The Kerry Moonlighter
O boys of the Shamrock come listen to me
I'll sing you a few verses both cheerful and free
I'm a suspected Fenian moonlighter as well
I was always undaunted the truth I will tell.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
On the second of march in the year '82
The moonlighters went rambling the rent books to view
Determined and loyal without fear or dread
With their arms and rifles well mounted with lead.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
They entered the house of John Leslie we hear
And fired a few volleys which shook him with fear,
And he had to promise before the boys went
Till the suspects be free he would pay no more rent.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
Policemen were searching the country around
In hopes to get arms, but none could be found
But very soon after five innocent men
Were arrested at midnight by Murray and Quinn.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
The station house bell rang for us to prepare
They tied every two of us like goats at puck fair.
All eyes were fixed on us before we went in
Saying these are sharp shooters from old Brennan's glen.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
At the station house office we had to remain
Ten minutes or longer to wait for the train
The engine she's puffing so cheerful and free
Just ready to start for the mall of Tralee.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
From the jail to the courthouse we marched all along
Well guarded with bayonets in an old prison van
And every moment our force did increase
Our swords drawn for action and mounted police.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
On the twenty-second of March 'twas the day we were tried
As we entered the courthouse Massey he cried
Saying four of those prisoners they may go away
But I have my suspicion on Cornelius O'Shea.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé.
To see those moonlighters they would you surprise
From Brosna to Castle Island there's grand sporting boys,
With a band from North Kerry that place of renown
Like snow on the mall beyond King William's town.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
We are not the first nor we wont be the last
To be trodden by England for centuries past
Our forefathers before us held many attacks
At the point of the bayonet, the gibbet, the rack.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé
My song is now ended, I've kept you too long
I hope you're all pleased and I've said nothing wrong
Success to the Moonlighter wherever he goes
To banish the Saxon from Erin's green shores.
Rally dal the dal da. Rally fal the dal dé