Lyr Req: The Night We Rode with Sarsfield

Subject: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 04:14 AM

Hello!

I'm looking for the lyrics to a song I have been handed on tape - but I need the words (have not got time to sit and work them out)

I'm looking for a song I think is called - The night I rode with Sarsfields Men

The night I rode with Sarsfields men
dum deee dum dum dem

For I was one of Sarsfields men
And Sarsfield was the man

Some thing about Limerick in it too (riding out from Limericks Walls).

Anyone out there with more of a clue about the lyrics than me? I'd love it if someone came up with the rest! It's one I want to sing

All the best

Ella

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Big Tim
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 08:25 AM

If "Ballyneety's Walls" (great song!), which it sounds like: lyrics should be on net. If not, I'll post later.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Wolfgang
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 11:25 AM

Ballyneety's walls

I've seen that this song is in your book, Big Tim, but I haven't compared yet. But it seems to me Ella is looking for another song.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Sorcha
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 02:08 PM

I don't think it's this one either.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 10:49 PM

Well, if you just procrastinate making a lyrics request long enough, someone else will do it for you. Thanks, Ella. (Assuming it's the same song I'm after.)

I have it on a tape produced by Comhaltas entitled A Bar of a Song, and this particular song is sung by Rose Daly of Ballycommon, Co. Offaly. I've transcribed it but there are many places where I think I must have it wrong. I'd love to have the accurate lyrics. I have the first verse thus:

The night we rode with Sarsfield out from Limmerick to meet
the wagon train that William hoped would help in our defeat;
How clearly I remember it, though now my hair is white,
That lustered (?) black as coal 'neath my troopers cap that night.

I've tried several searches on the net and came up with nothing other than some vague reference to a book edited? by Benedict Kiely (or was it written by him?)--no title or anything else. And it's not in my library (of over 7000 Irish songs in print).

As someone who admires children and young people, I am attracted to this song for its perspective (implied in the first and revealed in the second verse).

I'd be forever grateful to anyone who could help Ella and me find these words.

David

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jul 03 - 10:50 PM

Oops! That "guest" was David Ingerson without his cookie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Big Tim
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 03:17 AM

The poem is in Kiely's "And as I rode by Granard Moat" (1996). He titles it "The Night We Rode With Sarsfield". Comprises six, eight-line verses: quite long! Will post later if I have the time - I'm off to Belfast first thing tomorrow morning!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 03:41 AM

It's the song - I think Fleadhman has it - hopefully we'll get the song - this would be good.

I really like it and want to start including it in a few gigs..

Cheers

Ella

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: GUEST,Marttin Ryan
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 08:12 AM

Dave:
That's "clustered"! I hear the song once a year from a friend of mine - and should have Kiely's book somewhere....
Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: GUEST,fleadhman
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 05:52 PM

The Night I rode with Sarsfields men is a different song about the same deed, the blowing up of English guns and arms at Ballyneety's Walls.I have the words and will post them when I find them.
Two great songs. I actually won an All Ireland senior ballad singing competition singing Ballyneety's Walls, so good memories.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: David Ingerson
Date: 31 Jul 03 - 08:11 PM

Thanks, Big Tim, for the info. Kiely's Granard Moat is not in any university library in the northwest US but Powell's Books did have one copy, which is now being sent to me! Sounds like a very interesting book in addition to having the words I've wanted.

If I get the book before you get back, Big Tim, I'll post the words for Ella.

Way to go fleadhman! And good luck Ella!

David

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 03:21 AM

Thanks all! Very heartening to hear my query may be resolved.... had a gig last night, and I'm more tired than a bag of load of tired things - I'm getting too old for all this. It was a tough gig too - a fella sat at the table just off the stage was smoking real huge cigars and the smoke was bad - I only sang one song as my throat was getting all dry from the smoke. Good night tho - part of a little town festival in the next town on from mine...

Thanks all again for the super detective work!

Regards

Ella

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: GUEST,Fleadhman
Date: 01 Aug 03 - 01:32 PM

There's a great version of the song on a recording by Vincent Crowley from Cork. I will look for the words and post them tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: GUEST,weerover
Date: 05 Aug 03 - 03:09 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: David Ingerson
Date: 05 Aug 03 - 03:57 PM

I just got my copy of And As I Rode by Granard Moat yesterday in the mail. I'll see if I can squeeze some time out today to enter the words.

Seems like a fascinating and rich read.

David

Subject: Lyr Add: NIGHT WE RODE WITH SARSFIELD (D McCarthy)
From: David Ingerson
Date: 05 Aug 03 - 07:55 PM

Here are the words as reproduced in Benedict Kiely's And As I Rode by Granard Moat:

THE NIGHT WE RODE WITH SARSFIELD
by Denis A. McCarthy

The night we rode with Sarsfield out from Limerick to meet
The wagon-train that William hoped would help in our defeat,
How clearly I remember it, though now my hair is white
That clustered black and curly 'neath my trooper's cap that night.
For I was one of Sarsfield's men, in years though still a lad,
And to be one of Sarsfield's men what boy would not be glad?
For Sarsfield chose, of all his troops, the best and bravest ones
To ride and raid the convoy's camp that brought the English guns.

