Tommy Makem - Roddy McCorley

[@jkpuskar]

1798 was the last time the Protestants and Catholics stood together to fight against the imperialism of England. Roddy McCorley was one brave Protestant!

[@AbandonEarth911]

Tommy Makem Roddy McCorley Luke kelly,all gone but never forgotten.Their songs of freedom and justice live on in our hearts.

[@irishbogman]

Passed Toome today, said a prayer for Roddy as I crossed the bridge in the middle of the town, obviously not the same bridge but my heart was in it.

[@chrismaddog7252]

So sad that Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers are all gone now, But there music lives on. I so glad I got to meet Tommy at his own Pub in Manhattan on New Year's eve back in the 1990's. He sang all my favorites. I'll always remember.

[@TheBarmbrackthecat]

His father was also executed a few years before him, the charge was sheep stealing, never ever bleieved he stole anything..

[@janefriel6895]

My father loved this song.Hr was a quiet, modest man.Hard working and well respected.A true gentleman.He would request this song from a lady who was a family friend.When he passed this same lady came to his wake at our family home.She came armed with a huge pot of stew.I met her at the door and she said with tears "poor old Rody MC Chorley". That was eighteen years ago.The lady has since passed also.I have never forgotten her words.Miss you and love you always daddy.☘️

[@hmallow42]

Let's not have a sniffle, let's have a bloody good cry for Tommy Makem, RIP.

[@spiritblue9]

RIP all of the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Maken...you will be missed...

[@frankdawe5156]

Tommy was one of the very best singers of Irish ballads ever recorded. You can really hear the pride of country in his voice as he sings. Terrific vocals, and a fantastic banjo player.

[@ChristineMcDonald-x6c]

My dad sang that song to me when I was a baby 🥲

[@johnraymond-pz9bo]

Smiling free and young... There is never a tear in his blue eyes...

[@nfapiper1]

I am a die-hard Dubliners fan (no disrepect to any other great groups and musicians), but this performance is pure brilliance. An chuid eile i síocháin Tommy Makem.

[@BrendanSmithSpeedie]

One of the best of the many famous Irish rebel songs sung by Irish people the world over. The memory of the struggles of the United Irishmen for freedom, liberty and fraternity will not be forgotten when we have songs like that. It is an inspiration to all those that stand up to imperialism everywhere.

[@DariusOfPersia]

Oh, see the fleet-foot host of men Who speed with faces wan From farmstead and from fisher's cot Along the banks of Bann They come with vengeance in their eyes Too late, too late are they For young Roddy McCorley goes to die On the bridge of Toome today Up that narrow street he stepped Smiling, proud, and young About the hemp rope on his neck The golden ringlets clung There is never a tear in his blue eyes Both glad and bright are they And young Roddy McCorley goes to die On the bridge of Toome today When he last stepped up that street His shining pike in hand Behind him marched in grim array A stalwart, earnest band For Antrim town, for Antrim town He led them to the fray And young Roddy McCorley goes to die On the bridge of Toome today There is never a one of all your dead More bravely fell in fray Than he who marches to his fate On the bridge of Toome today True to the last, true to the last He steps the upward way And young Roddy McCorley goes to die On the bridge of Toome today

[@fryavanbosh3563]

Thanks ! ❤️🍀

[@danieldowning4583]

GOB Bless Roddy McCorley and the legend of Tommy Maken. We love ya Tommy.

[@jamesmckie8734]

So die all vile fucking treasonous scum.

[@jimmorrison3035]

GOB bless you lol. Just kidding.

[@jimmorrison3035]

did you hear about the dyslexic agnostic insomniac? He lay awake all night wondering if there really was a dog.😂😂😂😂😂

[@eddiefinnerty431]

Thanks Tommy. This is one of the most important tributes to an Great Irish hero. Your version of this song is unique and will always be kept CLOSE and LOVED and replayed for ever by people who love and care passionately about IRELAND.🇮🇪☘🍀💚

[@Donegaldan]

Rest in peace Tommy, an iconic song.

[@mikeoxsmal8022]

Rip

[@patriciathewisher2315]

Took Gore Verbinski’s big sister to Toomebridge to meet the eel fisherman at Easter 1982

[@richardcheevers7988]

Well sung. Roddy Mc Corley proved religions will not divide us.

[@nancyburke5779]

Tommy Makem was one of the best-selling around R.I.P. he sang great Irish song's from his heart live Ruddy McCorley

[@johncollins1250]

Well Richard, in 1798 the Penal Laws were still adversely affecting Presbyterians and that is just one of the reasons why so many of them were involved in the '98 rising. The general wave of uprising against old regimes, of which the French Reolution and the American War of Indepependence are examples, may also have enboldened them.

