Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber

Subject: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Com Seangan
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 01:45 PM

Could any kind soul help with the words and air of Caoineadh an Chrotaigh (in Irish) allegedly composed by Crotty the Robber's wife.
I have the Lament of William Crotty in English but am unable to trace the roiginal Irish. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 06:17 PM

I also only know some verses in English, but posting them here may help someone else identify Irish-language verses. Is this the same as the song you are requesting?

Oh, William Crotty, didn't I always tell you,
That William(?)Norris would surely sell you,
That he'd come round while you were sleeping -
You left me here alone, och ón, and weeping.

He wet your powder, he stole your arms
And left you helpless to face all alarms.
My bitter curse be on him and his,
That left you to an end like this.

-it may also be worthwhile posting a request at IrTrad-L or Gaeilge-A (both listserv@heanet groups, I access them via www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/liosta)or some of the other Irish language discussion sites on the web (there's quite a few!)

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 06:34 PM

I see from the internet that a bit in English sung on an album (mostly in Irish) of Labhras Ó Cadhra.
Here is an excerpt from a Music Traditions review
"... there are two song fragments in English.... One of them is a single verse about a certain William Crotty. On referring to Power's admittedly unscholarly book, I read that Crotty was a notorious Waterford highwayman of the mid eighteenth century. Moreover, Power* tells us, the song was sung in Irish in the Comeragh mountains up to the turn of the last century. Strange that Ó Cadhla did not appear to know it."

*Dermot Power, "Ballads and Songs of Waterford"

it might well be worth enquiring from singers such as Áine Uí Cheallaigh, Pádraig Ó Cearbhaill or Liam Clancy.

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 06:43 PM

Maybe Aine could help? or Phillipa?

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 07:01 PM

That should be David Norris in the first verse. I had the name in my head, but thought I might be mixing it up with a contemporary politician

more lyrics and tune and historical info can be found at http://www.geocities.com/rathgormack/history/crotty.htm
but again the lyrics are in English

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 07:09 PM

sorry, I forgot to give this warning paragraph from the website I mentioned above
"This lament was supposedly written by the wife of William Crotty, the celebrated Waterford highwayman. The song would appear to be a crude translation of an earlier song which would have been sung in Irish. Up to the beginning of this century it was widely sung in Irish (as Gaelige) in the Comeragh area. Unfortunately that version has been lost to time."

I suppose that was the 20th century, but it seems strange that the Irish verses would be lost if the song was widely sung 100 years ago. (How does the writer know the song was widely sung in Irish at that time? Dermot Power's info again??) We won't give up on the query yet.

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: Com Seangan
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 04:30 AM

Thanks dacent folk for helpful comments, but Felipa can't you leave poor David Norris alone, The ainnisoeir has enough on his plate dealing with James Joyce!!

I am surprised that Labhras O Cadhla did not have the Irish version.The man had some memory. My grandmother had the Irish version and she was the only one I heard sing it but she also said that the "sean daoine" used sing it. Dermot Power has done a mighty job in local history - but I did not see his comments on Caoineadh an Chrotaigh. I don't think the song has survived in Ring. I wouldn't think that Liam Clancy would have it in his repertoire.

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: MartinRyan
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 04:33 AM

I'll check the possibility of a Ring version wiht Áine Uí Cheallaigh.

Regards

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: Com Seangan
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 05:58 AM

To Martin
Thanks for the help. Sound man, yousir.

Subject: RE: Crotty the Robber
From: Com Seangan
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 06:08 AM

Felipa
Jaykus you're a divil for the knowledge !. Most helpful. Are you and Phillippa two different species ? That Rathgormack website is really good. For interested people the old (and correct pronunciation) of that village is Réidh gCormaic (pronounced "Raygormick). O'Donovan is responsible for the Rath - taken up later by Canon Power.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: MartinRyan
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 05:29 AM

Áine tells me she knows of it - and thinks an aunt of hers may have the words. She'll check.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Com Seangan
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 12:33 PM

Mo ghreidhn thú. That's fantastic.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: MartinRyan
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 07:29 PM

Com S

Can you put up your English version? I spoke to Eamonn O Broithe this evening. He thinks he has a long version in English somewhere - and some locally collected folklore on Crotty.