'Twas silently we left the town and silently we rode,
While o'er our heads the silent stars in silver beauty glowed.
And silently and stealthily, well led by one who knew,
We crossed the shining Shannon at the ford of Killaloe.
The Galloping O'Hogan, Ireland's fiery-hearted son,
'Twas he, by many a byway, led us confidently on,
Till when the night was nearly spent we saw the distant glow
The English convoy's campfire in the quiet vale below.

Still Silently and stealthily, at Sarsfield's stern command
We close and closer drew the lines of our devoted band.
"We must not fail, my comrades." That was Sarsfield's voice that spoke.
"For Limerick and Ireland's fate depend upon this stroke.
The password of the Williamites is Sarsfield, strange but true,
And with that word upon our lips, we'll pass the sentries through.
Then when you hear my voice upraised, charge boldly, one an all,
No cannon from this convoy e'er must bark at Limerick's wall."

The sleepy sentry, on his rounds, perhaps was musing o'er
His happy days of childhood on the pleasant English shore.
Perhaps was thinking of this home and wishing he were there,
When springtime makes the English land so wonderfully fair.
At last our horses' hoof-beats and our jingling arms he heard.
"Halt! Who goes there?" the sentry cried: "Advance and give the word."
"The word is Sarsfield," cried our chief. "And stop us he who can.
For Sarsfield is the word tonight, And Sarsfield is the man."

One bursting cheer, one headlong charge, and sabres bright and keen
Are hacking at the foeman's heads where'er a head is seen.
The colonel leaves his wig behind, bestrides a horse and flies
To tell of Sarsfield's daring and the convoy camp's surprise.
We make a pile of captured guns and powder-bags and stores,
Then skyward in one flaming blast the great explosion roars.
And then we sang, as back we rode, with Sarsfield in the van:
"Ho! Sarsfield is the word tonight and Sarsfield is the man."

The night we rode with Sarsfield, I shall always hold it dear,
Though he is dead on Landen Plain, this many and many a year.
Though he is dead and I am old, my hair all silver white
That clustered black and curly 'neath my trooper's cap that night.
For I was one of Sarsfield's men, while yet a boy in years,
I rode as one of Sarsfield's men and men were my compeers.
They're dead, the most of them, afar, yet they were Ireland's sons
Who saved the walls of Limerick from the might of English guns.


When Rose Daly sings it, she uses a tune (don't know its name) that treats every four lines as one verse. She also leaves out the first four lines of the 3rd and 4th stanzas, leaving the song with, in effect, ten verses.

Thanks again, Big Tim, for the info. I'm looking forward to some stimulating reading and singing!

David

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 05 Aug 03 - 11:54 PM

My father used to sing this snatch of a song and I could never track down the rst of it, try as I might.

The night fell dark on Limerick and all the land lay still
As for our foe in ambush we lay beside the hill.
Long and patiently we waited to dash upon our prey
With noble Sarsfield at our head before the break of day,
"Give the word!" "The word is Sarsfield,and Sarsfield is the man."
'And here I am!' our general cried, as down on them we ran.
The Lord He cleared the firmament, the moon and stars gave light,
And for the battle of the Boyne we had revenge that night.

Anyone know any more?

Seamus

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Big Tim
Date: 06 Aug 03 - 09:49 AM

Seamas; that's "Ballyneety's Walls" you're looking for. It's in the DT, and in my book!

wr - had a great time in Belfast. Brian Moore was on form, as always. Dolores Keane: not so good. Cara Dillon: great new (to me) voice.
Private joke: stop criticising Dermot Desmond, and Airdrie for relegation!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 06 Aug 03 - 11:42 AM

Tim, your blood's worth bottling! I look forward to reading the book and getting a few songs with great anticipation.
That wee snatch was one of my father's party-pieces.
Thanks! Glad you had a good time in Beal Feirste.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Big Tim
Date: 06 Aug 03 - 04:59 PM

Anyone know who Denis A. MacCarthy was?

The closest I can get is Denis F. MacCarthy (1817-1882),poet, journalist, translator, born in Dublin, the first Professor of English at the Catholic University. His poetry,first published in the "Nation" and "The Irish Monthly" was gathered together and published in 1850 as "Ballads, Lyrics and Poems". (This from the "Oxford Companion to Irish Literature"). I suspect this is the same guy and that Kiely got the initial letter of his middle name wrong.

Subject: Lyr Add: BALLYNEETY'S WALLS
From: GUEST,Fleadhman
Date: 07 Aug 03 - 03:54 PM

This is the song called Ballyneety's Walls. Based on the same event as The Night I Rode With Sarsfield's Men.

BALLYNEETY'S WALLS

The night was dark 'round Limerick and everything was still.
It was for the foe in ambush we lay beside the hill.
Like lions bold we waited to dash upon our prey
As we rode with Sarsfield at our head at the dawning of the day.

