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Help: Garryowen

04 Jul 02 - 05:44 PM (#742463)
Subject: Garryowen
From: toadfrog

The "Garryowen" available on DT ("Let Bacchus' sons be not dismayed")looks like a parody of an Irish patriotic song from the mid-19th Century:

Oh Garryowen is gone to rack--
Her blood lies on the outlaw's track-- [?]
The night hangs cold, and black,
Above the shining river;
Yet voices live along her walls,
That ring out like old bugle calls,
Thro' lonesome streets and ruined halls
"Our native land forever!"
Then hip hurrah! for Garryowen,
For as stands the Treaty stone,
Our Irish hearts will bear alone,
For Garryowen na glora,

The broadside appears to come from the mid 19th Century. And the DT version (quickstep of the 7th Cavalry) looks a whole lot like a parody. In fact, it could hardly be anything else.

"Instead of spa, we'll drink brown ale,
And pay the reckoning on the nail,
No man for debt shall go to jail,
From Garryowen in glory!

Does anyone know any of the history of this? Garryowen, of course, is the old town of Limerick. Is it perhaps, the part of Limerick where Joseph of Arimathea is said to have landed? Was it named in honor of Saint Gereon?


Search for "garryowen" threads


04 Jul 02 - 05:53 PM (#742468)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: greg stephens

John's yard or garden at a guess. St John perhaps?


04 Jul 02 - 06:02 PM (#742475)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: toadfrog

Greg: I ask because there is a St. Gereon's church in Cologne. Your version sounds more plausible. Do you know anything about the songs?


04 Jul 02 - 06:02 PM (#742476)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST

The song "Garryowen" (a suburb of Limerick) is from the pantomime 'Harlequin Amulet', 1800. The tune was earlier know as "Auld Bessy" (Aird's Airs, vol. 3, 1788).

Broadside copies of the song are on the Bodleian Ballads website.


04 Jul 02 - 07:45 PM (#742535)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)

Thread 31125 of about a dozen is perhaps the best: Garryowen


04 Jul 02 - 08:16 PM (#742546)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: The Walrus

Toadfrog,

It looks like your "Irish patriotic song" was the parody, it's not unusual with such songs, the prime example is "Dublin in the Green", which is probably more widely known that the original ("Scarlet and the Blue").

Walrus


04 Jul 02 - 11:46 PM (#742619)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: X

Keep in mind that Custer's men played Garryowen when he butchered my people, oldmen, women, and childern. And after doing so the 7th. cut out the vaginas of the slain and wore them as hats. I know it was war and happened 130 years ago but I cringe everytime I hear the song.


05 Jul 02 - 12:05 AM (#742627)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,ozmacca

I believe I read in a number of places that "garryowen" was a favourite in British cavalry regiments for a long time, and was practically an unofficial song for the Light Brigade well before the Crimea... So did the US cavalry pinch it from the Brits, who had adopted it from the music hall / theatre, who based it on an Irish tune?

Don't life get complicated?


05 Jul 02 - 12:17 AM (#742633)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)

ozmacca, obviously the US cavalry were latecomers in the use of this 18th century (or older?) tune. A damn good one, so it spread far and wide. The tune was there for the taking, so I don't think you can say anyone "pinched" it. See the other threads with more specific information.


05 Jul 02 - 08:43 AM (#742812)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: PeteBoom

Ah, Banjoest, indeed.

Yet we must remember that the contempt the 7th Cav had for your folk, they also had for others - particularly the 9th and 10th Cav - the Buffalo Soldiers (the original ones). It was they, btw, who succeeded in accomplishing their mission, where the 7th failed. They did so with a combination of mercy, respect for their oppenents, and simple grit.

And Walrus, I very much prefer Scarlet and Blue over Dublin in the Green - lame lyrics that they are... or am I thinking of the strathspey Orange and Blue... senility sets in - too many eejits lighting off fireworks around the house last night - good thing we had watered *everything* during the day...

Cheers -

Pete


05 Jul 02 - 11:10 AM (#742868)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: X

Pete:

The 9th and the 10th still have the repect of my people for having the true Warriors heart, something that the 7th never earned. Today we call Lt. Col. Custer the "Indians Hitler"


05 Jul 02 - 11:24 AM (#742878)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Declan

Any of you who saw "They died with their boots on" starring Erroll Flynn will know that Garryowen was introduced to the 7th Cavalry by a little drunken Irish man, who was sort of a Company mascot.

Or is it possible that Hollywood had something historically inaccurate in a movie ?


05 Jul 02 - 02:45 PM (#742995)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Jacob B

My understanding is that Custer heard Garryowen being played by a Massachusetts regiment, liked it, and told his buglers to play it.

There were lots of Irish immigrants to Massachusetts.


05 Jul 02 - 03:25 PM (#743021)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: toadfrog

Thanks for the information!

Dicho: Sorry about that. I thought I had done a thorough search before starting this one. I guess I was wrong.

Walrus, I still think "Let Bacchus sons be not dismayed" has to be a parody of the other songs, because of the way the final lines in the chorus match.


05 Jul 02 - 06:55 PM (#743123)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,JTT

Lots of Custer's men were, alas, Irish - mostly "Scots-Irish" - and they probably brought the tune with them to their red slaughter.


06 Jul 02 - 07:37 AM (#743286)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: McGrath of Harlow

I believe there were Nazis in death camps who used to like having the music of Beethoven and Schubert as background music to the killing.

A tune isn't responsible for the disgusting people who choose to play it while they are at btheir work of murder. But it can become inescapably associated with such events.

Has anyone ever written set of words to Garryowen about Custer's massacres? It could be a way of rehabilitating the tune maybe.


06 Jul 02 - 02:46 PM (#743400)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: X

McGarth:

Your correct in saying that the music in not the villian but I bet there are some of our Jewish friends out there who can't hear Beethoven without thinking of a loved one they lost.


07 Jul 02 - 12:25 PM (#743851)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Melani

Why Declan, whatever makes you think that Hollywood might put something historically inaccurate in a move? Actually, the only thing that WAS accurate in "They Died With Their Boots On" was that there was a guy named Custer who got killed at the Little Bighorn.


