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22 Sep 99 - 05:44 PM (#116588) Subject: James Connolly From: Den I am currently reading the book Rebels and particularly James Connollys involvement in the '16 rising. I seem to remember a poem that proceeded the song James Connolly on, I think it was a Wolfe Tones album. Anyway I heard at one time that the poem was actually penned by one of the British soldiers in the firing squad so affected was he by Connolly. I heard too that he (the soldier) subsequently commited suicide. Now I don't know if there is any truth to that story or wheather its folklore but I am looking for the words to the poem if anyone can help. Thanks in advance Den |
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22 Sep 99 - 06:04 PM (#116592) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: paddymac Den - I don't know the truth of your stories about the origin of the recitation, but they're good stories anyway. Here's the recitation. I have always found it well received by audiences, especially if you can put a bit of emotion into it. The man was all shot through |
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22 Sep 99 - 06:17 PM (#116596) Subject: Lyr Add: JAMES CONNOLLY (Wolfe Tones) From: paddymac I haven't the slightest idea how in hell I managed to send those. I haven't even had a pint yet. Maybe that's the problem. Anyway, here it is. I think it's also in one of the Wolfe Tones' songbooks. _________________________________________________________ The man was all shot through that came to day into the Barrack Square, And a soldier I, I am not proud to say that we killed him there. They brought him from the prison hospital and to see him in that chair, I swear his smile would, would far more quickly call a man to prayer. Maybe, maybe I don't understand this thing that makes these rebels die, Yet all men love freedom and the spring clear in the sky. I wouldn't do this deed again for all that I hold by, As I gazed down my rifle at his breast, but then, then a soldier I. They say he was different, kindly too, apart from all the rest. A lover of the poor, his wounds ill dressed. He faced us like a man who knew a greater pain Than blows or bullets ere the world began: died he in vain? "Ready, Present," and him just smiling! Christ! I felt my rifle shake. His wounds all open and around his chair a pool of blood. And I swear his lips said, "Fire" before my rifle shot that cursed lead And I, I was picked to kill a man like that, James Connolly! |
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22 Sep 99 - 08:13 PM (#116639) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Den Thanks Paddy and your right very moving. Many thanks again Den. |
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23 Sep 99 - 01:21 AM (#116734) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Big Mick As an Irish American Labor Organizer, we are speaking of one of my heroes here. Connolly was a Wobbly labor organizer and spent time in the United States, as did Big Jim Larkin, organizing. He was an amazing man. Den, may I suggest that you read Morgan Llywelyn's 1916 as well as Rebels. While they are both historical novels, Llywelyn's is a more accurate portrayal of the events of that time than Rebels. In Rebels, the author attempts to portray acts of pure fiction as fact. Llywelyn's work has been vetted by the families of the leaders of the Rising of '16, and they found it to be a much more historically accurate work set around a fictional character. If you are interested in learing more about Connolly there are numbers of websites devoted to him including THIS, and HERE. There is also an out of print book that I found on one of the book search sites. I will get you a name later. There is also a songbook available of lyrics written by Connolly during his organizing years. I will find my copy and get the name and availability to you. All the best, Mick |
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23 Sep 99 - 09:36 AM (#116803) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Den Thanks Mick. I'm reading Rebels for the second time, I still enjoy it. The Llywelyn book sounds like it will be my next read. I work in a library so I'm just going to nip down stairs and see if we have it on the shelf. I'd be interested in more info thanks Den. |
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23 Sep 99 - 09:44 AM (#116807) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Len Wallace The poem was written by Liam MacGabhann. He wrote in "Rags, Robes and Rebels" thatit was based on reading comments made by the son of a Welsh miner who was part of Connolly's firing squad who later asked Connolly's relatives to forgive him. |
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23 Sep 99 - 09:47 AM (#116808) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Den Thanks Len. |
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23 Sep 99 - 09:58 AM (#116813) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: paddymac BigMick - I wholeheartedly concur in your comparative assessment of "rebels"/"1916" (but I may be biased as Llewelyn is my favorite author). I think of Connolly as much more than "just" a labor leader. He was, I think, one of those men born to rebel against the great injustices of his time and place. In his case, that led him into the labor movement. I think it's fair to say that the Rising of 1916 might not have happened without Connolly and his Citizen's Army. |
