Boatmen that Are Gone
Author: Kit Ennis
Singer: Tony Malone
Theme: Local Event
Location: West Carlow, Barrow The title says it all: looking back at a way of life and of work that are gone, the Barrow boys are no more. The author, Kit Ennis, was a lock keeper at Tinnahinch lock (Graiguenamanagh) in the 1920s.
The Boatmen That Are Gone
Now the Grand Canal is just the same old winding waterway
But it’s old time navigators are now moldering in the clay
Those gentle old world boatmen who sailed those waters o’er
They have departed on a voyage from which they’ll come no more
Though they are gone they’ve left us a memory sweet to save
While summer breezes whisper round their narrow silent graves
May they be with their Master and Heaven’s light shine on
Those one time hardy sons of toil the boatmen that are gone.
Out on that dreary Grand Canal when winter wind did blow
And swept before it’s icy blast the frozen flakes of snow
When others could lie down and sleep, tucked warmly in their bed
The poor old boatman got no chance to rest his weary head
And through the cold dark winter night out in snow and rain
No shelter on their watery way, each side an open plain
Exposed to all the elements they worked their boats along
And kept their drooping spirits up with a good old Irish song.
With hearts within their bosom that knew no art or guile
With honest faces that always bore a kindly welcome smile
Hearts that will never beat again, may the clay lie lightly on
Those poor toil worn bodies of the boatmen that are gone
Their lonesome cold and bitter life with cheerful hearts they bore
And for their loved ones left at home no men could suffer more
‘Till Saint Michael sounds his final call we cannot look upon
Th e faces of those friends of ours the boatmen that are gone.
I miss each old familiar face that has been cut away
Like the bloom of early summer that autumn winds decay
Their sins against the Father e’er He on them did call
Th e lives they led on earth may they atone for all
Now all you men you men who boat, remember ever more
You’ll sail out on that same old track your father sailed before
And just like them will come the day for you to sail out on
That trip from which there’s no return, like the boatmen that are gone.
By the Barrow's Banks
Author: W. O'Neill
Theme: Pride in place. Written by W. O'Neill, describing the Carlow scenery, particularly by the banks of the Barrow
Poem From the Hills
Author: J.J. Townsend
Theme: pride in Place, Fun
Location: Carlow west
A fun poem about a quality ass from Seskinrae.
River Song
Author: W. O'Neill (Slieve Margy)
Theme: pride in place
Location; Carlow west
The poet's mind drifts from the beauty of the river, through some of its violent past, back to peaceful reverie again
At Sunset Hour
Author: W. O'Neill (Slieve Margy)
Theme: Pride in place
Location: Carlow west, Barrow
The poets reflects on some of what the Barrow has witnessed over time and notes its permanence in a transient world.
William O'Neill was a native of Doonane, Laois, who worked as accountant for the 'Nationalist' before owning his own business on Tullow Street. in 1903 he presented a copy of his book 'Lays of Leix' to the Carlow branch of the Gaelic league.
Bagenalstown The Dream
Author: L. Morrissey
Theme:
Pride in place, Sporting heroes and success
Location: Carlow west and south
A reverie of west and south Carlow and some sporting heroes
By Barrow's Banks
Author: W. O'Neill
Theme: Pride in place
Location: Carlow west, Barrow
The poet delights in being by the river.
Clear, Winding Barrow
Author: T.M. O'Donnell
Theme: Pride in place
Location: Carlow west, Barrow valley
A short reflection of the Barrow and some major events, written by the 15 year old T. M. O'Donnell in 1833
Hills of Sweet Rossmore
Author: J. McDermott
Theme: Pride in place
Location: West Carlow, especially Killeshin and Rossmore
A fond review of Rossmore and its hinterland.
Hosey's Song
Author: W. Bambrick
Theme: Local character, local event
Location: West Carlow, Old Leighlin area
The poem remembers an incident involving a local 'character'