This is one of nine songs performed by singers at the launch event for 'O Were I at the Moss House', a songbook featuring 25 Bunclody songs compiled and edited by Aileen Lambert. The launch event took place in Bunclody Library on Thursday 30th November 2023.
The songbook is available to order from www.aileenlambert.com
The Battle of Bunclody
Words: James Armstrong
Air: Paul O’Reilly/Traditional
On a hill o’er the town on that bright summer morning,
Five hundred brave pikemen lay waiting their fate,
To glory or death e’er the sun reached Mount Leinster,
For such was the story of dark ’98.
It counted for nought, they were trebly outnumbered,
What mattered the odds when their trust was on High,
The cause it was sacred, their sagart was leading,
’Twas honour to fight and ’twas noble to die.
The brave Father Kearns, he thinks but of victory,
He heeds not the hint to allow for retreat,
Retreat or surrender is not contemplated,
Whatever befall, death alone brings defeat.
The hour is at hand, like a chieftain their leader,
Ride forward, unarmed, “Arise, follow me!”,
Not a sound breaks the silence, each stout heart is throbbing,
As wildly they dash down the slopes of Droim Chree.
The charge and the carnage, the grim tale of battle,
So just repetition of deeds of renown,
Though high was the price paid, Bunclody was taken,
The flag of the rebel is hoist o’er the town.
Ah! sad is the tale of thy fortunes, my Erin,
The tide is reversed ere the long shadows fell,
Despair and disaster reward an achievement,
As grand as the pen of historians can tell.
This song refers to the Battle of Bunclody, which took place on 1 June 1798. The rebel force of around 5,000 was led by Fr Mogue Kearns of Kiltealy. The song was published in Enniscorthy Echo, 28th May 1938 and features in Songs and Poems by James Armstrong. The song is sung to two different airs; one composed by Paul O’Reilly, a friend of the Armstrong family and which is featured in the book, while Noel Armstrong, son of James, also sings the song to a traditional air.
