Lyr Req: Woodlands of Loughglynn

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Dec 14 - 01:32 PM

What about the shooting of John Wymes and the local postman shot on 6 April 1921, no ballad for them, dragged from their families at 2am and shot like dogs, both also brave irishmen

Subject: Lyr Add: WOODLANDS OF LOUGHGLYNN
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 21 Oct 14 - 12:55 AM

These lyrics are given in The Capuchin Annual, Volume 37 (Dublin: Capuchin Annual, 1970), page 412. I have boldfaced the words that are different from those posted by Martin Ryan on 11 May 2008:


1. The summer's sun was sinking low behind the western sea.
The lark's loud song was pealing sweet, but it brought no joy to me,
For the one I loved is far away; he left his tyrant's din.
He fought till death and then he left the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

2. He was a noble Irishman; John Bergin was his name.
He belonged to Tipperary, and from Nenagh town he came,
But now thank God that he is gone, away from harm and sin,
And he let them have his parting shot in the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

3. McDermott, too, was brave and true, from the plains of Ballinagare.
He'll be missed at many a fireside, at home, both near and far.
He'll be missed at home in Tully, too, by his own dear kith and kin,
And his comrades true will miss him too, in Woodlands of Loughglynn.

4. When our heroes brave were dying, they called for a clergyman.
Let no one think they feared to face the English Black and Tan.
The Canon came, just in time, to say the last "Amen",
As McDermott was departing from the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

5. Young Bergin said that he was proud to die for Ireland's cause.
The deed was done that should be done against England's cruel laws.
Saying, "Goodbye to Tipperary and to every dale and glen,
And to all my faithful comrades in the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

6. "Take this message to our own brave boys and tell them we are dead.
Tell them to be of utmost cheer, and hold no drooping head,
To keep old brains a-using, to fight and not give in,
And be proud to die 'neath an Irish sky in the Woodlands of Loughglynn."

7. These were the words our brave boys said as they died for Ireland's cause,
To free their land from Black and Tans and cruel English laws:
"Goodbye, old friends; fight side by side, like gallant Irishmen."
So they closed their eyes and said goodbye to the Woodlands of Loughglynn.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: GUEST,Michael O'Connor
Date: 19 Oct 14 - 04:24 PM

John Bergin was actually born in Buffanoke, Cappamore, Co. Limerick on 26th. September 1900

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: GUEST,jenny macdermott
Date: 17 May 11 - 03:16 PM

Hi,

To sabrina i think you may have your facts wrong the boys werent betrayed the tans were just waiting ! the only people who knew where they were, were my great grandfather roger and my grandad! and there neighbours a house of lovely ladies who did their upmost to protect all that needed it! Theres a memorial at the back of my parents house which is accessible if you can get your way to roscommon that is!

vera my aunt died a few years back and as far as i know the book isn't on sale anymore!!! Its a fantastic book and has lots of great stories including the famine field and dillons show horse in it too! lots about the exchange to the convent years too! bit biased obviously vera was an awesome lady! but if you can get your hands on it def do its a fantastic read!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 01:41 PM

I can't find anyone who is offering to sell the book.

The best I can do is help you find a copy in a library near you. Go here: WorldCat.org and enter your location.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: GUEST,Timothy Mangan
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 09:08 AM

I would like to purchase the book "The Woodlands of Loughglynn" can anybody help me to locate this book by Vera Mc Dermott.
My surname is Mangan and there are references to the Mangan girls in the safe house.We originate from Roscommon and our family tree takes us back there in 1817 where a John Mangan was born who came to England in about 1853.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: curraghsallagh boy
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 09:55 PM

recently aquired '' Tales from Two Schools'' past pupils reunion booklet for Lisacul and Curraghsallagh wherein it states...'' the late Bea Doherty of Creevy....It was she who wrote the beautiful song, The Woodlands Of Loughglynn... Mike Moffatt remembers her writing, and re-writing it in her Republican days. Bea gave the song to the late Canon Bernie Keane and he took it to his home place of Ballinagare. Bea went to New York and did not return for several years. When she returned she was no longer an Irish Republican and in fact she wrote some scathing verses about her Nationalist opponents.She contributed songs to Old looores,[not sure if that should have read Moores] Almanac.''
The comments in the booklet can be attributed to a Clare Taylor, daughter of the late Mike Moffatt.