07 Jul 02 - 04:16 PM (#743953)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: dorareever

Yes someone (Tim O'Brien)has written new words about the massacre using that tune.

http://www.timobrien.net/Lyrics2.cfm?ID=2


07 Jul 02 - 06:50 PM (#744019)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: McGrath of Harlow

Thanks for that. I heared Tim O'Brien and his sister at Cambridge one festival, and liked them. I even caught the CD he threw out into the crowd, and I've got it downstairs. But I'm pretty sure if he'd sung that oine I'd have remembered it.

Thanks doraveever. That's a good song for a tune that deserves it.


07 Jul 02 - 06:53 PM (#744020)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: toadfrog

Note: Although the Seventh Cavalry is remembered mostly for Little Big Horn, it also (1) served with Pershing in Mexico; (2) Served in the South Pacific in World War II; (3) saw extremely heavy combat in Korea and Vietnam; and (4) still exists. Some of the battles it fought, especially in Korea, are a great deal more important, historically, than LBH, although they have less legendary importance.


07 Jul 02 - 08:27 PM (#744074)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: X

Dora:

Would that be Tim O'Brien's "Mick Ryan's Lament?" Good tune.


07 Jul 02 - 08:37 PM (#744077)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Noreen

Mick Ryan's Lament


08 Jul 02 - 02:16 AM (#744202)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: dorareever

Yes it is Mick Ryan's Lament.Very good tune indeed.


16 Sep 08 - 09:17 AM (#2441947)
Subject: Lyr Add: GARRYOWEN
From: Jim Dixon

Here is a text of the "Irish patriotic song" that toadfrog quoted above. I'm surprised no one has posted this version before—but then, it seems it is rarely published anywhere. I failed to find it with Google Book Search.

The Library of Congress and the Bodleian Library each have copies of the broadside, but they are of very poor quality, with many letters missing or broken, and many misspellings.

I found only one "good" transcription, at Songs Collected by Donagh MacDonagh. I tweaked it in a few places to make it agree more closely with the broadside, except in places where the broadside made no sense.

GARRYOWEN

1. Oh, Garryowen is gone to rack.
Her blood is on the outlaw's track.
The night hangs starless, cold and black
    Above the shining river;
Yet voices live along her walls
That ring out like old bugle calls,
Through lonesome streets and ruined halls:
    "Our native land forever!"
Then hip hurrah! for Garryowen,
For, as stands the Treaty stone,
Our Irish hearts will bear alone
    For Garryowen na glora.

2. On those old walls brave Sarsfield stood
And looked into the Shannon's flood
And lo! 'twas flowing red with blood
    Of foreign foes to freedom.
Within the good old town is still
For Ireland's cause some blood to spill
And hearts to fight with right good will,
    And Sarsfield is yet to lead 'em.
Then three times three for Limerick town,
And Sarsfield's men of high renown
Who tramp the English banner down
    In Garryowen na glora.

3. Our good sires met the English Lords,
Their hands forever on their swords,
Their slashing blows the only words
    They deigned to give the foemen;
And we will take our fathers' place
And scowl into the Saxon face
The hatred of a royal race
    That will be slaves to no men.
Then draw your swords for Garryowen
And swear upon the Treaty stone
To live for Ireland's sake alone
    In Garryowen na glora.

4. Oh! for an hour in Garryowen,
In the crimson light of days long flown,
Our banners of green to the gay winds thrown
    To the chorus of the cannon;
To hear the thrilling bugle's call,
And Sarsfield's cry: "Behold the Gall!"
Hurrah! to leap the fosse and wall
    And pike them in the Shannon,
Then toast the men who fought and won
Beneath our banner of the sun,
And we can do what they have done
    In Garryowen na glora.

5. Though Garryowen is gone to rack,
We'll win her golden glories back;
The night that shrouds her, cold and black,
    We'll light with song and story;
And though her walls are overthrown,
We'll build them high yet, stone on stone,
And freedom shall be Queen alone,
    In Garryowen na glora.
So three times three for Garryowen,
Her old gray walls and Treaty stone!
We live for Ireland's cause alone
    In Garryowen na glora.


21 Jan 13 - 05:06 AM (#3469322)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Marianne

Does anyone know what spa is in the lyrics. They say "instead if spa we'll drink brown ale".


21 Jan 13 - 05:15 AM (#3469325)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: MartinRyan

Sean McMahon, in The Poolbeg Book of Irish Ballads writes:

... The "Spa" in the first verse refers to the fashionable nineteenth-century practice of drinking water naturally impregnated with sulphur and chalybeate from spa-wells.

Regards


21 Jan 13 - 06:21 AM (#3469343)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Dave Hanson

Is it sung to the double jig tune Garryowen ? reputedly General Custers favourite marching out tune but played as a quickstep.


Dave H


21 Jan 13 - 06:40 AM (#3469351)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: gnu

Missed your last post, Jim. Thanks.


21 Jan 13 - 05:50 PM (#3469648)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Seayaker

Garryowen is also the name of the evil tempered dog who is with the Citizen in the Cyclops episode of James Joyce's Ulysses.

The Citizen (based on Michael Cusack) is a bigoted nationalist who can only see one point of view (hence the Cyclops allusion) and tries to draw Bloom into an argument.


31 Mar 15 - 06:05 PM (#3698752)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

Concerning the original lyrics, the best source appears to be Maurice Lenihan's "Limerick; Its History and Antiquities" (Dublin, 1866). Lenihan writes that around the year 1800, a gang of hell-raisers "made a noise in the old town; and the parish of St. John in particular rang with the echoes of their wild revelry, while they caused their own names and fame to be wedded to verse to the immortal air of 'Garryowen,' - and air which is heard with rapturous emotion by the Limerick man in whatever clime he may be placed, or under whatever circumstances its fond familiar tones may strike upon his ear. ...The words to which this air has been wedded contain allusions not only to the state of society as is existed in Garryowen in these days, but to certain local worthies, and principally the late John O'Connell, Esq., the proprietor of the Garryowen Brewery, who was deservedly much esteemed."

