ROBBIE McMAHON
By Tony Malone (Carlow)

In Listowel as I stood listening as great music thronged the Square,
Kieran Hanrahan interrupted and to the crowd assembled there,
He said come on board a vision and follow with right good will,
To Robbie McMahon's party at the Cross of Spancil Hill.

This big party is in October on the first weekend I'm told,
You're invited from all corners his admirers young and old.
You're invited from all quarters every city, valley, town and hill,
For 3 days of celebrating with the pride from Spancil Hill

Now everyone knows Robbie what a famous man is he,
Well known for all his singing for his merriment and glee,
He lugs around no instrument of hide wind reed or bone,
His voice box makes all the music with sweet notes high and low.

He's dearly loved in his native Clare of that there is no doubt,
And anywhere he sings his songs and in this world throughout,
On radio and on TV and on Comhaltas tours galore,
In England and Americay sure they love him even more.

I paid a flying visit once to Ennis town so fair,
My great friends soon all gathered round as soon as I got there,
We sang our songs till morning we sang with right good will,
And the first and last man there that night was McMahon from Spancil Hill.

Oh Robbie we dearly thank you for your singing all down the years,
You're unmatched by your rivals and you're envied by your peers,
When it comes to merry making or a song for a heart to thrill,
No better man in Ireland than McMahon of Spancil Hill.

Now it gives us all great pleasure to honour this fine human being,
For many they are honoured when they are long gone from the scene.
So thank God he's hail and hearty for he's in his full prime still,
So please raise a glass to Robbie, the pride of Spancil Hill.



Copyright Tony Malone