Vol. Michael Gaughan, IRA, died on hunger strike in a British prison at 7.20 pm on the 3rd of June, 1974. Belfastman Seamus Robinson aka S. McRobin wrote (words and music) "TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO" or "THE BALLAD OF MICHAEL GAUGHAN" to commemorate his sacrifice. The WOLFHOUND folk group of Belfast released the song on vinyl in July 1974. For more information on song and songwriter see Nicky Kelly's site www.theballadeers.com. I append the original lyrics -- the CHRISTY MOORE SONGBOOK bowdlerised version should be discarded.


TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO
by
Seamus Robinson

(Chorus)
TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO, ACROSS THE IRISH SEA,
HOME TO DEAR OLD MAYO WHERE ONCE I ROAMED SO FREE.
TAKE ME HOME TO MAYO, THERE LET MY BODY LIE,
HOME AT LAST IN MAYO 'NEATH AN IRISH SKY.

1.
MY NAME IS MICHAEL GAUGHAN, FROM BALLINA I CAME;
I SAW MY PEOPLE SUFFERING AND SWORE TO BREAK THEIR CHAINS.
I RAISED THE FLAG IN ENGLAND, PREPARED TO FIGHT OR DIE,
FAR AWAY FROM MAYO 'NEATH AN IRISH SKY.

[REPEAT CHORUS]

2.
MY BODY COLD AND HUNGRY, IN PARKHURST JAIL I LIE;
FOR LOVING OF MY COUNTRY, ON HUNGER STRIKE I DIE.
I HAVE JUST ONE LAST LONGING, I PRAY YOU'LL NOT DENY,
BURY ME IN MAYO 'NEATH AN IRISH SKY.

[REPEAT CHORUS]

(C)1974 SEAMUS ROBINSON