From Dublin came the foemen with guns and warlike store.
To take the town of Limerick they wanted ten times o'er.
But little was their dreaming that we would be their doom
As we rode with Sarsfield at our head right down from Wild Slieve Bloom.

At the lonely hour of midnight, each man leaped on his steed,
And through the town of Cullen we dashed with lightning speed.
And o'er the hills we thundered to Ballyneety's walls
Where lay the foe securely with guns and arms and all.

They asked us for our password and Sarsfield was the man.
"Oh, here I am," our general cried as down on them we ran.
Oh, had we bridged the Ferment the moon and stars gave light,
And for the battle of the Boyne we had revenge that night.

Loud laughed our gallant general as fast we rode away,
And many's the health we drank to him in Limerick town next day.
Here's another health to Sarsfield who led us one and all.
We blew up the Royal Artillery at Ballyneety's walls.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Big Tim
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 10:03 AM

I have the 3rd line in 4th verse as "then God we cleared the firmament, to the moon and stars gave light". There's an excellent version on the album "1691" by Na Casaidigh; on Gael-linn label (1992): an outstanding album that I always promote at the slightest excuse!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: MartinRyan
Date: 12 Aug 03 - 05:01 PM

Tim

I reckon you're right about the A/F confusion.

Regards

p.s. Saw your book on sale in West Cork lately - with a review due in the local paper by the guy from Schull Biiks!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Big Tim
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 03:47 AM

Thanks Martin. Hope you bought a copy! What, or who, is Schull Biiks?
(I know that Schull is next door to Skibbereen).

Regards.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: MartinRyan
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 10:32 AM

Schull Books! Excellent dealers (Jack & Barbara O'Connell) who used to run a large bookshop in Schull. Now deal mostly by catalogue - and a small summer-bookshop in Ballydehob - which is where I was.

Regards

p.s. My copy was well-read before then!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: MartinRyan
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 10:44 AM

Schull Books

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Big Tim
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 11:05 AM

Thanks again Martin but the last thing I need is another outlet to spend money on Irish books!

On the geography of "Ballyneety's Walls": Ballyneety is a village about 5 miles SE of Limerick City, on the B512 road. It is derived from "Baile an Fhaoiligh - Faoilte's homestead". "Right down from wild Slieve Bloom"? - unlikely, as these hills are over 50 miles north and east, unless Sarsfield took a really wide arc out, from around Killaloe, to avoid King William's troops. From memory, I belive that the raiders went through the Silvermine Mountains, which are much closer to the scene of the action.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 11:19 AM

Sheesh! Talk about mondegrens! My eye just skipped over the title of this thread and the brain registered "The night I rode twelve satisfied men!"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: MartinRyan
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 12:43 PM

Big Tim

Thought that list might tempt you, alright!

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: greg stephens
Date: 13 Aug 03 - 12:50 PM

katlaughing: try a cold shower

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: GUEST,Ray Stephens
Date: 22 Aug 03 - 10:09 AM

Seamus:

It look like you have all of the lyrics to "Song of Sarsfield's Trooper". There's a good background page(plus lyrics)provided on the "Wild Geese Heritage Museum & Library" website at:

http://indigo.ie/~wildgees/blynee.htm

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 27 Aug 03 - 06:56 AM

I'm just back from the Fleadh Cheoil na Eireann in Clonmel, where I managed to find me a copy of the book - A bar of a song, to accompany the tape....

I've now got Sarsfields men and loads of others, oh happy days...

Thanks for all the help!

Tired and fleadh weary!

Ella

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Big Tim
Date: 27 Aug 03 - 07:31 AM

All bsst, Ella. Good Mudcat team effort there!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 27 Aug 03 - 08:49 AM

heee heee Tim,

your typing reads like I sounded during last weekend at the fleadh! (Bssst)... Hic - though now at work and too sober for words!

Did anyone else go - it was a bit too busy but managed to find a session or two with some old friends.

Ella

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: David Ingerson
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 08:10 PM

Ella,

I'd love to get a copy of the book that goes with the tape, too. Any info you could provide I'd greatly appreciate.

And thanks, Ray, for that fascinating and detailed link.

David

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: smpc
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 12:34 PM

an irish trad song "the night i rode with sardfield" is very long at least twice the length of this.

anybody any ideas about wat im looking for?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The night I rode with Sarsfields men
From: MartinRyan
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 12:43 PM

Hi smpc

Sure it's not the longer of the TWO songs posted above? It's often done as a recitation - but I have certainly heard it sung. Those are the only two Sarsfield-related ones I can recall hearing.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Night We Rode with Sarsfield
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jul 09 - 04:18 PM

For other versions of this song and related songs, see:

Lyr Add: Ballyneety's Walls
Lyr Req: 'The night fell dark round Limerick'

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Night We Rode with Sarsfield
From: ard mhacha
Date: 04 Jul 09 - 12:34 PM

This recording by Eileen Donaghy of `The jackets Green`, also relates to Sarsfield,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnFY-nGgVg4

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Night We Rode with Sarsfield
From: MartinRyan
Date: 06 Apr 10 - 05:37 PM

refresh