To this account, Thomas Toomey and Henry Greensmyth's "An Antique and Storied Land: a History of the Parish of Donoughmore, Knockea, Roxborough and its Environs in County Limerick" (1991) adds that

"Johnny Connell, whose family owned Garryowen brewery, ...was... mentioned by the Bard of Thomond [Michael Hogan] as being the leader of a gang of early 19th century bucks in [Hogan's poem] 'Drunken Thady and the Bishop's Lady.' He was buried by candlelight in Donoughmore Graveyard after his death in 1853."

Lenihan gives,

"THE ORIGINAL SONG OF GARRYOWEN...

Let Bacchus' sons be not dismayed,
But join with me each jovial blade;
Come, booze, and sing, and lend your aid
To help with me the chorus :—

Instead of spa we'll drink brown ale,
And pay the reckoning on the nail,
No man for debt shall go to, jail
From Garryowen in glory

We are the boys that take delight in
Smashing the Limerick lamps when lighting,
Through the streets like sporters fighting
And tearing all before us.
Instead, &c.

We'll break windows, we'll break doors,
The watch knock down by threes and fours, -
Then let the doctors work their cures,
And tinker up our bruises.
Instead, the.

We'll beat the bailiffs, out of fun,
We'll make the mayor and sheriffs run ;
We are the boys no man dares dun,
If he regards a whole skin.
Instead, &c.

Our hearts so stout have got us fame,
For soon 'tis known from whence we came;
Where'er we go they dread the name
Of Garryowen in glory.
Instead, &c.

Johnny Connell's tall and straight;
And in his limbs he is complete;
He'll pitch a bar of any weight
From Garryowen to Thomond-gate.
Instead, &c.

Garryowen is gone to wreck
Since Johnny Connell went to Cork ;
Though Harry O'Brien leapt over the dock
In spite of judge and jury.
Instead, &c.

Lenihan's note informs us that, "Garryowen signifies 'John's Garden' - a suburb of Limerick in St. John's parish, in which in these times there was a public garden which the citizens were accustomed to frequent in great numbers.... The 'Nail' here mentioned is a sort of low pillar still extent in the Town-Hall, upon which payments used to be made in former times."


31 Mar 15 - 06:41 PM (#3698759)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

A little more info, from T. Crofton Croker's "Popular Songs of Ireland" (1839). Sir Charles O'Donnell informed Croker in 1833 that

"Mr. Connell (the Johnny Connell of Garryowen) and Darby O'Brien (some versions have Harry, others Jerry O'Brien) were two squireens in Limerick, and, about the time the song was written, between the years 1770 and 1780, devil-may-care sort of fellows, who defied all authority: they were the sons of brewers; the former is still alive, and has, or had, until very lately, a large brewery in Limerick."

A "squireen" holds a small estate. Croker also quotes from a London weekly of 1822:

"The celebrated Garryowen forms part of the filthy suburbs of Limerick. The former character of its inhabitants is said to be well described in a verse of their own old song:

    In Garryowen we'll drink nut-brown ale,
    An score de reckonin on de nail ;
    No man for debt shall go to gaol
         From Garryowen in glory whu! [a yell.]

"Some years ago the Garryowen boys, headed by a young gentleman of respectable family, did what they listed in every department of heyday wildness and devilment : they were the half-terror, half-admiration of the surrounding communities. ...[T]he old
leader, to whom I have alluded, is now a most respectable
quiet citizen, about sixty, famed for propriety and urbanity of demeanour, and at the head of one of the most thriving mercantile concerns in the town. My antiquary (Mr. Geoffrey Foote) pointed him out and introduced me to him, the other day, in the streets ; and I futilely sought, in the grave and generous expression of his features, in the even tone of his voice, and in the Quaker cut and
coloured suit which he wore, for any characteristic of the former Georgie Robinson of an Irish Porteus mob. Neither age nor change of habits had altered the tall and muscular figure which, in the redolence and buoyancy of youth, must have been equal to any achievement of physical prowess."

Thomond Gate and Garryowen, Croker says, were on opposite sides of Limerick.

Croker's version of the song is identical to Lenihan's.

The words are easier to sing to the somewhat simpler tune of Aird's "Auld Bessy" (1788) than they are to the fuller modern version in "Harlequin Amulet." See the other current "Garryowen" thread for pedantic details.


01 Apr 15 - 05:56 AM (#3698796)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: gnu

Great stuff! Thanks, Lighter.


01 Apr 15 - 09:09 AM (#3698832)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

Don't mention it. Sorry I haven't organized everything more clearly and concisely.

To bring words and melody together:

The words of "Garryowen" were probably written about 1780 to something very like the "Auld Bessy" tune, not printed till 1795 (not "1788" as stated).

The tune was being called "Cory Owen," "Cary Owen," and "Garrione" within four years of being identified only as "Harlequin Amulet," after the pantomime in that popularized it in December, 1800. Surely the Irish title wasn't due to a local Limerick song whose lyrics seem to have been unknown elsewhere for decades.

Without broadside printings, the "Bacchus' sons" words could not have been widely known. No copy of those lyrics appears in the Bodleian.

Custer's widow, Elizabeth Bacon Custer, gives both words and tune as known to the 7th Cavalry in her "Following the Guidon" (1890). The stanzas about the local character Johnny Connell have understandably disappeared. Otherwise the 7th's song is as in Croker and Lenihan.

Croker notes that the "spa" in the song refers to "The spa of Castle Connell, about six miles from Limerick."

Lenihan, by the way, also gives a quite different song written to the tune in 1811 - as well as translations of the original into Latin and Greek!

The tune, called "Auld Bessie" by Scotsman James Aird in 1795, was being called "Cory Owen," "Cary Owen," and "Garrione" within four years of being identified only as "Harlequin Amulet," after the pantomime in that popularized it in December, 1800. Surely the Irish *title* wasn't due to a local Limerick song whose lyrics seem to have been unknown elsewhere for decades.