Regards

Subject: Lyr Add: WILLIAM CROTTY
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 07:20 AM

Here are the verses from http://www.geocities.com/rathgormack/history/crotty.htm, which I mentioned earlier. Maybe Com & Eamonn will have more to add re. the Eng. language version. I did mention Eamonn Ó Broithe in a p-m. to Com, but I didn't have any contact address - also I though Áine or Pádraig would come up with something re. the Irish language lyrics, if anyone can.

WILLIAM CROTTY

William Crotty I often told you
That David Norris would come 'round you.
In your bed where you lay sleeping,
And leave me here in sorrow weeping.
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

He wet your powder, he stole your arms,
And left you helpless in the midst of alarms.
My bitter curse on him and his,
That brought you to and end like this.
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

Oh the judge but he was cruel,
Refusing a long day to my jewel.
Sure I thought that would be maybe
See the face of your poor baby.

But tempers gold and traitors greedy,
Have left the poor and lowly needy.
'Twas you that heard the widow sighing,
'Twas you that heard the orphan crying.

Strong brave and true and kind to women,
Yet fierce and dread to Saxon foeman.
As thou tonight in gaol you're sleeping,
And oh I'm left in sorrow weeping
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

O'er Coumshingaun the dark clouds gather,
You'll sleep no more among the heather.
Through the Comeraghs hills the night winds are sighing,
Where oft you sent the Redcoats flying
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

Ahearn's gold bought Norris over,
That night the Redcoats round your cover.
May heaven's vengeance o'er them gather,
My baby ne'er shall see its father
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 07:58 AM

Philippa

Concidentally, I met Eamonn last night at a meeting to reform the traditional singers club in Galway. He promised to see what he had on file.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 20 Mar 04 - 03:45 PM

to reform the club or to re-form the club?

does "Coumshingaun" = Com Seangan?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 08:10 AM

Com , Liam Clancy may not have the song about Crotty in his "repertoire" but I'll bet he has "tracht" of it in his collection of folklore, try him, I would.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 04:46 AM

and I recall a Bobby Clancy recording of at least the first 3 verses in English
Liam does sing some songs in Irish, but as Beachcomber says we are talking of knowledge and connections not necessarily repetoire.
I can think of some more people to ask, but we probably have enough feelers out at the moment.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: MartinRyan
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 10:37 AM

Felipa

Reformation passed us by - so we'll just have to re-form instead!

Regards

p.s. I picked up a copy of Power's book (referred to earlier in the thread) at the weekend, in Inishowen.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Sean Seapanach
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 10:25 AM

I too am would rike the gaelic words for Croty the Robber, my frend taught me the tune so i would rike to play it for my band in Japan.

Arigato!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 27 May 04 - 04:57 AM

I had an opportunity to speak with Daithí Ó hÓgáin of the Dept of Folklore, University College Dublin, last night. He was very familiar with the story, could tell me "off the top of his head" all the info about William Crotty that has already come out on this page and at the Rathgormack history page (link above). Daithí even mentioned both the David Norris of the song and David Norris the present-day Irish senator! and he referred to the fact that this is the only song in English on a recording (I think he must have been referring to the Labhras Ó Cadhla recording, though I am not 100% sure that was the name of singer Daithí mentioned).

it is not looking hopeful that Irish words for this song have been retained by anyone, but it may be worth contacting Daithí Ó hÓgáin in future in case he uncovers any more information.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: MartinRyan
Date: 27 May 04 - 05:48 AM

Philippa

I'm inclined to agree on the possiblility of Irish words surviving.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 09:23 AM

no, I haven't got more information on this song, but if you are interested in songs of Waterford and na Déise, and you can go to Dungarvan for the weekend of 9-11 July check out the programme for Amhránaíocht na nDéise

http://www.waterfordcoco.ie/council/categories/publicnotices/article387/Brochure%202004.pdf

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 09:15 AM

Felipa. Counseangan is of coures Com Seangan. While you are at it Felipa have yoiu come across another version of the Connerys besides "A caimín mhallaithe". It was a local version with the words "Both a'Dúin na gCraobh". I don't think it was meant to be sung.