Clearly sensitivities were running high and the attributing of the song to his father by Cannon Keane may have been a means to an end in preserving the song for posterity.

Strangely enough a nephew of John Bergin, a Peter Bergin married a kathleen Rushe in Manchester,England having two sons before returning with his family to Tipperary. The strange element is that Kathleen was the neice of Michael McGreal of Curraghsallagh in the Parish of Loughlynn/Lisacul.The web of life surely leads us in some strange directions.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: GUEST,sabrina
Date: 29 Oct 09 - 07:56 PM

thank you one and all for putting up the words my partner is the grand nepphew of the famous john bergin and always wanted to have the words for his dad a very proud irish man of his family history he told me that how they got caught was because of the girl john bergin was courting she told where they were she paid with her life the next day on the gate of the church for betraying the boys . when i was told this you could hear the pride in his voice and face that his uncle was honoured for his country so thank you one and all the mounment is beautiful go vist it it is worth the drive

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Big Tim
Date: 19 May 08 - 10:18 AM

Got a good responce from Roscommon Library today.

Bergin and McDermott were members of the local IRA Flying Column. They, along with two other members of the Column, Joe Satchwell and Thomas (Toby) Scally were holded up in Roger McDermott's 'safe' house near Loughlynn when it was surrounded by Black and Tans under a Captain McKay of the Leicestershire Regiment.

The men fled barefoot but all were quickly captured, a couple being wounded in the process. A 'drumhead' 'court martial' was quickly held and Bergin and McDermott were sentenced to death. Captain McKay wanted to have them shot in Castlerea 'to encourage the others'. However the Tans couldn't wait and just shot them on the spot. Satchwell and Scally were badly beaten but survived. All subsequent accounts of the incident are based on their memories. McDermott was aged 19 and Bergin aged 22.

The song was written by a James Keane, the father of the Rev. Bernard Keane, Chaplain at Loughlynn Convent (still marked on the OS map). James Keane was from nearby Leitim, Fairymount, about 4 miles NE of Castlerea.

(Martin, Father Bernard Keane was later parish priest at Athleague.)

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Big Tim
Date: 16 May 08 - 09:56 AM

Thanks Martin. I've actually written to Roscommon County Library so will see what their response is.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: MartinRyan
Date: 16 May 08 - 06:23 AM

BigTim

I hope to be able to check the background to Declan Coyne's account of the incident this weekend. Either way, I'll post it here next week.

Regards

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Big Tim
Date: 13 May 08 - 04:06 PM

Stephen McDermott is buried in Baslick cemetery, very close to Tully ans Brackloon.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Dom Sheeran
Date: 12 May 08 - 06:20 PM

Thanks one and all for the help with the lyrics. I knew the tune and about 2 lines.

Go raibh mile maith agat!

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: ard mhacha
Date: 12 May 08 - 04:56 PM

Thanks eanjay.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Big Tim
Date: 12 May 08 - 05:44 AM

Thanks Martin. 'Tyrant's din': I could never figure out those two words!

Tully is the neighbouring townland north of Brackloon. Looks like Stephen McDermott definitely came from that area. (There is another Brackloon about 6 miles SW of Castlerea but this is probably not the relevant one).

One every map (and place name book) in my possession it's Bellangare, not Ballinagare. Bellanagare's original name was Béal Átha na gCarr - 'ford mouth of the carts'.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 11 May 08 - 05:16 PM

ard mhacha, thanks for the youtube reference, I really enjoyed listening to it. I'll put a link to it:

youtube link

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 11 May 08 - 05:11 PM

MartinRyan, thank you. I now know where I went wrong - it's so frustrating when you can't decide what words are being sung.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: ard mhacha
Date: 11 May 08 - 05:05 PM

This recording on You Tube by The woldfhound dates from 1978, Ray McAreavey the lead singer was up there with the best of the Irish groups, this is a very good rendition.

Subject: Lyr Add: WOODLANDS OF LOUGHGLYNN
From: MartinRyan
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:44 PM

Here's the version from "Alone by the Wild Wood":
_________________________________________________________

The summer sun was sinking low behind the western sea
The lark's loud song was ringing, but it brought no joy to me
The lad I love is gone forever - he has left his tyrant's din
He fought till death, and then he left the woodlands of Loughglynn.

He was a brave young Irishman, John Bergin was his name
He belonged to Tipperary and from Nenagh town he came
But now, thank God,although he's gone, he's free from harm and sin
His memory will be always true to the people of Loughglynn.