Whether the melody originated in Ireland, Scotland, or elsewhere is probably unknowable. "Auld Bessy" is Scots. James Byrne, the musical director of "Harlequin Amulet," evidently thought the tune sounded Welsh, but it was described in 1801 as "The Favorite Irish Air Performed on the Harp in Harlequin Amulet" (Musical Journal, I [Baltimore, 1804]). John Peacock's "Tunes" (ca1805) has a version arranged for Northumbrian small pipes that he calls "Newmarket Races."

http://tunearch.org/wiki/Newmarket_Races


But Peacock's arrangement may have been influenced by the newly popular "Harlequin" version. A distinct but structurally related tune appeared as "Horse and Away to Newmarket" in the manuscript of James Biggins of Leeds, dated to "1779." It doesn't *sound* much like "Garryowen," though one can see the similarity.

http://www.village-music-project.org.uk/abc/biggins.abc

But the tune's place of origin is less important than the fact that it has been identified with Garryowen and Limerick since at least the beginning of the 19th century.

Thanks especially to "They Died with their Boots On," it is now widely associated with George Armstrong Custer.


01 Apr 15 - 12:08 PM (#3698891)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

Besides the identity of Harry (or Jerry or Darby) O'Brien, it would be good to know when John Connell was born (allegedly ca1762) and when and why he "went to Cork." The song must have been written after that.

I believe that in the 18th century young men of the gentry were usually sent to the university between the ages of sixteen and eighteen.

Any Connell (or O'Brien) genealogists out there?


29 Apr 21 - 02:16 PM (#4103989)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

Anything new on "Garryowen"?


14 Sep 22 - 04:15 AM (#4152422)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

RE: Harlequin Amulet

"A favorite DANCE, Performed by Mr. Weippert* at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
In the NEW Pantomime of “HARLEQUIN AMULET”. Arrang'd as a RONDO for the P-Forte or Harp by M.Latour**.
DUBLIN. Publish'd by (HIME) at his Musical Circulating Library (No.34) College Green–. Price 1s.1d."

*Johann Michael Weippert (1775-1831): Harpist. Younger brother of composer and bandmaster John Erhradt Weippert (1766-1823.)

**More on Jean Théodore Latour (1766–1837) here: Origins: Off She Goes


19 Oct 23 - 12:00 AM (#4183959)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Prompted by: Tune Req: Irish Tune from Daniel Boone Series and what are the earliest references for Ireland & North America:

“CHARLESTON, March 16
Hybernian Society
...After dinner, the subjoined TOASTS were drank with much enthusiasm, accompanied by the enchanting melody of a Select Band of Music (under the direction of Mr. Gallagher) that made each heart respond with delight to the native strains of Erin:
...13. The Army and Navy of the U. States.
                        Garyone.
[Alexandria Gazette, Commercial & Political, 31 March 1813]


19 Oct 23 - 12:00 AM (#4187263)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Prompted by: Tune Req: Irish Tune from Daniel Boone Series and what are the earliest references for Ireland & North America:

“CHARLESTON, March 16
Hybernian Society
...After dinner, the subjoined TOASTS were drank with much enthusiasm, accompanied by the enchanting melody of a Select Band of Music (under the direction of Mr. Gallagher) that made each heart respond with delight to the native strains of Erin:
...13. The Army and Navy of the U. States.
                        Garyone.
[Alexandria Gazette, Commercial & Political, 31 March 1813]


19 Oct 23 - 12:01 AM (#4187264)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Generations:
“They* halted at Woodford, the seat of their venerated Lieut. Col. Gough, who entertained his brave companions in arms, from whom he was about to separate, with an elegant repast laid out in tents on the lawn. They entered the city amidst the ringing of bells, and the enthusiastic acclamations of their fellow-citizens, marching to their own civic tune of 'Garryowen,' which, as one of our most favorite national airs, has so often in the late war led on our countrymen to victory.” [p.491]

“SIR HUGH GOUGH, K. C. B. fourth son of Colonel Gough, of the city of Limerick Militia, was born at the family mansion-house at Woodsdown, near Limerick. He first entered as Ensign in the City of Limerick Militia, from which he volunteered into the 78th, of which he was made Adjutant at the age of 17. He afterwards joined the 87th regiment in which he held a distinguished command for six years and a-half in the Peninsula. The French having made a breach in the walls of Tariffa in Spain, to which they had laid siege for some time with ten thousand men, endeavoured to force their way into the town; but the gallant Sir Hugh advanced to the breach, where drawing his sword and throwing his scabbard from him, he called on his men to stand by him until the enemy should walk over their bodies. The heart-cheering air of Garryowen was instantly struck up, and the firmness and courage of his brave followers proved irresistible: the French were repulsed with great slaughter, and raised the siege next morning, upon which Sir Hugh was made Governor of the place.” [lxiii]
[The History, Topography and Antiquities of the County and City of Limerick, Vol.II, Fitzgerald, M'Gregor, 1827]
*The Royal County of Limerick Regiment (Militia) returning from the rebellion of 1798.


19 Oct 23 - 12:01 AM (#4183960)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Generations:
“They* halted at Woodford, the seat of their venerated Lieut. Col. Gough, who entertained his brave companions in arms, from whom he was about to separate, with an elegant repast laid out in tents on the lawn. They entered the city amidst the ringing of bells, and the enthusiastic acclamations of their fellow-citizens, marching to their own civic tune of 'Garryowen,' which, as one of our most favorite national airs, has so often in the late war led on our countrymen to victory.” [p.491]

“SIR HUGH GOUGH, K. C. B. fourth son of Colonel Gough, of the city of Limerick Militia, was born at the family mansion-house at Woodsdown, near Limerick. He first entered as Ensign in the City of Limerick Militia, from which he volunteered into the 78th, of which he was made Adjutant at the age of 17. He afterwards joined the 87th regiment in which he held a distinguished command for six years and a-half in the Peninsula. The French having made a breach in the walls of Tariffa in Spain, to which they had laid siege for some time with ten thousand men, endeavoured to force their way into the town; but the gallant Sir Hugh advanced to the breach, where drawing his sword and throwing his scabbard from him, he called on his men to stand by him until the enemy should walk over their bodies. The heart-cheering air of Garryowen was instantly struck up, and the firmness and courage of his brave followers proved irresistible: the French were repulsed with great slaughter, and raised the siege next morning, upon which Sir Hugh was made Governor of the place.” [lxiii]
[The History, Topography and Antiquities of the County and City of Limerick, Vol.II, Fitzgerald, M'Gregor, 1827]
*The Royal County of Limerick Regiment (Militia) returning from the rebellion of 1798.


