Kelly the Boy from Killane
What's the news, what's the news, O me bold ShelmalierWith your long barrel guns from the sea ?Say, what wind from the south brings a messenger hereWith this hymn of the dawn for the free?Goodly news, goodly news do I bring youth of ForthGoodly news shall I hear Bargy man.For the boys march at morn from the south to the northLed by Kelly, the boy from Killane.
Tell me who is the giant with the gold curling hairHe who rides at the head of your band.Seven feet is his height with some inches to spareAnd he looks like a king in command.O me boys that's the pride of the bold Shelmalier'Mongst our greatest of heroes a manFling your beavers aloft and give three ringing cheersFor John Kelly, the boy from Killane.
Enniscorthy is in flames and old Wexford is wonAnd tomorrow the barrow will crossOn the hill o'er the town we have planted a gunThat will batter the gateway to Ross.All the Forth men and Bargy men will march o'er the heathWith brave Harvey to lead in the vanBut the foremost of all in the grim gap of deathWill be Kelly, the boy from Killane.
But the gold sun of freedom grew darkened at RossAnd it set by the Slaney's red wave...And poor Wexford stripped naked hung high on a crossWith her heart pierced by traitors and knaves.Glory-o, Glory-o to her brave men who diedFor the cause of long down-trodden man.Glory-o to Mount-Leinster's own darling and prideDauntless Kelly, the boy from Killane.