Henry's Songbook

On last Saturday morning our horns they did blow
To the green fields round Tassagh our huntsmen did go
To meet the bold sportsmen from round Keady town
None loved the sport better than the boys from Maydown

And when we arrived they were all standing there
So we took to the green fields in search of a hare
We didn't go far when up went a cheer
Over high hills and valleys this wee puss did steer

With our dogs all abreast and that big mountain hare
And the sweet charming music it rang through the air
Straight for the black bank for to try them once more
And it was her last sight of the hills round Granemore

And as we led on where this wee puss did lie
She sprang to her feet for to bid them goodbye
Their music did cease and her cry we could hear
Saying, Bad luck to the ones brought you Maydown dogs here

Last night as I lay content in the glen
It's little I thought of dogs or of men
And when going home at the clear break of day
I could hear the long horn that young Toner does play

I blame McMahon for bringing Coyle here
He's been at the same caper for many's a year
Every Saturday and Sunday he never gives o'er
With a pack of strange dogs round the hills of Granemore

And now that I'm dying the sport is all done
No more through the green fields round Keady I'll run
Or sport in the glen on a long summer's night
Or go home to my den when it's breaking daylight

(as sung by Kevin Mitchell)

[1977:] Among my hates are the songs which glorify that noxious "sport", hunting. This is one from the point of view of the victim. I learned it from the singing of Tom Sands of Newry, Co. Down, Ireland. (Notes Dick Gaughan, 'Kist o' Gold')

[1996:] Written by Owen McMahon of Tassagh, County Armagh. This is a song Adam McNaughtan wished he could sing but he had enough sense to lend his record of the Irish Country Four to Kevin instead. (Notes Kevin Mitchell, 'I Sang That Sweet Refrain')