McDermott too, was brave and true, from the plains of Ballinagare
He is missed from many a fireside now in homes both near and far
He is missed at home in Tully too, by his own dear kith and kin
His comrades true shall miss him too from the woodlands of Loughglynn.

When our heroes they were dying , they called for a clergyman
Let no one think that they'd confess to an English black-and-tan
The Canon came and was in time to say the last Amen,
As McDermott was departing from the Woodlands of Loughglynn

John Bergin said that he was proud to die for an Irish cause
The deed was done that should be done against England's cruel laws
Saying "Goodbye to Tipperary and to every vale and glen
And to all my faithful comrades in the woodlands of Loughglynn.

Now take this message to the boys and tell them we are dead
And tell them to be brave and true, not to hold a drooping head
But carry on the good old fight and never to give in
Be proud to die 'neath an Irish sky, in the woodlands of Loughglynn."

These were the words our brave men spoke as they died for Ireland's cause
To rid our land of the black and tans and cruel alien laws
Goodbye, old friends, fight side by side like gallant Irishmen
Then they closed their eyes and bade goodbye to the Woodlands of Loughglynn,
_______________________________________________
Regards

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:33 PM

I meant pealing, not peeling.

Subject: Lyr Add: WOODLANDS OF LOUGHGLYNN (from Wolfhounds)
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:22 PM

I have listened to On You Tube. lorgain2, sung by The Wolfhounds. as given by ard mhacha and this is what I THINK is being sung! There are 2 lines which I've marked with question marks because I really am not sure about those. Only 5 stanzas though.

1. The summer sun was sinking low
Behind the western sea
The lark's light song was peeling sweet
But it brought no joy to me
For the one I loved is far away
?He left his darlin's den?
He fought till death, and then he left
The woodlands of Loughglynn.

2. A noble Irishman was he
Sean Bergin was his name
He belonged to Tipperary
And from Nenagh town he came
But now, thank God, that he is gone
He is free from harm and sin
And he let them have his parting shot
In the woodlands of Loughglynn.

3. McDermott too, was brave and true
From the plains of Ballinagare
He is missed from many a fireside
From the homes both near and far
He is missed at home in Brackloon
By his own dear kith and kin
And his comrades true, shall listen too
In the woodlands of Loughglynn.

4. Young Bergin said that he was proud
To die for Ireland's cause
?The deed was done the deed be done?
Against England's cruel laws
He said "Goodbye" to Tipperary Town
And to every dale and glen
And to all my faithful comrades
In the woodlands of Loughglynn.

5. Take this message to our own brave boys
And tell them we are dead
Tell them to be of utmost cheer
And to hold no drooping head
To keep old brains a using
To fight and not give in
And be proud to die 'neath an Irish sky
In the woodlands of Loughglynn.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: MartinRyan
Date: 11 May 08 - 02:43 PM

BigTim,

I thought you'd be interested! I'll post the words - and get back to the notes once I've checked the story with Declan.

Regards

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Big Tim
Date: 11 May 08 - 02:25 PM

Sorry, it was Stephen, not the rather better known Sean McDermott, one of the executed 1916 leaders. Were they related, both being from Roscommon?

From Padraic O'Farrell's 'Who's Who in the Irish War of Indep and Civil War': 'Bergin, John; Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Wounded in an action near Loughglynn Wood, Co. Roscommon 18-19 April 1921. He was later shot dead with another participant, Stephen McDermott'.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Big Tim
Date: 11 May 08 - 02:12 PM

Martin, I'd really appreciate the full song and the historical background. Don't forget!

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: MartinRyan
Date: 11 May 08 - 11:37 AM

Got it! And I'll be in trouble for forgetting it because it's on one of the South Roscommon Singers Circle CD's ("Alone by the Wild Wood", available at www.dhalonproductions.ie ), sung by my good friend Johnny Johnston). The accompanying booklet by the inimitable Declan Coyne gives the lyrics in full (seven stanzas) and an account of the background. I'll transcribe it over the next few days.

Regards
p.s. In fact, as I read the notes, I realise that its also on another of the South Roscommon CD's! No wonder it sounded familiar...

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: Big Tim
Date: 11 May 08 - 10:35 AM

Sean (John) Bergin and Sean McDermott lost their lives on 19 April 1921. Unfortunately I have no details of the incident.