[@ciaranharrington4141]

The Presbyterians of ulster were absolutely vital to american independence, hard hard fighting units, back when they were more irish rebel than ulster loyalist. The anglicans feared them and brought them into the british family not long after this

[@joe56474]

Tommy Makem is truly incomparable.

[@fryavanbosh3563]

Zoveel mooie muziek uit die jaren zonder technische bijval , puur en hoogstaand zintuigelijk gezongen en geef mijn kinderen onze muziek cd’s en platen door . Deze warme levendige live muzikale optredens maak je niet meer mee . Gr.

[@TheJoetowngirl]

@peachyfoxinthebox In 1798 many of the United Irishmen under Wolfe Tone were Protestant. they were united in the cause for Irish freedom and Roddy's great-grandson, Roger McCorley, was an IRA officer during the Troubles

[@conorsmith7009]

Roger was in the irish war of independence in the 20s not the troubles

[@patriciathewisher2315]

The bridge marks the boundary between counties Derry n Antrim

[@orckiller91]

he was a very nice man, my grandfather introduced when I was 5 I use to go to his house and sing with him and my grandfather, both gone now rip both of you

[@peteroshea714]

Seen these in 60s with my sister and mam and dad twice at Liverpool empire so lucky they were the best mam was from Thurles Co. Tipperary I know it's a long way

[@kevvy1908]

Great singer, great song, great music, what more do you want?

[@JOHNSderry]

This was the first tune we learnt on the recorder in primary 2 and it was the 1st tune we learnt on the tin whistle in primary 4 in a little primary school in Derry!

[@daithireilly1839]

Johns Derry , this was also the first song we learnt, taught by a Presentation Brother, back in 1970

[@frankmckay3943]

A really stirring version, that I have listened to many times. Thank you Tommy Makem and Clancy brothers. I understand those who say it is in no way about religion. My grandfather who was Scot-Irish was raised Presbyterian. He married a Catholic girl. May he rest in peace, Roddy McCorley, a brave lad, who is 'Forever Young'!

[@jimjewison5638]

BRINGS TEARS TO MY BLUE EYES.

[@michaeldineen8324]

Mighty work here. We need these songs, more than ever now. I hope they won't be lost or forgotten. What a shame, local radio won't give them publicity, instead of the overdose of country music they are playing nearly 5 nights a week.

[@johnoconnor4623]

thank goodness for Youube, we can listen when we want and we can listen to what we want. We can choose. Oh, local radio is just okay for bits of local news and death notices. I never listen to them anyway.

[@johnoconnor4623]

John O'Connor that of course should be KZbin! not Youube.

[@michaeldineen8324]

You are right. In fact, because of those local radio d.j's playing country music 5 nights a week, most of them are taking money from small time entertainers. Bribery is the big thing,on these stations. The small man must hand over anything from 50 to 100 euros, before his music is played.

[@nancyburke5779]

Michael Dineen I love Ruddy McCurley,s song a great Irish song I used to live not far from Toomebrige CO Antrim

[@nancyburke5779]

I agree why don't they play more good Irish song's

[@clarebannerman]

Great ballad. Great song and none better to sing it than Tommy Makem. Hope your up there Tommy giving it to them strong.R.I.P.

[@clairevernell4645]

oh gosh, this just makes my day, Liam. Tommy Makem was my favorite singer and I have saved every song that I came across that he sang. He was sincere and down to earth, not putting on the dog like some of the others who I have listened to. I am sure he must be singing in heaven as well.

[@mainer98]

A wonderful song sung by an Irish folk icon.

[@poverobucharin]

Requiescat in pace. He is an hero of irish music.

[@michaelmurphy6]

I learned this song from Kingston Trio,but I drank Guiness ,with Tommy Makem in Ohio .

[@tjkenneally9808]

One of the Best RIP Tommy

[@danieldowning4583]

GOD Bless Tommy Makem. A true treasure.

[@dympnamcmanus9608]

Seen them at Irish festival in Boston 1980's Brilliant

[@nancyburke5779]

When I get homesick I listen to this song

[@gabrielkeown4620]

A great great song to remember a great lrish heroic rebel Roddy McCorley Hip hooray

[@blasketboy]

Four Green Fields is a classic of his. Rest in peace Tommy.

[@darryljwillis]

Because the lines "But never a one of all your dead more bravely fell in fray, Than he who marches to his fate on the bridge of Toome today. " already begin the third verse. They paid homage to it.

[@bubbathemani]

Roddy McCorley was a Presbyterian. The 1798 Uprising had nothing to do with religion, as Catholic and Protestant fought side by side.

