbhín page 336-7

The blood-thirsty Fenians were seen

Swarming over the country of Cahirciveen

Coming down from the mountain and from the waves

Fast unearthing their rifles from ditches and caves

Their leaders some wild-looking men from New York

But all their labours were spend in vain

For friends and neighbours through hill and plain

Gave the sheltering hand and heart of truth

To the mad brave band of Iveragh's youth

Who struck at nought but the alien laws

And whose hearts were hot in their country's cause

Hurrah for the peasants of Caherciveen!

No bolder or braver in Ireland are seen,

No Soldiers more true to the banner of green,

Than the free-hearted peasants of Caherciveen!

Oh, who could like slaves, looking out on that scene,

On those valleys decked bright in their emerald sheen,

On the heaven-kissing mountains that stand up between,

And the wave-beaten headlands of Caherciveen!

Then joy be the lot of that race bold and keen,

From the breakers of Bray to the ridge of Culleen,

Whose spirit no tyrant can daunt or demean,

The true mean and women of Caherciveen!

Then hurrah for the peasants of Caherciveen,

No braver or nobler in Ireland are seen,

None truer to God and their banners of green,

Than the free hearted peasants of Caherciveen!