Song of the little villages – 1914

Evening Post Volume LXXXVII Issue 14 17th January, 1914 p 13

The pleasant little villages that grace the Irish glynns,
Down among tho wheat-fields up amid the whins.
The little white-walled villages crowding close together,
Clinging to the Old Sod in spite of wind and weather:
Ballytarsney, Ballymore, Ballybodei, Boyle,
Ballingarry, Ballymagorry by the Banks of Foyle.
Ballylaneen, Ballyporeen, Banaha, Ballysadare,
Ballybrack, Ballinalack, Barna, Ballyclare.

The cosy little villages that shelter from the mist,
Where the great West Walls by ocean spray are kissed;
The happy little villages that cuddle in the sun
Where blackberries ripen and the harvest work is done.
Corrymeela, Croaghnakeela, Clogher, Cahirsiveen,
Cappaharoe, Carrigaloe, Cashel, and Coosheen,
Castlefinn and Carrigtohill, Crumlin, Clara, Clane,
Carrigaholt, Carrigaline, Cloghjordan, and Coolrain.

Leave the little villages, o’er the black seas go,
Learn the stranger’s welcome, learn the exile’s woe,
Leave the little villages but think not to forget
Afar they’ll rise before your eyes to rack your bosoms yet.
Moneymore, Moneygall, Monivea, and Moyne,
Mullinahone, Mullinavatt, Mullagh, and Mooncoin,
Shanagolden, Shanballymore, Stranorlar, and Slane,
Toberahcena, Toomyvara, Tempo, and Strabane.

On the Southern Llanos north where strange light gleams,
Many a, yearning exile sees them in his dreams;
Dying voices murmur (passed all pain and care),
“Lo, the little villages, God has heard our prayer.”
Lisdoonvarna, Lissadil, Lisdargan, Lisnaskea,
Portglenone, Portarlingtpn, Portumna, Portmagoe,
Clondalkin and Clonogowan, Cloondara, and Clonae,
God bless the little villages and keep them night and day

Rev. J. B. Dollard. Literary Digest.