Songs & Poems

Famous Kildorrery Town

I've been to Crosshaven and Youghal
Ballybunion, Tramore and Kilkee
Ballycotton and likewise Dungarvan
Those famous resorts by the sea
For my health I have traveled through Ireland
But now I've at last settled down
Though lacking in wealth I've been gaining my health
Up in Kildorrery town

Have up ever been up to Kildorrery
Indeed if you haven't that's quare
Sure it's only five miles from Ardpatrick
And three from the cross of Red Chair
And when at that cross you are landed
You will see a big hill looking down
And on top of that hill bare naked and chill
Stands famous Kildorrery town

When King Edward came over to Ireland
In delicate health as you know
I met him one day in his travels
And he asked me the best place to go
He said twas fresh air he was seeking
As his system was badly run down
"Well King Edward" says I "the best air you can try
Is up in Kildorrery town"

When Saint Patrick was preaching in Ulster
He said to the south he'd come down
And where do you think he'd find lodgings
But up in Kildorrery town
But when on the way from Kilmallock
At Ardpatrick he died on the way
Those who stood by his side on the day that he died
Heard him distinctively say:

"Ah I've longed to get up to Kildorrery
It is much I have longed to be there
Sure it's only five miles from Ardpatrick
And three from the cross of Red Chair
Make my grave on the Hill of Ardpatrick
And there let my bones be laid down
And my spirit shall shine on old Erin's Green Isle
And on famous Kildorrery town"

When the pilgrims went over from Ireland
To visit fair Italy's shore
Twas little they knew the surprises
That country for them had in store
They called to the Pope in his Palace
And when he had seated them down
Said the Pope loud and clear "Is there anyone here
From famous Kildorrery town?"

Said the Pope "I've been to Kildorrery
Sure you might think that is quare
But I traveled the road to Ardpatrick
And on by the cross of Red Chair
So now I will give you my blessing
Please on your knees all go down
And may prosperity shine on Erin's Green Isle
And on famous Kildorrery"

Have up ever been up to Kildorrery
Indeed if you haven't that's quare
Sure it's only five miles from Ardpatrick
And three from the cross of Red Chair
And when at that cross you are landed
You will see a big hill looking down
And on top of that hill bare naked and chill
Stands famous Kildorrery town

Kildorrery Poets

The poets of Kildorrery were commemorated in a series of stones that were sculpted by local man Mike Walsh. These were men of rare talent with an interest in Irish culture, music, history, literature and all things Irish and had the gift of expressing this in their poetry and writings.

'Kings of ancient Erin - Three
Indulged here 'neath an old oak tree
Long ere the shelter on this scene
"O tell us" said they to their Druid,
"Reveal this hillock's future good"
Replying, he proudly looked around
"Every good shall here be found - 
Riches, people living well,
Ye Kings of Erin, time will tell".
Today this spot seems to wear a crown,
Overlooking vales, a lovely town
With splendid church where once hath stood
Nough but a dark and drear oak wood'
- Eugene Geary, 'Kildorrery Town', 1901-1956

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Denis O'Donnell was a non-combatant Nationalist. Son of a tailor he was born on the Limerick Road in 1883. He was only thirty seven years of age when his life was taken by the Black and Tans on November 20th, 1920. He was the only known Nationalist from the area to be shot in the War of Independence. In 2009 his niece Eileen Kean and her family, including her son, Sean, who is a New Jersey Senator, travelled to Kildorrery for the unveiling of this beautiful monument which was sculpted by local craftsman Mike Walsh.
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Kildorrery Community Development

Kildorrery Community Development CLG
Main Street
Kildorrery P67HX49
Co. Cork, Ireland

Monday to Friday 
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+353 (0)22 25777
kdycommunity@gmail.com

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