3202. The Battle of Garvagh (Traditional Northern Irish)

This Northern Irish traditional song refers to the events of 26 July 1813 in Garvagh, a settlement in County Londonderry about ten miles south of Coleraine. A clash between Catholic Ribbonmen and Protestant Orangemen occurred the day before the July fair was to be held in the town. The Ribbonmen, estimated to number up to two hundred strong, but armed only with farm implements, planned to attack and destroy a tavern frequented by the Orangemen. However the locals who were heavily armed had been warned and were waiting for the Ribbonmen, driving them off, killing one and wounding several. Written from a Loyalist viewpoint, the song celebrates the victory of the Protestants and their subsequent acquittal by a jury after being prosecuted by the authorities.
This song was requested by Sherlock Holmes and Dan.
Lyrics and chords:
G
The day before the July fair
........ C ....................... D7
The Ribbonmen they did prepare
........ G
For three miles round to wreck and tear
........ C ......................... D7 G
And burn the town of Garvagh
The Tory whistle loud and shrill.
We heard it o'er the high Mourne Hill
Fall on, brave boys, well slay and kill
The Protestants in Garvagh
The day came on; they did repair
In multitudes to Garvagh Fair
Some traveled thirty miles and more
To burn the town of Garvagh.
They all appeared in greatest haste,
White handkerchiefs tied round their waists
But their jackets we did soundly baste
That July fair in Garvagh.
To Coleraine straightaway we went
For aid but none for us they sent,
This bloody crew all to prevent
From their design on Garvagh.
To Provines then we quick applied
For aid which he soon us denied,
Saying, "Longest stands the thoughest hide.
I'll find no aid for Garvagh."
The Protestants and Orangemen
Like brothers did assemble then.
To keep the town was their design
Or die like men in Garvagh.
We fired blank shots of no avail.
The Orange balls they flew like hail,
While Ribbonmen soon turned their tail
With deadly wounds from Garvagh.
Then Captain Douay cried, "Brave Boys,
Maintain your Cause and fear no noise.
We'll massacre these Orange Boys
And burn the town of Garvagh."
He had not turned himself well round
Till he received a deadly wound.
His heels went up, his head went down,
At the third tree in Garvagh.
We gave the word to clear the street
While numbers flew like hunted sheep
When Protestants did Papists meet
At Davidson's in Garvagh.
Oh,then brave boys if you had seen
'Twas the best man through Ballinameen
While Orange Boys pursued them keen
And cleared the town of Garvah.
But mark what followed this affray.
They thought to swear our lives away.
To jail we went without delay.
We had no guards from Garvagh.
They horrid oaths against us swore.
Such swearing you ne'er heard before.
McCluskey swore three hours or more
Against the Boys of Garvagh.
The Judge he then would us condemn
Had it not been for our jurymen.
Our grateful thanks are due to them
For they cleared the Boys of Garvagh.
All thanks and praise we'll tender still
To Mr. Price and brave George Hill.
The Beresfords befriend us still
For they cleared the Boys of Garvagh.
You can see a playlist of my Orange songs here:
• Orange Songs
Lyrics and chords of many of my songs are no longer available, as my website has expired. I am currently posting lyrics to the information panels on all my videos and those that are too long to post in full will be found on my new website: raymondsfolkpa...

[@sharonsloan]

It's good to find the original version of Battle of Garvagh.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@eamonnoreilly8260]

God bless the Heros of 98 ☘️. Erin go Bragh. History remembers the true sons of Eire. TAL

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for watching.

[@thomasmuir4646]

Stand Loyal Stand True 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@WailinHeino]

Where do you find all these tunes, Raymond? Well, this one was a request but I assume you had to look up the internet for lyrics and chords.This is very well done and a very interesting listen.

[@raymondcrooke]

Yes, I do rely on the internet for lyrics, chords and background information. Strangely, my Northern Irish songs seem to get a lot more views than the republican songs.

[@justanotherbaptistjew5659]

Raymondcrooke That’s because they’re better 😉 In all honesty though, it’s probably because they’re super rare to find good recordings of.

[@mrrandomassduck]

That’s probably it. You’re recording some songs that I wouldn’t be able to find otherwise. Genuinely thank you.

[@mrrandomassduck]

Actually. For how common a song it is, finding an accurate version of the Sash my father wore is basically impossible. That’s how I found you initially. I was looking for someone singing the actual lyrics. Haha

[@Weir436]

Great Rendition! How's about adding South Down Militia, The Protestant Boys and Ducks of Magheralin to the list Raymond? :)

[@raymondcrooke]

I'll put them on my list of requests.

[@zoologist1992]

If you still take requests I would like to hear Whitey Markel's Pines of Lorrel. I have it on cd. Yet I can't find it on KZbin.

[@Loyalist-ul6qm]

Hello from loyal Scotland my protestant brother all the best lest we forget.

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you for listening.

[@willardlosingersmusicchann569]

Well done!

[@raymondcrooke]

Thank you, Willard.

[@baddow1654]

its a traditional irish song not getting political but sure at the time ireland wasnt divide

[@raymondcrooke]

Maybe this song is fake news?