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23 Sep 99 - 11:44 AM (#116870) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Frank Howe if you like contemporary irish rock with a generous helping of trad thrown in - Black 47 does a nice tribute to James Connolly |
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23 Sep 99 - 12:09 PM (#116884) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Den Actually the name did not register with me at first but then I remembered I had read Lion of Ireland by Llywelyn and had enjoyed that very much. I have actually done some pencil sketches of Connolly and am working on a comerative poster that includes drawings of all the men who signed the proclamation arranged around the document itself. Does anyone know of any pictures of Connolly other than the three quarter view picture that appears in most publications about him? I'm also trying to track down pictures of MacDonagh and Plunkett. Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance Den. |
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23 Sep 99 - 04:27 PM (#116999) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Ferret there is a pix of Joseph Plunkett in the book 'The Irish Civil War' by Tim Pat Coogan & George Morrison, page 91 ISBN 0 297 82454 6 Hop this of some help all the best ferret |
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23 Sep 99 - 09:40 PM (#117107) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Big Mick Paddymac, you are absolutely on the mark on several scores. First off, Connolly was indeed so much more than a labor leader. He was possessed of a spirit that is timeless, and chooses to walk among us a various times as needed. Connolly was at once a fearless warrior, a visionary leader of men, and a tender and caring parent and spouse. Pearse, IMHO, sought martyrdom. Connolly accepted it. Your second contention, that the Rising may not have happened without his Citizens Army is accepted by most serious scholars as the fact. I do a presentation on Connolly using his words, writings and songs written by him and about him for heritage clubs. With regard to Morgan Llywelyn, she is simply without equal. I have read most of her works. For those who want to understand the history of the Celts, the customs of the Celts, and the history and legendary figures of Ireland, you could not ask for a better or more enjoyable read than this woman. Her research is beyond reproach. I would recommend the following books, and probably in this order: The Horse Goddess for the story of Epona and the Hallstadt Celts Druids for an understanding of these priest/esses as they probably were instead of how people with their own motives want them to be. This is also the story of the Gaulic Confederacy and the one Celtic King, Vercingetorix who united the European Celts and almost defeated Julius Ceasar. Bard which is based on the earliest poems written in Ireland by the Bard known as Amergin, or Aimirgin. It tells of the coming of the Milesian Princes to Ireland and the establishing of the Gaels as the dominant culture. Red Branch which tells the story of young Setanta who grows up to be the legendary Hound of Ullain, or Cuchulain and the warriors of the Red Branch, or Craobh Rua. Finn MacCool which tells the story of this legendary warrior as he probably was. A marvellous read. Lion of IrelandThis tells the story of the greatest King in the history of Irealand, Brian Boru. Morgan captures this great man to the tee. The O'Brian, current leader of the family says that Morgan Llywelyn captured his famous ancestor to the tee. This is one of the best books you will read. Pride of Lions which picks up with the death of Boru and tells of his son's attempt to live up to the legacy of his father. Grainna which is the story of Grace O'Malley. This is an amazing story of an amazing human being and woman. I could not put it down. I am proud to recommend these books to my fellow 'Catters. Be sure and order them through vendors who pay a commission to the Mudcat. Some of them, like Grainne, are out of print. Do yourself a favor and do an out of print search. You will not be sorry. I was well read on virtually all of these subjects before I read her works. Yet I felt as though I knew these figures in a way that I had never known them before. That is to say that I felt like I knew them as they were, instead of as what they have become in the passing of time. And of course, don't neglect to read 1916. Mick |
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24 Sep 99 - 04:10 AM (#117199) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: paddymac BigMick - Amen! |
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24 Sep 99 - 09:36 AM (#117243) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Den I agree with your comments on Connolly and his influence on the rising and I agreee that Pearce did seek martyrdom. However I think that quite often he is written off as being a self centred unfeeling academic. I think that he (Pearce) had a great influence on people and that he was a great motivator orator and writer. I feel too that some of the other rebel leaders tend to be forgotten because they were'nt great speakers like Connolly and Pearce. Men like Eamon Kent, Thomas Clarke and of course Joseph Plunkett played an equally important part in the rising. Joseph Plunkett and Grace Quigley what a story. Do you think the men and women of the rising were a product of their time or did they define the time. It's unique in history to find so many strong and courages people gathered together in one place at one time. |
