This is one of the very few times that I can answer a request after Sorcha, Malcolm and Martin have had their say. I enjoy it (grin). Willie Clancy's 'The Gander' (on the LP 'Minstrel from Clare') is a different song from that above. Whether Micho Russell has also sung this song I don't know. Here it is. My source is Christy Moore, One Voice, p. 258. Christy's sole attribution is 'from Willie Clancy'.

Wolfgang

THE GANDER

It being one evening of late as I strayed and rambled through fields
Where oft times I've wandered in haste and very quick speed
I was going to a freak where rakes and factions do meet
There would be drink and strong tea, hot cake, and things that were sweet

The evening been freezing indeed and it was very cold
With corns in my heels, me boys, and cramps in my toes
I thought it no harm to warm my shanks by the fire
Thinking Myra and her daughter they surely would me admire

The teapot came round from the spout we got stuff very strong
Auld Myra said spake or make the verse of a song
Auld Bill in the corner was cursing and swearing with fright
For his gander was stolen and roasted last Saturday night

This gander was old he was noble both sturdy and strong
He never grew cold altho' he lived very long
His feet and his legs were as yellow as the gold that does shine
And his gob it would bore an inch board in a very short time

I've travelled Killarney Kilgarvan Kanturk and Kenmare
Down around by Cork Harbour I was dealing in turkeys and gees
But in all of my rambles and travels I never did see
The likes of Bill's gander for grandeur and audacity

The girls that all came were game and looking for breed
They'd heard of the name and the fame of Bill and his geese
They'd measure this fine gander's legs with a carpenter's rule
And they never would leave till they saw the fine length of his tool