Com Seangan

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 08:33 AM

unfortunately the link to info about William Crotty no longer works. I am going to search for similar pages. I wonder will Crotty be featured in the TG4 series Rapairí (Raparees in English spelling)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 08:34 AM

http://www.rathgormack.com/history/crotty.htm

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 02:35 PM

There's a twelve-page chapter on William Crotty, plus the above (English language) song and an air (both entitled 'Crotty's Lament') in Stephen Dunford's 'The Irish Highwayman' (Merlin Publishing, Dublin 2,000).
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 02:38 PM

thanks for that info, Jim
another website with some interesting info is
http://homepage.eircom.net/~ancaislean/carrick_people.html
both this website and the one previously mentioned say tht Crotty's lament was supposed to actually habe been composed in Irish by Crotty's widow. Rathgormack says that the Irish language original is lost whereas the other site says it is still sung in Irish in the region of the Cormeragh mountains. There is a fascinating, if sad, story about Mrs Crotty's life as a fugitive and her death leaping from Crotty's Rock to avoid capture, along with an English language version of a poem called STOL A'CROTTAIGH . Now I would like to find an original Irish language version of that poem and find out whether it was ever sung (or if it is singable)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 03:20 PM

Philippa, There is a very interesting book by Sean & Síle Murphy'of Mahon Bridge (at the foot of the Comeragh Mts in Co. Waterford which has a comprehensive account of the "doings" of "Crotty the Robber" it was published back in 1999 so may not be in print but you may be lucky enough to get your hands on a copy. There is a verse of an old song , as Gaeilge, included about the location of his grave.
The book is titled "WATERFORD - Heroes, Poets & Villains "

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 01 Jun 21 - 12:36 PM

https://tunearch.org/wiki/Crotty%27s_Lament_%281%29 includes a story from John Edward Walsh's book Ireland Sixty Years Ago (1847, republished by M.H. Gill & Son Ltd., 1911) which describes Crotty in mostly unsavoury terms; saying that he was a cannibal and that he engaged in gratuitous acts of cruelty. But at the same time, he was liked because he shared his plunder with the poor.

sheet music is at the bottom of the tune arch page.

I have never found the poem Stól a' Chrotaigh nor any Irish language words for Crotty's Lament. Neither the link to the Carrick People page or the Rathcormack com page works now. I regret not having copied the English language version of the poem about Crotty's Stool.

This article https://kilrossantyremembers.wordpress.com/2020/10/29/crotty-robber/>https://kilrossantyremembers.wordpress.com/2020/10/29/crotty-robber/ many discusses Crotty's execution.

Dictionary of Irish Biography entry

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,#
Date: 04 Jun 21 - 12:20 PM

I don't know if this will be of much help. It's all I could locate that hasn't been mentioned already. You'll have to scroll up a bit to get to the beginning of the part about William Crotty.

https://books.google.ca/books?id=0s8TDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT51&lpg=PT51&dq=Oh+the+judge+but+he+was+cruel,+Refusing+a+long+day+to+my+jewel

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: cnd
Date: 05 Jun 21 - 10:32 PM

Here's the two links you mentioned preserved via Archive.org:

Carrick People
Rathgormack

Hope these help

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 08 Jun 21 - 01:00 PM

The following are words in Irish. They correspond quite closely with the lyrics in English which are posted above (date 14 March 2004). I got the Irish language lyrics from singer Ciarán Ó Geallbháin, whom I asked after I read that he had done academic research into the singing traditions of his native county Waterford. I am going to ask him for more information about the provenance of the song and about Máire Ní Shíthcheann.

