The Sun, 25th February, 1894 p.6 (abridged)
To the Editor of the Sun
Sir,
For some time past I have been reading in your paper a good deal of matter bearing on the cuckoo and cuckoo politicians. In Ireland, where I was born, I have both seen and heard the cuckoo scores of times. All cuckoos who visit the Emerald Isle are attended by a small bird which is called by the Irish people the goobeadawn. This bird acts in the capacity of pilot and, I believe, nest builder to the cuckoo, and wherever you see the cuckoo there you will also see the goobeadawn.
The term goobeadawn is generally applied with derision and comtempt to the mean and obsequious fellows who are always to be found curring favors from the local squireens and are always in attendance on them, cap in hand, ready to perform the most menial service.
Yours,..
The Burren and Beyond 