THE BOGS OF SHANAHEEVER

[JohnGalway 1,043]

I had never heard of this song before tonight, when, of all people, I was told by an ecologist!

 

No doubt it came to her from her father in law who recited poetry to our class the last week. He's a real class act and had the room enrapture.

 

Anyway, I thought it may be of interest to some on here.

 

Edit to replace lyrics.

 

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THE BOGS OF SHANAHEEVER

 

My young life has passed, which makes me feel dreary

For in exile I'm cast on the wilds of the prairie.

There to watch the Red Man, hunt the panther and the beaver

But my thoughts wander back to the Bogs of Shanaheever.

 

Tommy, Andy and Eoin in my absence get ready

By the early morning moon have the dogs out and ready

And make no delay, but be fast and clever

And we'll have a fine days coursing o'er the Bogs of Shanaheever.

 

In London for years, Ryan spoke of Susannah

And young Willie Ayer, he would boast of Diana

But the truth to you I'll tell , there is none of them I'd favour

I'd give Victor the sway, o'er the Bogs of Shanaheever.

 

From the shores of Lough Inagh to the plains of Glenbricken

And beneath the red sun, my poor heart was ticking

Went to make for Letterdean, but the boys they did'nt favour

So we crossed by the hill to the Bogs of Shanaheever.

 

The course it was rough and the dogs they were strong winded

And how fierce every stride, oh the hunting it was splendid.

Those 2-year old dogs so lanky swift and clever.

But the next sight I saw, was a death in Shanaheever.

 

The day that Victor died, my coursing days were over.

I sat down and cried, like a heartbroken lover.

We dug Victor his grave and we left him there forever.

Paid my passage to New York, from the Bogs of Shanaheever.

 

Ireland, my love, I will think of you forever.

There is no place on Earth that men love with such great fervour.

And when She is free, I'll come back again to see Her

Then we'll spend our days a hunting on the Bogs of Shanaheever.

Edited March 26, 2010 by JohnGalway

[cúagusgiorraí 57]

Nice poem lad, thanks

 

I can relate to that very much. Nothing worse than burying your hound after it's tragic death behind the white tail of a hare.

Edited March 27, 2010 by cúagusgiorraí

[mossyh07 64]

Seen a dog drop dead behind a hare after 8-9 mins before.. Was a shame too see but had to just admire the hare as it trot off as if it knew it had beaten the dog