[@eugeneobrien5236]

Religion was never a part of the process for Irish independence. "Home Rule" occupied the British parliament for many decades up to the outbreak of WW 1.and at the time it overshadowed the rise and threat of war with Germany. Just before WW 1 It was the descendants of Scottish immigrants, the majority of the population in Ulster, who threatened civil war if Ireland was given independence...After WW 1, the partition agreement that gave 26 counties of Ireland semi-independence but kept Ulster in the UK is what led to the Irish civil war. In Ulster, the "Protestant/Catholic" brands were representatives of the indigenous Irish and the descendants of the Scottish immigrants. The societies were divided almost like apartheid in South Africa with the "Protestants" in command and the "Catholics" virtually subjugated. Both Catholic and Protestant religious establishments did nothing to try an neutralise the situation, and in fact were part of the problem as they used it to further their won religious dogma.

[@TheBarmbrackthecat]

His father was also executed a few years before him, the charge was sheep stealing, never ever believed he stole anything..

[@colleenmccracken828]

@@bmca8876 I always thought/heard he was Presbyterian, he claimed to be in the United Irishman. No matter what his religion, he was a Patriot

[@eugeneobrien5236]

@@bmca8876 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_Scots_people

[@TheCornflakesXx]

Well said lad

[@clarebannerman]

Remember this one from my school days.

[@edwardfinnerty4198]

Tommy u r so powerful. Great voice, passion, it is the best version of one of my fav songs. God bless you!!! X.

[@BanAllNGOS]

God bless Roddy McCorley

[@andys722]

the first tune i learnt to play on the irish whistle and later on the tenor banjo - a lovely tune irrespective of the sad story!

[@AngeliaSparrow]

Some of the most beautiful banjo work in the world

[@orckiller91]

hm back when he was still able to belt it out poor man still fighting for his life this day may he find peace and rest when he stops his fight

[@drsigmundschadenfreude2965]

An excellent version.

[@sbbinahee]

Timeless and wonderful...

[@990drifter]

Couldn't help the last comment, but if its any consolation I think it only reasonable that people like Roddy McCorley are remembered in folklore through music, reminds of the sacrifice people mae because of their beliefs and I guess we are all entitled to them!

[@nancyburke5779]

I agree those great Irish song's should never be forgotten I Love listening to ,hope they are sang more often.

[@vlikavec]

good song of Tommy Makem R.I.P Tommy Makem

[@johnraymond-pz9bo]

Just beautiful.

[@DrMerle-gw4wj]

Up the Republic!!

[@letusplaydarts]

True to the last, true to the last...

[@Arkybark]

History aside, if someone just wants to hear that verse sung, it's in the Corrie Folk Trio version!

[@justinianthegreatandnerd6377]

Same tune as Sean South, both are heroes!

[@morgurtha4141]

the band third man out had the whole song including that verse but its almost impossible to find their music any more

[@9DERAILED9]

excellent song

[@rhodiusscrolls3080]

Behind him marched in grim array a stalwart earnest band..

[@marklittel6191]

incredible music, the best there is

[@johnconnor2054]

Brilliant song 🇮🇪✅🎵

[@michaelcooperwoti]

i met tommy in my moms/dads kitchen in cape breton nova scotia when i was young i never knew he knew bob dylan tho

[@TheCrackentone]

Roddy Mccorley irish martyr

[@Normanskie]

For all those men and women who died in oblivion from all causes and all nationalities who were never known.

[@Locahaskatexu]

Reading the backstory of this song.... I'm really not surprised this is the tune they used for the ballad of Sean South of Garryowen....

[@liamstclair9498]

Magiic Makem.

[@yaelpalombo4093]

Meravigliosa

[@abbothenderson]

R.I.P. Tommy Makem.

[@rhodiusscrolls3080]

On a programme called the Island Parish they followed without comment the life of a priest called Roddy McCorley. The hero of the song lived long ago and was Presbyterian by all accounts.

[@brianrunyon266]

First time I heard this song was from the book Angela's Ashes.

[@padraicjmU]

Heard first it over 50 years ago in class at St Galls school Belfast.

[@glen7318]

@@padraicjmU I read abit about the Clancy's in the sequel to Angelas Ashes....

[@BHRocks28]

TO TOMMY MAKEM 1932-2007 RIP

[@crc778Hypnodoc]

That may be down to Ireland's unofficial censors during the period from the early 30's up to the 50's and even the 60's in some cases. For instance the I.R.A was officially outlawed and songs which mentioned them or their campaigns would find it impossible to get played on Irish radio.Similarily song writers of such songs would find their songs ignored. Hence many writers of those times just penned their songs as Traditional. This verse uses the IRA name so may have had to be dropped

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

my father taped this a longgggg time ago on tv

[@orckiller91]

R.I.P my lord and master

[@TheDiarmaidable]

Songs lak this wan favored Tommy in later life athink... more of a chant ... but be jasas hewas adam goodin n his day...