20 Oct 23 - 01:21 AM (#4184063)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Thompson

Custer et al were genocidal criminals, and shamingly most of them (including Custer, whose mother was a Casey if I remember right) were of recent Irish extraction.
They are a classic example of a brutalised population emigrating and themselves becoming brutes.
Some explanations: The Treaty of Limerick between the ambitious princeling William of Orange and his father-in-law James II was signed using the Treaty Stone as a base for leaning the document on. A condition for peace was that the Irish who had sided with James would emigrate en masse. As soon as they had done so, the treaty was broken and Ireland was in for centuries of horror. The "Wild Geese" - the soldiers who left the country - made for France and Spain and were eagerly taken into the armies of those countries, where most were killed within two years.
You'll find a Wikipedia article about the Limerick suburb of Garryowen.
The notorious 7th Cavalry took up the song.
There's an inspiring book about the Ogala Sioux leader Crazy Horse and Custer by Stephen Ambrose - an essential read.


20 Oct 23 - 01:21 AM (#4187268)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Thompson

Custer et al were genocidal criminals, and shamingly most of them (including Custer, whose mother was a Casey if I remember right) were of recent Irish extraction.
They are a classic example of a brutalised population emigrating and themselves becoming brutes.
Some explanations: The Treaty of Limerick between the ambitious princeling William of Orange and his father-in-law James II was signed using the Treaty Stone as a base for leaning the document on. A condition for peace was that the Irish who had sided with James would emigrate en masse. As soon as they had done so, the treaty was broken and Ireland was in for centuries of horror. The "Wild Geese" - the soldiers who left the country - made for France and Spain and were eagerly taken into the armies of those countries, where most were killed within two years.
You'll find a Wikipedia article about the Limerick suburb of Garryowen.
The notorious 7th Cavalry took up the song.
There's an inspiring book about the Ogala Sioux leader Crazy Horse and Custer by Stephen Ambrose - an essential read.


20 Oct 23 - 03:13 PM (#4187265)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Another long one. 1867 American Fenian mash-up of Fitzgerald, McGregor, Lenihan & Croker with the 1690s origins legend greatly expanded:

POETRY.
Written for The Irish Republic.
Songs of the Old Towns.
NO. II
“GARRYOWEN.”
What Irish man or woman has not heard of “Garryowen?” It is one of the most popular of the Irish airs. It has made the Irish soldier invincible on many a bloody field, with its defiant notes. It has cheered him on the weary march. It has hushed him to sleep in the bivouac, and sent him, in dreams, to wander through the “green fields of holy Ireland.” The Irish soldier in the English pay has forgot his country's wrongs, and fought his tyrant's battles, to the tune of “Garryowen.” The Old Brigade, in charging up the heights at Fontenoy, shouting, “Remember Limerick and English perfidy!” may have swept down those veterans of Lord Hay to the time of “Garryowen.” It may have nerved the sinews and the souls of the men and the women who swept back the invaders from Limerick's “old town wall.” The air is very old, and was sung through the streets of Limerick, according to Crofton Croker*, two hundred years ago by the “bucks” who flourished in the city and county, and who used to make night hideous with their mad riots. When he city of Limerick was first lit with lamps, one hundred and seventy years ago, the old song, now known as “Garryowen,” was then a new song, which took the place of an old one. Scores of armed bucks and squireens, with the boys of the town, used to march through the streets of Limerick, singing and carrying their threats into execution––

“We are the boys that take delight in
Smashing the Limerick lamps when lighting,
Through the streets like sporters fighting,
And tearing all before us, etc.

“We'll break windows, we'll break doors,
The watch knock down by threes and fours;
Then let the doctors work their cures,
And tinker up our bruises,” etc.

It may be safe to infer that the watch retreated in good order before the charge of a couple of hundred drunken, half-armed, and reckless “old town boys,” led on by the bucks. As in “Garryowen,” the watch, even down to our day, always make themselves scarce when a row takes place at night in the streets of our cities. In Fitzgerald and McGregor's “History of Limerick,” it is stated that “the tradesmen formerly marched in grotesque procession on Midsummer's-day, (an old Pagan rite,) and that the day generally ended in a terrible fight between the Garryowen and Thomond Gate boys––two sections of the city.” This latter part of the rite (the fight) was not Pagan, but Christian.

Let us hope that an Irish army, fighting for Ireland's rights, and marching to the air of “Garryowen,” will drive the foe before them again, as our fathers did of old; and that the next time the enemy is driven, it won't be across the Shannon, but across the Channel.

“GARRYOWEN.”. (Same lyrics as Jim Dixon posted above)

The following are the words of the old song. It may be interesting to many of our readers, for the sake of “auld lang syne:”

(Lenihan lyrics follow)”

[Poetry, The Irish Republic (Chicago)**, 10 august 1867]
*See Lighter's T. Crofton Croker post above. Seems a bit of a stretch, but that's just me.

**Founded 1867 by The Fenian Brotherhood. Chicago had the 4th largest Irish population in the States. From 1864-66 some Chicago Fenians declared war on England then invaded Canada & the Dakota Territories, or tried to anyways.

PS: The last Confederate general to surrender in that other rebellion was also the slave owning second principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. There are bad Indians and good Irish and worse individuals.


