The Martyrdom of Kevin Barry,
Author: M.C. Nolan
Air: The Foggy Dew
Singer 1: Paddy Lawless, Borris
Singer 2: Paddy Lawless
Theme: Hero, patriotic martyr
Location: Carlow County
Another song in praise of Kevin Barry, written by MCN of Borris
Goodbye, Ye Hills
Theme: Pride in place, recitation by M.C. Nolan
From Carlow Streams
A Friend on High
Author: M.C. Nolan
recitation by M.C. Nolan, August 1929
Theme: Religious poem from the early 20th century, written by M.C.N., Michael Conlaith Nolan, of Borris.
Death of Fay
Author: MCN, M.C. Nolan
Theme: patriotic hero
Location: Carlow south
An angry response to the brutal treatment given to a dying hero by the Black and Tans; reflects the anger and disgust with which the people viewed these 'soldiers'.
In Thee My Lord
Author: M.C. Nolan
Theme: religion, prayer
Location: Borris area.
MCN was from the Borris area. The poem is a simple prayer of trust in God.
Kevin Barry
Author: M.C. Nolan
Singer: Paddy Lawless
Theme: patriotic hero, martyr
Location: All county, especially north-east and Borris area.
MCN reflects admiration for a hero-martyr as well as anger at the treatment meted out to Kevin Barry just before his execution. Being from the south of the county, this shows the county-wide emotions felt by the community at large.
Miley Carroll
Author: M.C. Nolan
Theme: Patriotic hero
Location: South Carlow, Borris
Miley Carroll was a victim of Ireland's civil War; he rests in Rathanna.
Lonely and cold in Rathanna there lies
In that old-fashioned churchyard a grave
And ‘neath the sod so deep, taking his last, long sleep
Lies a patriot lonely and brave.
For he died for his land, with his rifle in hand
And his face turned onto his foe
Miley Carroll is his name, from Killedmond he came
In the ever-fair County Carlow.
On a cold winter day in a spot not far away
From his own loved Killedmond he died.
His life he could save only he was too brave
For to flee from a wounded pal’s side.
But he valiantly stood in that loved comrade’s blood
And his rifle spoke clear to the foe.
Undaunted, unafraid, fearless, undismayed,
Till a cowardly shot laid him low.
Oh God in Heaven above bring his true soul to rest
In the glory and light of Thy home
May his name live in fame and his memory be blessed
On down through the long years to come.
Oh Erin, Mo Chroi, ‘tis such men as he
Who brings light to thy watch-fire’s bright glow
And many still there be who would die to set you free
In the ever fair County Carlow.
Mountain of Beauty
Author: M.C. Nolan
Theme: Pride in place, Love
.
Location: South Carlow
A reverie about an early love in a lovely setting
Sweet County Carlow
Author: M.C. Nolan
Theme: Pride in place
Location: South Carlow
MCN fondly remembers the place of his birth and childhood.
Poem of the Passion
Author: M.C. Nolan
Theme: Religion
Location: Carlow South
The poem is indicative of the strong faith that people held in the past