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24 Sep 99 - 10:13 AM (#117257) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Big Mick Den, I don't think I have ever heard anyone postulate that the Pearse's were anything but caring and warm people. Everything I have read about the time at St. Enda's paints a picture of a passionate and caring family. You are sure correct about the other leaders of the Rising. History always settles on a few leaders. I think it makes the telling easier. But it doesn't take much effort to find the contributions of Clarke, Kent, Plunkett, MacDonough and others. I believe that powerful times are a convergence of a number of factors, such as political conditions, economic conditions, and the presence of powerful people who are willing to lead. In my own lifetime I have witnessed moments where you knew that the conditions were right for mementous change. And I always found myself praying that the right person(s) would step forward. Because the line between wonderful change and horror is very thin. Let me illustrate. Once there were two men. Both had the gift of bardic voice. Both could make masses of people do their bidding simply by suggestion. They lived in turbulent times, and change for their people was needed desperately. History has recorded their stories. One was Mahatma Gandhi. The other was Adolf Hitler. This is why I feel it is not a shame when people of honor do not pick up the mantle of leadership when they should. It is a mortal sin. The Brothers Pearse understood this. So did Connolly, Ceannt, Clarke, MacDonough, Plunket and the others. And it is why I have resolved that when I am in a circumstance that requires leadership, that I will do everything in my power to find the right person, or step into the breach myself. Because the other conditions will conspire to produce change. Good or bad is dependent on the person who steps up. The story of Joseph Mary Plunkett and Grace Gifford is one of the greatest love stories ever written. It is about two young people, madly and immortally in love. These are two timeless spirits who grace us with their presence every so often. Of them, great love stories are written. When Plunkett left his sick bed to go to the GPO, he knew he would likely not survive. When he was captured and sentenced to die by firing squad, his beautiful Grace came to him in his cell. Knowing full well that he would not be alive in a few hours, she married him in the prison chapel. They were not even allowed to kiss. The next morning he was taken out and shot in the yard of Kilmainham jail. God be good to both of them. There have been several threads on this song and story. Set the "Search the Forum" engine to "Grace" and you will find them. All the best, Big Mick |
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24 Sep 99 - 10:52 AM (#117270) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Big Mick That should have been "momentous" in the third paragraph. I have to start proofing before I hit the button. Bad boy, Mick. A rap on the knuckles from Father Joebro for bad spelling and grammar. **grin** Mick |
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24 Sep 99 - 11:14 AM (#117284) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Ferret Well Mick we got the point and we all make mistakes. This is a good thread on Connolly have you read the book "The Irish Civil War" I posted. It is one of the best I have read on the subject. All the best Ferret |
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24 Sep 99 - 11:22 AM (#117287) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Big Mick Yep Ferret, it is a great work. Most of Coogan's work is well done. This is another good recommendation for those interested in the subject. All the best, Mick |
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24 Sep 99 - 12:44 PM (#117320) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Den Well said Mick. Of course I meant to say Gifford where the hell did Quigley come from oh hell alzheimers setting in. I asked my Dad if alzheimers ran in our family and he said he couldn't remember.I asked my Dad if alzheimers ran in our family and he said he couldn't remember. Den |
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24 Sep 99 - 08:37 PM (#117494) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Ferret who said what er ferret |
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24 Sep 99 - 10:01 PM (#117513) Subject: RE: James Connolly From: Stewie Although it is relatively old (1961), C.Desmond Greaves 'The Life and Times of James Connolly' is still well worth a read. It was republished in paperback by International Publishers New York 1971. |
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07 Aug 10 - 06:37 AM (#2959990) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: James Connolly (Wolfe Tones) From: GUEST Can anyone say what regiment the firing squad was drawn from? |
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07 Aug 10 - 07:42 AM (#2960008) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: James Connolly (Wolfe Tones) From: GUEST,Lryics You can find the lyrics and guitar chords on www.unitedirelandtripod.ie along with other Wolftones songs Desi C |
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22 Sep 12 - 06:56 PM (#3408841) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: James Connolly (Wolfe Tones) From: GUEST I disagree that Pearse and the others wanted to be martyrs. Everyone knew there would be a Peace Conference at the end of the war; the Irish wanted a place at the table. |
