Hi Radriano and Noreen,

A small typo on my part didn't help. The third line in the last verse should read
Within my breast and you oppressed I'd act the hero's part.

If you read it following on from the previous line it makes sense

Oh, Ballyroan, my native home
With grief my heart is sore within my breast.
And you oppressed,
I'd act the hero's part.

I take it as meaning the grief makes his heart sore within his breast, and if Ballyroan were oppressed he would act the hero's part. Hope I have explained what I mean clearly enough, just one line running into the other, but the tune calls for a break somewhere.
Cheers