Does anyone know how to contact "Com Seangan" (his Mudcat name). (s)He was active on Mudcat, on various threads, under that nickname, only in 2004. He appears to have been resident in Dublin at the time. Since I don't know who Com is and the pmail I sent will probably not be read, I can't alert the enquirer to this latest addition to the discussion.

CROTA’ ROPAIRE
Máire Ní Shíthcheann cct, c. 1742

’ Uilleam a’ Chrotaigh nár mhinic mé á rá leat,
Gurb é Dá de Noraidh ba thrúig báis duit,
Ag éalú id’ thimpeall ar do leaba sínte,
Agus d’fhág tú mise fám’ eire caointe.
Ochón agus ochón ó

Fhliuch sé an púdar agus ghoid sé an faobhar ort
Agus d’fhág go maol tú fé’n amhas ’ac Caorthainn.
Mallacht Dé ar a shliocht go rábach,
A d’fhág go fann tú is do cheann ar bhráca.
Ochón agus ochón ó

Saint chun óir agus feallairí santach
A d’fhág an bochtán ’s an truán fann lag.
Is tusa a fhreagródh osna na mbaintreach,
Is do ghol an ghárlaigh do thug tú éisteacht.
Ochón agus ochón ó

Ba dhian é an breitheamh, ba chlaon cruadhálach,
Ná tabharfadh uain duit ná oíche cháirde
Go leagfá súil d’aon uair, a ghrá ghil,
Ar do leanbh ag tnúth i mbroinn do mháthar.
Ochón agus ochón ó

Fearúil, fial, is tú grá ban Éireann,
Danartha, dian ar Shacsain Chraosach,
Gidh sínte anocht i mbrannraí méirligh
Agus mise gan teann go fann ag géarghol.
Ochón agus ochón ó

Tá Stolla Loch gCorra fé scamall diamhair
Coilleadh do nead is do leaba fraoigh ann,
Thar Chom Seangán tá sianaíl gaoithe,
Mar a scaipeadh na Gaill faoi chaoirtheintrí romhat.
Ochón agus ochón ó.

Ór ’ac Caorthainn a cheannaigh de Noraidh
Is a thug cótaí craorach i mbéal do dhorais,
Díoltas De orthu is dúnadh na bhFlaitheas,
Ó ná feicfidh mo pháiste go bráth a athair.
Ochón agus ochón ó

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 10 Jun 21 - 09:52 AM

Máire Ní Shíthcheann was Crotty's wife, who is supposed to have composed the lament. The narrative is, in any case, put in her voice. Although as mentioned previously, "Willie Crotty" is the one song in English on a recording by Labhrás Ó Cadhla*; Ciarán Ó Geallbháin says that these lyrics in Irish are from Labhrás, and that the better-known English language lyrics are a translation from Labhrás' Irish lyrics. Ciarán got them from the late Nioclás Mac Craith of Rinn ó gCuanach (Ring, Co Waterford).

https://www.mustrad.org.uk/discos/lea_txt6.htm
*RTE 234CD   Amhráin ó Shliabh gCua   Labhrás Ó Cadhla   (2000)

A mhaimi nach tú an cladhaire , Pilib séimh Ó Fathaigh , Seoladh na ngamhna , Na Conairigh , Táilliúir Chroi Mhóir , The Avonree , Carabhataí agus Seanvestaí , Citi na gCumann, Cathair na Léige , Willy Crotty , Ar mo ghabháilt dom thríd an mbaile beag , Caoineadh Iníon Uí Mhuìríosa, Donncha Rua agus scoileanna scairte Shliabh gCua, Portaireacht: Páidin Ó Raifeartaigh , Sliabh na mBan , Sliabh geal gCua na féile , An pílear agus an sáirsint , Caoineadh Dhiarmuid Stokes, An peidléir , Táilliúir na Carraige , Ceárta Mhicil de hÓra , An samhradh ag filleadh go hÉirinn , An fhaoileann, Mo thigh beag aerach , Na tincéiri , Seán an bhriste leathair , Éinín na hoiche , Margaret na hEaglaise , Máire mhilis bhreá , Rinn na nGael, Cití na gCumann, Caoineadh Iníon Uí Mhuìríosa.

