No.103 Allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein by Patrick Tunney

Published in Old Moore’s Almanac 1925.

Charade to Messrs. Tom Morrin, P.J. Browne and Geo. P. Sweeney, Ballycroy, in reply
By Patrick Tunney, Derrykillew, Westport.

Some cultured bards; some sages bright and many gifted seers
Have asked why I was dormant for seven weary years?
Well, why my humble pen was stilled, I fully will explain –
‘Twas because I pledged allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein.

When Pearse and his brave Colleagues raised the orange, white and green,
To wave anew o’er freemen in Easters week sixteen.
As a suspect I was exiled to Wandsworth o’er the main
Because I pledged allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein.

I was transferred to Frongach Camp in the early days of June,
Where I often heard the “Soldier’s Song” by the rising of the moon.
There I was detained for nine long months, no pardon I’d obtain,
Because I pledged allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein.

The tudent in that college great were tried and trusted all,
Like the Fleming boys of Clarenbridge and the Taylors of Fingal.
Jordan brave of Athenry and Dan Doherty of Strabane –
Who had pledged allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein.

When I returned to Ireland, the times were busy then,
The peelers hunted rebels brave o’er mountain, moor and glen.
I nailed my colours to the mast prepared for the campaign,
And renewed my true allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein.

I then was sent to Galway jail, where I spent many a day,
With rebels from the town of Gort and Fenians from Loughrea;
With outlaws from historic Cong and suspects from Kilmaine
Who had pledged allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein.

When the fight was fiercest with terror everywhere,
I took cover in Ten Dowling Street, the Curragh of Kildare.
Where I met with Chiefs from Longford and heroes from Artane,
Who had pledged allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein.

My humble verses were suppressed by England’s loyal sons,
If I’d dare to scroll a stave for “Dia” I’d have to face the guns.
Though I read the poems of every bard from Westport to Brisbane –
Who had pledged allegiance to poor Ireland and Sinn Fein.

I never lost the sight of “Dia” dear, through joy, through weal and woe,
It’s gems are just as dear to me as twenty years ago.
Mt total now I tender to Morrin, Browne and Frain,
And Sweeney down, near Bangor to Ireland and Sinn Fein.