20 Oct 23 - 03:13 PM (#4184116)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Another long one. 1867 American Fenian mash-up of Fitzgerald, McGregor, Lenihan & Croker with the 1690s origins legend greatly expanded:

POETRY.
Written for The Irish Republic.
Songs of the Old Towns.
NO. II
“GARRYOWEN.”
What Irish man or woman has not heard of “Garryowen?” It is one of the most popular of the Irish airs. It has made the Irish soldier invincible on many a bloody field, with its defiant notes. It has cheered him on the weary march. It has hushed him to sleep in the bivouac, and sent him, in dreams, to wander through the “green fields of holy Ireland.” The Irish soldier in the English pay has forgot his country's wrongs, and fought his tyrant's battles, to the tune of “Garryowen.” The Old Brigade, in charging up the heights at Fontenoy, shouting, “Remember Limerick and English perfidy!” may have swept down those veterans of Lord Hay to the time of “Garryowen.” It may have nerved the sinews and the souls of the men and the women who swept back the invaders from Limerick's “old town wall.” The air is very old, and was sung through the streets of Limerick, according to Crofton Croker*, two hundred years ago by the “bucks” who flourished in the city and county, and who used to make night hideous with their mad riots. When he city of Limerick was first lit with lamps, one hundred and seventy years ago, the old song, now known as “Garryowen,” was then a new song, which took the place of an old one. Scores of armed bucks and squireens, with the boys of the town, used to march through the streets of Limerick, singing and carrying their threats into execution––

“We are the boys that take delight in
Smashing the Limerick lamps when lighting,
Through the streets like sporters fighting,
And tearing all before us, etc.

“We'll break windows, we'll break doors,
The watch knock down by threes and fours;
Then let the doctors work their cures,
And tinker up our bruises,” etc.

It may be safe to infer that the watch retreated in good order before the charge of a couple of hundred drunken, half-armed, and reckless “old town boys,” led on by the bucks. As in “Garryowen,” the watch, even down to our day, always make themselves scarce when a row takes place at night in the streets of our cities. In Fitzgerald and McGregor's “History of Limerick,” it is stated that “the tradesmen formerly marched in grotesque procession on Midsummer's-day, (an old Pagan rite,) and that the day generally ended in a terrible fight between the Garryowen and Thomond Gate boys––two sections of the city.” This latter part of the rite (the fight) was not Pagan, but Christian.

Let us hope that an Irish army, fighting for Ireland's rights, and marching to the air of “Garryowen,” will drive the foe before them again, as our fathers did of old; and that the next time the enemy is driven, it won't be across the Shannon, but across the Channel.

“GARRYOWEN.”. (Same lyrics as Jim Dixon posted above)

The following are the words of the old song. It may be interesting to many of our readers, for the sake of “auld lang syne:”

(Lenihan lyrics follow)”

[Poetry, The Irish Republic (Chicago)**, 10 august 1867]
*See Lighter's T. Crofton Croker post above. Seems a bit of a stretch, but that's just me.

**Founded 1867 by The Fenian Brotherhood. Chicago had the 4th largest Irish population in the States. From 1864-66 some Chicago Fenians declared war on England then invaded Canada & the Dakota Territories, or tried to anyways.

PS: The last Confederate general to surrender in that other rebellion was also the slave owning second principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. There are bad Indians and good Irish and worse individuals.


20 Oct 23 - 03:23 PM (#4184118)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

Interesting but, as you suggest, mostly fanciful. Almost nothing verifiable that we didn't already know.

The posited size of Johnny Connell's crew, however, is a little startling. How did Limerick survive long enough to lend its name to a minor verse genre?


20 Oct 23 - 03:23 PM (#4187266)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

Interesting but, as you suggest, mostly fanciful. Almost nothing verifiable that we didn't already know.

The posited size of Johnny Connell's crew, however, is a little startling. How did Limerick survive long enough to lend its name to a minor verse genre?


21 Oct 23 - 02:08 PM (#4187267)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

Charles Lever, novelist, "Charles O'Malley, the Irish Dragoon" (1841):

"Now, I like Garryowen,
When I hear it at home,
But it's not half so sweet when you're going to be kilt."


21 Oct 23 - 02:08 PM (#4184204)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

Charles Lever, novelist, "Charles O'Malley, the Irish Dragoon" (1841):

"Now, I like Garryowen,
When I hear it at home,
But it's not half so sweet when you're going to be kilt."


21 Oct 23 - 02:45 PM (#4184212)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Thompson

Street fights were a popular pastime in Irish towns in the 18th century. It's getting a little like that again. In Dublin, the little Ascendancy pups known as the Pinking Dindies liked to "pink" working-class boys with their swords, shoulder them off the pavements, etc, often leading to mass brawls between "Town" (the working class boys) and "Gown" (the Trinity College boys). The Pinking Dindies had an advantage in carrying swords, which were not allowed to the working classes.


21 Oct 23 - 02:45 PM (#4187269)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Thompson

Street fights were a popular pastime in Irish towns in the 18th century. It's getting a little like that again. In Dublin, the little Ascendancy pups known as the Pinking Dindies liked to "pink" working-class boys with their swords, shoulder them off the pavements, etc, often leading to mass brawls between "Town" (the working class boys) and "Gown" (the Trinity College boys). The Pinking Dindies had an advantage in carrying swords, which were not allowed to the working classes.


23 Oct 23 - 04:52 PM (#4191261)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Trivia: Seems me grand-auntie was an amateur beer historian; and W11 will run Family Tree Maker 7.0, all 48MB of it! Lot's of back story but nothing new really:

Part I: Male Toxicity -
The 1770-80 lyrics turned on Crofton-Croker's 1839 quotes of author John Banim's 1822 letter in the London Literary Register. The original wasn't retrievable in the 1990s, still ain't in 2023, so far. Everything before that is instrumental marching music or ball room. If the lyrics did exist, they would be the “cadence” (jody) versions.

...a terrible fight between the Garryowen and Thomond Gate boys––two sections of the city. This latter part of the rite (the fight) was not Pagan, but Christian. [Lenihan]

The “City” of Limerick was Newtown Pery. Thomond Gate was old Norman Englishtown, equal parts Catholic & Protestant. Garryowen was native Irishtown, all Catholic. The Fitzgerald & O'Connell blood feud was as old as dirt. The City Militia was almost all Garryowen Boys, hence the large number of combatants.

Johnny O'Connell (c.1757 – c.1835) was what old-school Euro-Bahamians used to call a “chippy,” ie: a chip on his shoulder, (American.) Or the more toxic/violent “coat-dragger” (Irish.)

The City Brewery (1739) was the first in Limerick. That would be the earliest for any brewers or brewers' sons to be hanging about at the fair.

More to follow...


