Lyr Req: The Ballad of DJ Allman

Subject: Lyr Req: The Ballad of DJ Allman
From: raheenranger
Date: 16 Jul 14 - 04:17 PM

Hi All,
I am trying to gather more information on the song below including the composer and any additional verses or variations that may be extant.
The historical content is well documented, I just cannot find anyone who knows more about the song itself. I include my notes at the bottom.

The Ballad of DJ Allman

As I strayed out one evening all in the month of June
I strayed into an old Churchyard to view a silent tomb
I overheard an old man say as the tears rolled from his eyes
It's underneath this cold tombstone young DJ Allman lies.

Now rise up DJ Allman, arise and tell me true
Who fought at Headford Station that day along with you?
Who stood out on that platform board, who fired that signal gun?
Who fought to free old Ireland with you my darling son?

The man that fired that signal gun, he now lies stiff and cold
And many's the day we journeyed with him on that dark and dreary road
He was a true-born Irishman, his crowd were loyal and small
And proudly they did answer unto young DJ's call.

It was on a summer's evening between 3 and 4 o'clock
When a lorry load of military at Headford they did stop
Up sprung young DJ Allman, his crowd were loyal but small
And proudly they did answer unto young DJ's call.

Now rise up DJ Allman, arise and tell me true
Who fought at Headford Station that day along with you?
Who stood out on that platform board, who fired that signal gun?
Who fought to free old Ireland with you my darling son?

Oh the day now of his funeral, it was a terrible sight
To see four and forty clergymen and they all dressed up in white
With his cap upon his coffin and a rifle by his side
And the green flag floating o'er his grave, the flag for which he died.

As I strayed into that old Churchyard to breathe a silent prayer
May the Almighty and his angels rise Allman from the clay
He was a true-born Irishman, his crowd were loyal and true
Commanding that flying column of Kerry Number 2.



Sung by Joe Bracken of Pollough (Offaly) in a recording made in 1973 in John Gavin's Pub, Ballycumber by P Nolan. I remember Joe singing in Ballycumber in the 70s/80s.

D.J. Allman was shot at Headford Station near Rathmore, County Kerry, in the War of Independence (Following an ambush on a train carrying British soldiers) Allman was the CO of the flying column concerned (Kerry #2).

Note: I am not sure why Joe repeated a verse here (probably an error).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Ballad of DJ Allman
From: GUEST,#
Date: 17 Jul 14 - 02:52 AM

http://www.theheffingtonpost.com/Music_Col.html

Search DJ Allman