Archive | Poems

Written by Patrick Tunney, Cushlough while a prisoner in Rath, Curragh Camp, Kildare, 1921 I’m longing, ever longing,Longing for lone West Mayo.With its rills and lofty mountains,Heath-clad hills and gushing fountains.Ah, my heart is ever longing,To be back in West Mayo.I’m longing, ever longing,Longing for another day.When upon the field of danger,I could face the […]

By Patrick Tunney There are mountains in Mayo,Verdant glens in Aherlow,Broad and fertile meads in Limerick and in Clare,The most dismal place of all,From Cape Clear to Donegal,Is the desecrated Curragh of Kildare.God bless the fighting men of Érin,God rest the heroes of Sixteen,Who faced the firing squad,For their country and their God,Whilst they hoisted […]

Old Moore’s Almanac, Elegy sacredly dedicated to the memory of my father (Thomas Tunney),who died in 1916, addressed to Mary Tunney, Philadelphia. Written in the Curragh of Kildare, 1921 In lone Cushlough you’re sleeping,Six long weary years,Whilst I am sadly weeping;In this dark vale of tears.For your dear soul I pray with love,That God may grant […]

By Patrick Tunney I am here in the camp like a felon in dungeons of sorrow and woe,Some say it is for rebellion against a most treacherous foe.I once as a rebel was hiding on the hillsides of Mayo so fair,But faith I am now law abiding in a little wee hut in Kildare.Some says […]

By Patrick Tunney Old Moore’s Almanac Dedicated by Patrick Tunney late of Westport, Mayo I hail historic County Meath, the woodlands of Mayo,The soaring peaks of Donegal and the Glens of Aherlow.Those lovely haunts are dear to me, the scenes all fresh and fair,But far dearer to my aching heart is the colour of the […]

By Patrick Tunney The Mayo News Written by Patrick Tunney on Christmas Day, 1928  special to the “Mayo News” Westport, in perpetuation of the sacred memory of the late Josie Gill, The Quay, Westport, who in 1916 suffered much for the sake of slavery-bound Rosaleen; when banished from Ireland he was a man amongst men. […]

By Patrick Tunney Whilst Meelray’s peaks are looking down,On Aashleigh’s waterfall.The daring feats of Behan brave,Will Gránua’s sons recall.Then weep ye not, but raise as one,That time will ne’er decay.This memory in the hearts shall burn,Of Irishmen for aye.

While we talk of the brave men who fought for Ireland a nation once more,The ones whom we’re told died as martyrs and thousands in jail suffered sore,There is one whom we all love and honour tho’ some say he was a bad boy,For his country he fought like a hero the fearless undaunted Kilroy. […]

By Patrick Tunney Air:  Seán O’FarrellCome all you loyal Irish boys wherever you may stand,Think of your lovely mountains and bonnie Ireland.Although you are gone foreign my blessing on you pour,Who loved your dear ancestors on lovely Leenane shore.On the 15th day of August a meeting was held there,Ó Máille from Kilmilkin to it he […]

By Patrick Tunney Jim Clinton was involved in the Newport Ambush of Free State troops in 1923. Dear Clinton, true soldier, I miss you today,For your soul, with devotion I fervently pray.Though I sing your Requiem, I grieve your demise,‘Til Ireland from slavery will truly arise.As a soldier of Érin you took a great stand,‘Gainst […]