23 Oct 23 - 04:52 PM (#4184358)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Trivia: Seems me grand-auntie was an amateur beer historian; and W11 will run Family Tree Maker 7.0, all 48MB of it! Lot's of back story but nothing new really:

Part I: Male Toxicity -
The 1770-80 lyrics turned on Crofton-Croker's 1839 quotes of author John Banim's 1822 letter in the London Literary Register. The original wasn't retrievable in the 1990s, still ain't in 2023, so far. Everything before that is instrumental marching music or ball room. If the lyrics did exist, they would be the “cadence” (jody) versions.

...a terrible fight between the Garryowen and Thomond Gate boys––two sections of the city. This latter part of the rite (the fight) was not Pagan, but Christian. [Lenihan]

The “City” of Limerick was Newtown Pery. Thomond Gate was old Norman Englishtown, equal parts Catholic & Protestant. Garryowen was native Irishtown, all Catholic. The Fitzgerald & O'Connell blood feud was as old as dirt. The City Militia was almost all Garryowen Boys, hence the large number of combatants.

Johnny O'Connell (c.1757 – c.1835) was what old-school Euro-Bahamians used to call a “chippy,” ie: a chip on his shoulder, (American.) Or the more toxic/violent “coat-dragger” (Irish.)

The City Brewery (1739) was the first in Limerick. That would be the earliest for any brewers or brewers' sons to be hanging about at the fair.

More to follow...


23 Oct 23 - 05:00 PM (#4184360)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Garryowen Part II: Porter -
The ultimate betrayal came with Johnny O'Connell's sister marrying a Fitzgerald and buying out the family brewery.

At Milford, the seat of her son Connell Fitzgerald, Esq., in an advance age, Mrs. Fitzgerald, sister of the late John Connell, Esq. of this city, brewer.
[Deaths, Limerick Chronicle, 19/03/1836]

Wine & Spirit Merchants., Fitzgerald & Co. Garryowen Brewery.
[Slater's National Commercial Directory of Ireland, 1846]

On Saturday last, John Fitzgerald, Esq., T.C. proprietor of the Garryowen Brewery...
[Deaths, Limerick Chronicle, 11/4/1860]

...the old established one at Garryowen, of which “Johnny Connell”, celebrated in song, was the owner, and which now belongs to a lady of his family. (1866)
[Lenihan]

Mr. Fitzgerald served his time to the best brewer in London... (Garryowen Brewery, 1872)
[Keane, Limerick Breweries, The Old Limerick Journal, 1981]
Note: The 100th anniversary, the Fitzgerald's closed the doors for good in 1881. Cousin Daniel "The Liberator" O'Connell and old man Guinness did not play nice together.


23 Oct 23 - 05:00 PM (#4191262)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Garryowen Part II: Porter -
The ultimate betrayal came with Johnny O'Connell's sister marrying a Fitzgerald and buying out the family brewery.

At Milford, the seat of her son Connell Fitzgerald, Esq., in an advance age, Mrs. Fitzgerald, sister of the late John Connell, Esq. of this city, brewer.
[Deaths, Limerick Chronicle, 19/03/1836]

Wine & Spirit Merchants., Fitzgerald & Co. Garryowen Brewery.
[Slater's National Commercial Directory of Ireland, 1846]

On Saturday last, John Fitzgerald, Esq., T.C. proprietor of the Garryowen Brewery...
[Deaths, Limerick Chronicle, 11/4/1860]

...the old established one at Garryowen, of which “Johnny Connell”, celebrated in song, was the owner, and which now belongs to a lady of his family. (1866)
[Lenihan]

Mr. Fitzgerald served his time to the best brewer in London... (Garryowen Brewery, 1872)
[Keane, Limerick Breweries, The Old Limerick Journal, 1981]
Note: The 100th anniversary, the Fitzgerald's closed the doors for good in 1881. Cousin Daniel "The Liberator" O'Connell and old man Guinness did not play nice together.


26 Oct 23 - 03:30 AM (#4191267)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Thompson

Who was Daniel a cousin of, and how did he and Arthur not play nicely?


26 Oct 23 - 03:30 AM (#4184523)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Thompson

Who was Daniel a cousin of, and how did he and Arthur not play nicely?


26 Oct 23 - 03:57 PM (#4184578)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Not sure how it all fits. The old program is weird; the file is a mess and every other child is a Mary or a John. Nevermind the rabbit hole of sorting Peelites, Whigs, Radicals, Repealers, Liberals &c &c &c.

One name that does keep cropping up is George John O'Connell (1801-1853,) Johnny O'Connell's second child and only son. Seems he was the political one.

There's even less on Guinness – O'Connell. Daniel's son did own the Dublin O'Connell Brewery. So there was the m-o-n-e-y. But then, the Garryowen Fitzgerald's and every other small brewery in Ireland (and the world) had/has that same problem.


26 Oct 23 - 03:57 PM (#4191263)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

Not sure how it all fits. The old program is weird; the file is a mess and every other child is a Mary or a John. Nevermind the rabbit hole of sorting Peelites, Whigs, Radicals, Repealers, Liberals &c &c &c.

One name that does keep cropping up is George John O'Connell (1801-1853,) Johnny O'Connell's second child and only son. Seems he was the political one.

There's even less on Guinness – O'Connell. Daniel's son did own the Dublin O'Connell Brewery. So there was the m-o-n-e-y. But then, the Garryowen Fitzgerald's and every other small brewery in Ireland (and the world) had/has that same problem.


