The Men of Ninety-Eight Oh, let glasses clink and hearty drink to those of long ago Who roamed the land with pike in hand to fell the heathen foe 'Twas Father John who spurred them on to save their holy faith They heard his call to fight or fall, the men of Ninety-Eight In Boolavogue the brutal rogue was ruling far and wide Till marching on came Father John, his pikemen by his side Slieve Coillte too saw plenty slew, likewise Three Bullet Gate And the new Ross street was strong to greet the men of Ninety-Eight They feared to roam from burning home and peaceful Shelmalier Both day and night they stayed from sight until the coast was clear One fearless man from old Killane did every Saxon hate We've seen and read of how he led the men of Ninety-Eight Poor Father Roche they did approach and mocked his immortal name And when Harvey died by the Slaney side the English were to blame On Vinegar Hill more blood did spill, full bitter was their fate The Yeos did shoot and persecute the men of Ninety-Eight We will ne'er forget those men who set our faithful island free That gallant few so loyal and true will live in memory Some made their graves by Carrick waves, all are heroes great So speak with pride of those who died, the men of Ninety-Eight XX APR99
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!