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23 Sep 12 - 07:47 AM (#3408982) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: James Connolly (Wolfe Tones) From: GUEST John McDonnell, For this poem and others about James Connolly and a good account of the period 1913-1916 see my book Songs of Struggle and Protest recenty re-published by The Irish Labour History Society. |
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05 May 22 - 04:31 PM (#4141215) Subject: RE: songs of and by James Connolly From: Felipa James Connolly, trade union activist and leader of the Irish Citizen Army, was executed on 12 May 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising for Irish independence. So to mark the occasion, I made this song reference list. JAMES CONNOLLY "A great crowd had gathered outside of Kilmainham" https://mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=3146 sung by Nan Tom Teaimin WHERE IS OUR JAMES CONNOLLY by Patrick Galvin https://mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=3145 sung by Andy Irvine sung by Fergus Russell sung by Liam Weldon CONNOLLY WAS THERE, words posted by Big Tim and by Jon Bartlett , 16 April 2002 in https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=46577#692407 sung by Christy Moore sung by Dominic Behan Lyrics on screen If you do a Mudcat search for James Connolly, you will find that a number of his own compositions are included in the Digital Tradtional. Here are links for three of lyrics or poems: BE MODERATE (We Only Want the Earth) by James Connolly https://mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=546 FREEDOM'S SUN by James Connolly https://mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=9015 I think A FESTIVE SONG may be intended as a May Day song, as the first of May is both an older traditional fest and a Workers' Day https://mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=8982 0000 Connolly's fitness to stand trial and to be executed was discussed in the UK parliament in May 1916 https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1916/may/30/execution-of-james-connolly |
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05 May 22 - 04:47 PM (#4141219) Subject: Lyr Add: May 124h, 1916 by Niall Connolly From: Felipa and yet another song https://niallconnolly.bandcamp.com/track/may-12th-1916-a-song-for-james-connolly MAY 12th, 1916 – A Song for James Connolly -- by Niall Connolly (verse) E My father fought for justice, for our country to be free, C#m He was my father first and foremost, and I sat on his knee, A I remember his voice and the words he said to me, E A E Before my father he went down, down in history. (Chorus chords) C#m A E A E (Verse) E Said the mill owner to the factory girls, there’ll be singing here no more, C#m Well the factory girls in unison, they walked on out the door, A Do not tell us when to talk, do not tell us when to sing, E A E As long as we have voices, our voices will be king. chorus C#m A Nora don’t you cry, Nora Don’t you cry, E A E I have lived the fullest of lives. Verse) E My father he was wounded, Easter 1916, C#m Stretchered by a boy, of only 14, A “That boy he tried to take the bullets meant for me, E A E As long as we have boys like that our country will be free” chorus C#m A Nora don’t you cry, Nora Don’t you cry, E A E I have lived the fullest of lives (Verse) At 1 am on May 12th the message it was sent, The prisoner Connolly, his wife and eldest daughter does request, Dublin under curfew such a strange and sorry sight, Oh Lily you know, that this means goodbye, Chorus but Lily don’t you cry, Lily don’t you cry, I have lived the fullest of lives. (Verse) Said the nurse I am bound to search you but I don not think I can, I see not prisoner but virtuous, proud family man, There is little I can do now, I will do what I can. (Verse) They carried my wounded father tied him to his final chair, Said Father Aloysius, for your killer say a prayer, My father fought for justice, for the workers to be free, He said I pray for all men who must do their duty, (Chorus) Lily don’t you cry, Lily don’t you cry, I have lived the fullest of lives. (Verse) Said my father to the factory girls, your cause is just and right, It’s a battle we won’t win but a battle we must fight, When you back hold your head high and sing your song out proud, That it might echo 100 years from now, (Chorus) Lily don’t you cry, Lily don’t you cry, I have lived the fullest of lives. credits from Dream Your Way Out of This One, released September 15, 2017 Niall Connolly - Guitar and voice Glen Hansard - Additional vocals Javier Más - Spanish Laud you can also find a few recordings on youtube |
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08 May 22 - 01:26 PM (#4141223) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: James Connolly (Wolfe Tones) From: Felipa The poem posted by PaddyMac on 22 Sept. 1999 was written by Liam Mac Gabhann I think the title is simply "Connolly" Mac Gabhann "wrote in 'Rags, Robes and Rebels' that it was based on reading comments made by the son of a Welsh miner who was part of Connolly's firing squad who later asked Connolly's relatives to forgive him." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liam_MacGabhann Lyrics from a booklet of James Connolly's own compositions are posted at Mudcat thread: https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=16522 |