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North Longford

Blackbirds at Ballinamuck Sing in The Trees

The blackbirds at Ballinamuck sing among the trees Where the rebels, prone, were slain, English cavalry chased through where horses could run …

Memories of Grandmother at Drumnahara

The shaking hands that set the plate Of ice cream and jelly that vibrate With an old woman’s smile under curled hair …

Sitting Shoreside by Nabelwy Lake

Looking back through photos, a shot of Lough Nabelwy reminded me of one of my favourite walks in North Longford, and of …

Folk of the Land of the Whin

From where to the world’s four corners spread All desire to, but few manage to return To children tales told, songs sung …

Walk at Lough Annagh Remembered

A rather melancholic reflection I remember while walking last year at Annagh Lake. Life indeed tames us all… or am I just …

Still Running the Still

Still in the shed, and a worm in the field The guards are out looking for the still But the word went …

Flickering Candles Foretell Death

A tradition of foretelling a death from North Longford… From the Irish Folklore Commission In days gone by a tradition old Of …

1798 Thinking

“Thats 1798 thinking” ~ Longford phrase meaning its an old fashioned notion and idealist, unlike modern reality To think like we did, …

The Lady of Culray

She was a landlords daughter Her lover not so grand It was illegal to be a Catholic You could not own your …

Horsemen Awaited at Bunlahy

Background – Sean Mac Eoin told of a Tracey family related to him that had two brothers in the fight at Granard, …

The Turn Oot Remembered By Both Sides

Men of Eireann, forbidden oaths swearing Blood to shed for freedoms cause Bards songs sung of brave rebels from cart handles hung …

Let Death Not Sneak In Our Door

In the days gone by during the War On the family farm in old Lislea My mother but a child she was …

Gurteen Lake in Ballinalee

Gurteen Lake and the Curse of the McCarthys

Verse from another legend from Longford recorded by the Irish Folklore Commission From Clonbroney the priest was travelling Was making his weary …

Lady of Lough Gowna

An eerie cry echos the evening air The mermaids plaintive song The saying among the folk that know Is there will be …