Hi, All;

First post here on Mudcat, though I've been lurking a few months. I've learned a great deal from the community here, and I'm delighted to have an opportunity to contribute to help "pay my dues," however small that contribution might be.

Jim's longer quote was the trigger for me--a refrain including "A Pike, a pike, a pike!" kinda stuck with me. I think Martin wins the virtual pint of Guinness on this one--the song is indeed 19th C.

Georges Denis Zimmermann makes reference to this one in his "Songs of Irish Rebellion: Irish Political Street Ballads and Rebels Songs, 1780-1900." He doesn't have the full lyrics or tune, though, and it isn't included it in his "Selections" section--which, I'm sure, is why no one else may have picked up on it by now. The refrain (the last 8 lines Jim quotes) is listed on Zimmermann's page 47. Zimmermann states it's taken from "The Song of the Pike," published in the May 13th, 1848 edition of the short-lived newspaper, "The United Irishman." Zimmermann further records he consulted the "United Irishman" at the National Library of Ireland, in Dublin; seems like that's the place to look for a full set of lyrics, and any info regarding the tune.

I understand Jed is still on the Mudcat; I hope a lead almost 11 years after the inquiry isn't too late to be of use!

Cheers,

    - Tim