- The recording is a compilation of recordings which collectors such as Séamus Ennis and Ciarán MacMathúna made of Labhrás Ó Cadhla and so a couple of songs which were recorded on more than one occasion are repeated. Only one verse of "Willie Crotty" is included, I read.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 10 Jun 21 - 12:22 PM

I have to correct myself. Ciarán Ó Geallbháin wrote to me that Labhrás knew both Irish and English verses about William Crotty. He doesn't know how close Labhrás' words were to those which Ciarán got from Nioclás Mac Craith. So we can't say that the English lyrics are a translation of the song as sung by Labhrás, only that (as I originally said) they are quite close in meaning to the English verses.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 12 Jun 21 - 08:44 AM

In the 1930s, many students in Irish national schools were engaged in a project to collect folklore from family and neighbours. Notebooks from the Schools Collection can be viewed online at www.duchas.ie

I find that there are many entries in both English and Irish languages which tell stories of William Crotty (some of the Irish language stories will be found by searching for Crota and others by searching for Crotaigh). But there are few lyrics. In English language, I saw one citation of a few verses of the lament for Crotty, much as Bobby Clancy sang it years ago (track 4 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTctUHPslaQ.

In Irish, I noted two informants had this verse about the views Crotty had from his mountain hideaway:

Is bréagh é an radharc a chím óm leaba
Cnoc Maoldhommhnaigh agus Cnoc an Bhainne
Cnocán Brándán agus Seanbhaile Anna,
Mullach an Staighre* agus Gleann Dá Lachan
Agus Tuairín Luachra ar bhruach an Ghleanna

*or Mol an Staighre?

meaning
It's a wonderful sight I see from my bed
(then names various places, Cnoc = hill, Cnocán - a small hill, Mullach = summit)
I corrected some spellings according to Waterford placenames given at www.logainm.ie

That verse is also given in Seán and Síle Murphy, Waterford: heroes, Poets & Villains, Comeragh Press, 1999; along with this "different version of the song [which] is very scathing of the places viewed by Crotty from his bed on the mountains"

Nuair a éirighim [éirim] suas ar maidin
Is fada uaim a chim óm leaba
Cnoc Brandán agus Sean Baile Anna
Tuairin a Luachra, ar bhruach an ghleanna
Cnoc an Bhainne, gan bhainne gan bhlathach
Corrach na gCroide gan chroidhe gan anam
Graig na Gabhar* gan chabhar gan cúnamh
An Caisleán Riabhach ná raibh riamh ar fónamh
Cnoc an tSrialáin srialán srialach
Cnoc na Lisín doraisín dúnta
Baile Mac Cairbe na Blacks gan múineadh
Agus Páirc an Shiaidh s'an diabhal sa chúinne

/when I rise up in the morning, I see afar from my bed
Cnoc Brandán and Shanballyanna
the little field of rushes at the brink of the glen
Milk Hill, without milk or buttermilk
The Goatfold, without help or assistance (*inferring that the placename should have been Graig na gCabhrach; perhaps the word "cabhar" had a different genitive in that locality at the time)
The gloomy/grey castle [could also mean the castle of the brindled cow/ Castlereagh is the name in English], which was never well/of use
Cnoc an tSrialáin ????
The Cemetary hill, the little doors shut
Ballymacarbry of the Blacks without manners (or learning)
and Páirc an Shiaidh [Páirc na Síog??, park of the fairies? a place in Co Wexford / Páirc na Sithe - park of peace? "s" has an "sh" sound when followed by "i" or "e"] and the devil in his corner [the devil's abode}

The book does not provide any translation.

That poem is also found at https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5162156/5159483/5181178, collected from Ruaidhrí Ó Riain, a farmer from Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford.

The Murphys suggest that the story of Crotty being a cannibal "was fabricated by the law who wanted to blacken his name in the eyes of the people."

