In honour of
St. Brigid's Day, February 1, and my home town, I send the
following tribute:
THE PRIDE OF KILDARE
Its overseas I am right now
From the haven that nourished my soul
Where familiar tongue and view on life
Instilled in me values whole.
I search in my heart for the beat I knew
Wandering her hills over there
And find my bones and my members all
Wishing me now in Kildare.
For many long
years I've traced Alabama's roads
From the sugar-white beach at her shore
To the city of steel in the Appalachian chain,
To Sand Mountain rich in folklore.
With beauties and marvels she's well adorned
By God's hands made with flare,
And though I gained friends, black, white, and Creek,
My heart is tied to Kildare.
There's Flanagans
and Murphy's for a warm welcome mat
From Nolan's and Water's supplies.
Father Bob fed our souls, Mr. Loftus our minds,
In the town where St. Brigid lies.
Horses found wings at McGraths, Oxx, and Prendergasts,
On the plain laid flat by a cloak,
While mutton and steaks by Conlans were filleted
For the folks of Kildare of the oak.
St. Judes, my
home, gave flight to my dreams
Overlooking the plots full green,
The National Stud, and Fitzpatricks herds, and
The horizon from which I would stream.
Rahilla Glebe near my good father's grave
Beckoned my youthful zeal
And left fond memories of Hesty and John
Whose love made Kildare more real.
So here's to
my town that continues to thrive,
And her team back in full swing.
She gives to the world a challange for peace
To end mankinds suffering.
Pour me a large pint of black at the Harp,
And for friends who find me there,
Or at Bolands or Boyles, McWeys or at Mahons,
I'll drink to the pride of Kildare.
by John-Paul
O'Driscoll, January 29, 2000
If you wish to
share this with others in Kildare, I'd be very honoured.
Slan abhaile.
John-Paul O'Driscoll
of
St. Judes, Dublin Road, Kildare.
I now live in
Montgomery, Alabama.
