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North Longford

Who Are We Going to Fight Now

As the British left, one man in jest Asked “Who will we fight now”, All too soon was clear as many did …

A Nice Time of Year to Go

A nice time of year to go – So long ago, like yesterday – When the veil of life was at its …

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 …

When The Devil Was Beat by Duffy

A common folk story in Europe, in North Longford it was attributed to a local blacksmith as the hero of the tale, …

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 …

The Three Wishes of Willie the Wisp

Based on the story from the Folklore Commission https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5009178/4994671 There once was a blacksmith as broke as could be, Who no future …

To Visit A Strangers Grave

I walk in town to which confined For nine more weeks I bring to mind The graves I would visit today Of …

The Ambush at Clonfin

Man for man, and gun for gun, Mere peasants stood to the test, With faith in God and their fellow man, They …

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 …

Fireside Tales Told at Halloween

Stories of North Longford families, Of folk then dead and gone – Were told to me when I was young By those …

Old Crone of Cairn Hill

Old Crone of Beara is said to have dropped stones that make up cairns on Cairn Hill in Longford. As with many legends, the stories vary, with some saying she was another personification of the Goddess Bridget… #Irishlegend #folklore

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 …

Finchley Cemetry when it was consecrated in 1854

Funeral for a Thief

Helen of Troy launched a thousand ships… Chicago May and her wild red hair sent many men to their deaths, or to kill…

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 …

Betrayal of the Brothers Grimes

In the wake of the 1798 Rebellion, the brothers Grimes, all of whom were executed by the British, were betrayed by a …

Remembering a Country Girl

Verses pondering the life of May Ann Duignan (Degnan), aka Mrs May Churchill Sharpe, aka Chicago May, as I walked past her …