26 Oct 23 - 04:01 PM (#4191264)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

“MADAME MARA.
Madame Mara, in one of her professional trips with Daly, the Dublin manager, to his provincial theatre in Ireland, arrived at Limerick, where her appearance and vocal powers were announced with pompous panegyric, in the play-bills; and all the fashion of the town and country were assembled to see and hear her. The upper gallery of that theatre is generally crowded with a boisterous mob of fellows from a faunbourg of Limerick, called Garry Owen, and scorning the ceremony of paying for their admission, they generally cudgelled their way to the upper region, and knocked down all door-keepers who presumed to oppose their entrance. Their criticism is usually exercised in a way not less discordant; for whenever any thing displeases them in the performance, or when such tunes as they call for are not played by the orchestra, about an hundred fellows commence such a sonnata with their shillelahs upon the boarded front of the gallery, as to stun all powers of hearing. There is a favourite Irish air, composed by some piper of this mob, and called Garry Owen, which is constantly ground at present by all the barrel-organs, syrinæs, and hurly burlies in London. Madame Mara came forward, honoured by the plaudits of the fashionable part of the audience, and had proceeded half way through her first song in all the elegant variations and quavers of an Italian bravura, In an instant the cudgells of the upper gallery commenced their astonishing concert, and the yell of “Garry Owen! Garry Owen!" was vociferated from the gods above. Madame Mara, almost terrified into fits, retreated by the prompter's side, and was there met by Mr. Daly, who endeavoured to persuade her to resume her song. She returned, attempted it again, was again terrified by the war-whoop aloft; and again retreated. Mr. Daly met her the second time, and endeavoured to encourage her with, "My dear madam! pray don't be alarmed! consider you are surrounded, and I shall be ruined if you don't go through the part." But the affrighted Italian dared not proceed, but answered: "Oh! Mistere Daly, Mistere Daly, 'tis Mistere Owen they call for; pray send dem Mistere Owen, or dey will pull down de house."
[The Spirit of Irish Wit, or Post-Chaise Companion, By Irish Wit, 1812]


26 Oct 23 - 04:01 PM (#4184579)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

“MADAME MARA.
Madame Mara, in one of her professional trips with Daly, the Dublin manager, to his provincial theatre in Ireland, arrived at Limerick, where her appearance and vocal powers were announced with pompous panegyric, in the play-bills; and all the fashion of the town and country were assembled to see and hear her. The upper gallery of that theatre is generally crowded with a boisterous mob of fellows from a faunbourg of Limerick, called Garry Owen, and scorning the ceremony of paying for their admission, they generally cudgelled their way to the upper region, and knocked down all door-keepers who presumed to oppose their entrance. Their criticism is usually exercised in a way not less discordant; for whenever any thing displeases them in the performance, or when such tunes as they call for are not played by the orchestra, about an hundred fellows commence such a sonnata with their shillelahs upon the boarded front of the gallery, as to stun all powers of hearing. There is a favourite Irish air, composed by some piper of this mob, and called Garry Owen, which is constantly ground at present by all the barrel-organs, syrinæs, and hurly burlies in London. Madame Mara came forward, honoured by the plaudits of the fashionable part of the audience, and had proceeded half way through her first song in all the elegant variations and quavers of an Italian bravura, In an instant the cudgells of the upper gallery commenced their astonishing concert, and the yell of “Garry Owen! Garry Owen!" was vociferated from the gods above. Madame Mara, almost terrified into fits, retreated by the prompter's side, and was there met by Mr. Daly, who endeavoured to persuade her to resume her song. She returned, attempted it again, was again terrified by the war-whoop aloft; and again retreated. Mr. Daly met her the second time, and endeavoured to encourage her with, "My dear madam! pray don't be alarmed! consider you are surrounded, and I shall be ruined if you don't go through the part." But the affrighted Italian dared not proceed, but answered: "Oh! Mistere Daly, Mistere Daly, 'tis Mistere Owen they call for; pray send dem Mistere Owen, or dey will pull down de house."
[The Spirit of Irish Wit, or Post-Chaise Companion, By Irish Wit, 1812]


26 Oct 23 - 04:31 PM (#4184582)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

> There is a favourite Irish air, composed by some piper of this mob, and called Garry Owen, which is constantly ground at present by all the barrel-organs, syrinæs, and hurly burlies in London.

Significant - though "Auld Bessy" is unmentioned.


26 Oct 23 - 04:31 PM (#4191266)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: Lighter

> There is a favourite Irish air, composed by some piper of this mob, and called Garry Owen, which is constantly ground at present by all the barrel-organs, syrinæs, and hurly burlies in London.

Significant - though "Auld Bessy" is unmentioned.


27 Oct 23 - 12:11 AM (#4191265)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

I'm reasonably sure the Auld Bessie connection is a product of the internet age. The 18th-19th century titles are one of a baker's dozen spellings of Garryowen.

Much bigger problem is an 1812 “Madame Mara of Drury Lane.” – The Drury burned to the ground in 1809 and the Madame was no where near England or Ireland from 1802-1819. Would you believe 1792..?!?

“The harsh receptions accorded Mrs. Billington failed to deter one of her rivals, Madame Mara of Drury Lane, from performing at the Limerick Theatre Royal during the next summer. She appeared along with Daly's Crow Street troupe for Assize Week, 20–25 August 1792. This year the playhouse rather than the players aroused public condemnation... The same critic blamed the Manager also for the 'disorderly and insolent behavior in the gallery' where the spectators 'resemble Savages'. If the Manager had shown the proper initiative and called on the 'magistrates', they would surely have assisted in preserving decent manners throughout the house.”
[Clark, W.S., The Limerick Stage 1736-1800, Pt.Two, 1965]
Gertrud Elisabeth Mara (1749–1833)


27 Oct 23 - 12:11 AM (#4184611)
Subject: RE: Help: Garryowen
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch

I'm reasonably sure the Auld Bessie connection is a product of the internet age. The 18th-19th century titles are one of a baker's dozen spellings of Garryowen.

Much bigger problem is an 1812 “Madame Mara of Drury Lane.” – The Drury burned to the ground in 1809 and the Madame was no where near England or Ireland from 1802-1819. Would you believe 1792..?!?

“The harsh receptions accorded Mrs. Billington failed to deter one of her rivals, Madame Mara of Drury Lane, from performing at the Limerick Theatre Royal during the next summer. She appeared along with Daly's Crow Street troupe for Assize Week, 20–25 August 1792. This year the playhouse rather than the players aroused public condemnation... The same critic blamed the Manager also for the 'disorderly and insolent behavior in the gallery' where the spectators 'resemble Savages'. If the Manager had shown the proper initiative and called on the 'magistrates', they would surely have assisted in preserving decent manners throughout the house.”
[Clark, W.S., The Limerick Stage 1736-1800, Pt.Two, 1965]
Gertrud Elisabeth Mara (1749–1833)