[@blasketboy]

You should be very proud Coolioo36, listen to 'Sean South' it has the very same air. Pity, that between all the great folk singers that they used the same basic airs for great,but completely different lyrics. But anyway, no one could ever touch Tommy, The Bard Of Armagh!

[@rhodiusscrolls3080]

See the fleet footed hosts of men...

[@tonycarton8054]

maybe the first song i ever knew

[@KennBurch]

Roddy was Presbyterian. And Wolfe Tone and Emmet who led United Irishmen in the 1798 revolt(the uprising in which Roddy died)were Protestants as well. As was Charles Stewart Parnell in the late 19th Century, and as were Roger Casement and Erskine Childers. It's a British myth that Irish nationalism was a strictly Catholic affair. That kind of imperialist lie gets my(Protestant)Irish up.

[@crispybeak]

Classic.

[@patrickspoint]

The song doesn’t suggest he died in battle, on the contrary, it says he was hanged, and it goes: About the hemp-rope on his neck, the golden ringlets clung… as young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today

[@rhodiusscrolls3080]

Roddy died on Good Friday and a priest likened the death of an Irish.patriot to that of Christ. The Troubles ceased and the IRA no longer existed by the time of what came to be called the Good Friday Agreement. No one lifted a finger to make much of the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 1916.

[@dlh60]

I'll bet he knew the rules to "kick the one legged boy in the shin" game referenced by Frank McCourt It doesn't get more Irish than Tommy Makem.Thanks for this.

[@philsteakfreeman]

I want to learn to play banjo like Tommy Makem? Where can I find a teacher?

[@Jonepk]

True to the last

[@ulty77]

@momazilla the english are anglo saxons, not celts

[@derrickmurphy9988]

No one sings this like tommy.

[@Crintingnut]

Anyone have the Kingston Trio version of this great song?

[@chiggmacdonald]

Its called live singing, if you ever play live and you have 40 or 50 song lyrics, history, patter and all, you make a mistake, but keep going, nobody is perfect ....allthough sounds pefect to me. hope that helped>>

[@990drifter]

1st August 2007 when "the Brits moved out of Ireland", oh have I missed something, last time I checked Northern Ireland still is an integral part of the United Kingdom!

[@990drifter]

There are so many more have questions to answer in relation to all our history, but when do we try to move on. Only with the combined will of all of the majority of people in NI will the status change and hard as it may be to comprehend not all catholics want rid of the "Brits", as you put it.

[@dowdallerno1]

Is it? That integral they would punt it first chance they got. Brexit is the final nail in the manufactured statlets coffin. I hope you like those apples🍀😉

[@johnduheaume6650]

I ask myself when Erin's Isle will be a nation undivided? When religion ceases to divide us? In my dreams! Cheers John.

[@stacyblue1980]

🙏✊🇮🇪

[@patriciathewisher2315]

World famous eel fishery there

[@kevvy1908]

Well at least we are both fans of Tommy Makem. By the way, since you are so keen on accurate Irish history, Roddy McCorley was a Presbyterian (i.e. a Protestant), which rather negates your original comments. There is a common misconception that only Catholics were involved in Irish Rebellions, but people of other religions were also treated badly enough to rebel against the injustices that they suffered;-) Now let's get back to enjoying the music;-)

[@malachy1847]

@pwebb34 I don't know what Angela's Ashes has to do with this song.... One would be much better off reading ..Tom Paine..'The Rights of Man'.... as the United Irishmen ' based their views on that style of Republicanism that spread through the Americas and beyond to europe.. thus in Ireland creating a common cause for leading to the by those to call for the unity of ...'Protestant Catholic and Descenter' ....and unite the people to seek their own place anong Nations.. a Noble Cause indeed

[@user-hr1ce2rm1o]

Is that a lute that he plays? It's beautiful!

[@jameamcdonough4661]

+A.E. P. No that's a banjo.

[@NiallSullivan48331]

@tomfoleyiscool I learnt this at school long before Sean South gave up breaking up gourting couples in Limerick cinemas and took up a gun. The guy who wrote "Sean South of Garryowen" lifted the tune from "Roddy McCorley", which tells all you need to know about the imagination of Republicans.

[@sullybrighton]

👍

[@irishpride9999]

Roddy McCorrley.

[@irishpride9999]

the song is long enough as it is.

[@rhodiusscrolls3080]

Its not freshers cott as on American recordings..but fishers cott as correcty sung here.

[@malachy1847]

@NiallSullivan48331 Oh Feck.....Tis the KZbin' spelling police on my Case.... Im Off