BEFORE THE RACE
ROWED NEAR MARLFIELD, 1862

On the eighth day of July,
Three boats their speed will try
At Marlfield; ’tis nigh,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

The Rover and Clonmel,
The Colleen Bawn as well;
Who’s best, time will tell,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

But the Rover ought to win,
If the crew are worth a pin;
‘Tis on them I’ll stake the tin,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

What kind are the crew?
Oh, they will stand true blue,
As Irishmen should do,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

Meagher is stroke oar;
He led the van before,
And says he’ll win once more,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

Mullin will be there,
O’Connor Dan pulls fair,
And O’Donnell’s strength is rare,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

What have they to fear,
If the course be but kept clear,
For Savage is to steer,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

But if they be left out,
There can be no doubt
But we’ll see a fighting bout,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

The Clonmel crew are proud,
Their talk is rather loud,
But perhaps they may be cowed,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

The Colleen’s hopes are high,
To strive they are not shy,
For the oars they well can ply,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

Let each have but fair play,
And two to one, I say,
The Rover gains the day,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

Right well may they brag,
On their tongue he put no gag,
If they proudly wear the flag,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

When the prize is won,
And fireworks are begun,
Then we’ll see some fun,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

Then Roman candles bright,
We’ll hail with great delight
The heroes of the fight,
Says the Shan van Vaeth.

ANON.
Given by R. S. PELLISIER.

Taken from
“My Clonmel Scrapbook.
County Tipperary.
Famous Trials,
Romances,
Sketches, Stories,
Ballads, &c.”
Compiled & Edited by James White
Second 1000 ; Published E. Downey & Co., Waterford ; 1907 ; No. ISBN