David Norris had been an accomplice of William Crotty, but fell out with him. (time for a reminder of the song, "William Crotty, didn't I often tell you that David Norris would surely sell you")

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 07:40 PM

another link for the same recording of Bobby Clancy singing of William Crotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTctUHPslaQ&t=688s (track 4)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: RunrigFan
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 08:03 PM

"William Crotty I have often tould you,
That David Norris would come round to you. *
In Your bed, when you lay sleeping,
An leave me here in sorrow weeping,
Och-hone, oh!
"Oh, the judge but he was cruel,
Refused a long day to my jewel;
Sure I thought that you would, maybe,
See the face of your poo baby,
Och-hone, oh!"

https://tunearch.org/wiki/Crotty%27s_Lament_(1)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: RunrigFan
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 08:04 PM

William Crotty I often told you
That David Norris would come ’round you.
In your bed where you lay sleeping,
And leave me here in sorrow weeping.
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

He wet your powder, he stole your arms,
And left you helpless in the midst of alarms.
My bitter curse on him and his,
That brought you to and end like this.
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

Oh the judge but he was cruel,
Refusing a long day to my jewel.
Sure I thought that would be maybe
See the face of your poor baby.



But tempers gold and traitors greedy,
Have left the poor and lowly needy.
‘Twas you that heard the widow sighing,
‘Twas you that heard the orphan crying.

Strong brave and true and kind to women,
Yet fierce and dread to Saxon foeman.
As thou tonight in gaol you’re sleeping,
And oh I’m left in sorrow weeping
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

O’er Coumshingaun the dark clouds gather,
You’ll sleep no more among the heather.
Through the Comeraghs hills the night winds are sighing,
Where oft you sent the Redcoats flying
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.



Ahearn’s gold bought Norris over,
That night the Redcoats round your cover.
May heaven’s vengeance o’er them gather,
My baby ne’er shall see its father
Ochone, ochone, ochone, oh.

Anon.

http://irelandbyways.co.uk/ireland-history/irish-music-song/127-2/

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 08:32 PM

Why do you keep doing this RunrigFan? The verses were posted here 19 March 2004.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: RunrigFan
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 08:40 PM

Next time I wont try to reply

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 08:43 PM

just look at what is already posted on a discussion

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 08:51 PM

RunrigFan, we work very hard to see that documented, corrected, thoroughly researched lyrics are posted here at Mudcat, and then you come here and dump this crap all over the Forum. Some of the lyrics you post, were posted originally at Mudcat years ago, then posted unattributed at another Website, and then you post them here.
I try hard to review and edit every song posted here, but when I see crap lyrics from high-volume posters like you, I ignore them and I move them out of the most important "origins" threads on songs.

Take your time, and post only stuff that is going to be of value to us. Quality is important to us - quantity is not.

-Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor-

Posting lyrics at Mudcat (click)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: Felipa
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 09:00 PM

The post here isn't crap, Joe, but it's clutter. The lyrics are already in the discussion (copied from a different link) and the useful tunearch link was posted a few weeks ago. Lots of us occasionally repeat what has gone before, it's just that Runrigfan does it so very often. More thought and care is needed.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: RunrigFan
Date: 26 Jun 21 - 09:42 PM

It depends on the song.

I try my best, if it's not good enough I quit if its easier

It depends on the song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Crotty the Robber
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 28 Jun 21 - 07:33 PM

I was told that Willie Crotty, is in fact the subject of 'Whisky in the Jar'. He had a hideout beneath a lake which was OK until it was discovered. Storing ill gotten gains by swimming down a few feet and entering a cave might have seemed a great idea, however it was also airtight, as was the noose awaiting him when he had to come up for air.
I should not make jokes; the 'Squeezer' as the Irish called it was an obscene way to die, often involving the hangman standing on the shoulders of the strangling condemned after the drop to 'entertain' the crowd. Some of our best known and best loved songs came out of bitter, brutal and violent times. Maybe a chorus and good company is the best way to dispel the bad memories, and make new ones in memory of our forbears. Plenty of choruses after Covid I hope.