The place names are Lough Glinn, indeed about 6 miles NW of Castlerea. If it's an artificial lake, it's big one, over a mile in length. Brackloon, is about 3 miles NE of Castlerea. Bellanagare, is about 6 miles NE of Castlerea.

(I have Brendan Shine singing the song, as well as another anon version. Possibly, Shine's greatest claim to fame is that Shane MacGowan once named him as his favourite singer, in a 'Q' magazine interview. Either Shane was drunk or being over sentimental or both).

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: MartinRyan
Date: 11 May 08 - 04:07 AM

Brendan Shine! That's the voice that's been lurking in the corner of my mind, in strict waltz time, as I tried to recall the song.

Regards

Subject: Lyr Add: WOODLANDS OF LOUGHGLYNN
From: GUEST
Date: 10 May 08 - 07:37 PM

I think that I transcribed this from the singing of Brendan Shine so there could be some errors. I don't know where the notes came from.


1. The summer sun was sinking low,
Behind the western sea,
The lark's lovesong was pealing low,
But it brought no joy to me.
For the one I loved is far away,
He's left his toil and spin.
He fought till death, and then he left,
The woodlands of Loughglynn.

2. A noble Irishman was he,
John Berrigan was his name.
He belonged to Tipperary,
And from Nenagh town he came.
But now, thank God, that he is gone,
Away from harm and sin,
He fought till death, and then he left,
The woodlands of Loughglynn.

3. McDermott too, was brave and true,
From the plains near Ballinagare,
He's missed at many's a fireside,
In the homes both near and far.
He's missed at home in Broad?
By his own dear kith and kin,
His comrade true, they'll miss him too,
In the woodlands of Loughglynn.

4. When our heroes they were dying there,
They sent for the clergyman,
Let no one think, they feared to face,
The English Black-and-Tans.
The clergy came and were in time,
But as they said "Amen",
McDermott's soul was departing to,
The woodlands of Loughglynn.


The village of Loughglynn is located about 6 miles north-west of Caslterea. Located in the village is an 18th-century mansion. This village is in the heart of the west Roscommon Lake District and is rich in folklore. The village is surrounded by six lakes, including "Loch Glinne" an artificial lake built by the Lord of the Ma as a birthday present for his wife. Loughglynn House was once the seat of the Dillon family. it was built approximately 1750. Every year Loughglynn hosts the Woodlands Harvest Festival.

Subject: RE: Req: Irish rebel Song-Woodlands of Loughglynn
From: ard mhacha
Date: 10 May 08 - 04:00 PM

On You Tube. lorgain2, sung by The Wolfhounds.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish rebel Song
From: Amos
Date: 10 May 08 - 02:48 PM

There's a cover of it on this site by Ray McAreavey..

It tells us a little.

"WOODLANDS OF LOUGHGLYNN
ÒA noble Irishman was he, Sean Bergin was his name
He belonged to Tipperary, from Nenagh Town he came.
McDermott too was brave and true, from the plains of Ballinagare
He is missed from many a fireside, in the homes both near and farÓ.

On a fine spring morning in April 1921, death came swiftly and violently to Sean Bergin and his comrade Stephen McDermott in the woodlands of Loughglynn. Taken prisoner by the ÒBlack and TansÓ after a fierce gun battle, they were brutally beaten and then shot. This ballad is as well known today as when first composed shortly after their deaths."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish rebel Song
From: MartinRyan
Date: 10 May 08 - 02:46 PM

No, it doesn't appear to be here - nor in any of the more obvious sources. Yet it's pretty well known.... back to the drawing board!

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish rebel Song
From: MartinRyan
Date: 10 May 08 - 02:35 PM

I think it's around here somewhere.... I'll have a look!

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish rebel Song
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 10 May 08 - 02:18 PM

All I can find is the following - a bit more but not much.

A noble Irishman was he,
Sean Bergin was his name
He belonged to Tipperary,
from Nenagh Town he came.
McDermott too was brave and true,
from the plains of Ballinagare
He is missed from many a fireside,
in the homes both near and far".

Subject: Lyr Req: Irish rebel Song
From: Dom Sheeran
Date: 10 May 08 - 01:58 PM

Can anyone help?

I am looking for the lyrics to "The Woodlands of Loughglynn"

A rebel song about the deaths of Bergin and McDermott.

A noble Irish man was he
Seán Bergin was his name

That's all I know