The Pride of Ardnaree

The Pride of Ardnaree

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I KISSED a girl from Ballina, and then said  “I’m sorry”;

When I tried the second time, says she: “You’re welcome, Laurie.”

Now I know where I’m going when my sweetheart sends for me,

For I’ve a soft spot in my heart -- for the Pride of Ardnaree!

I’ll admit I’m fond of women, and their funny little ways,

That’s why I tickle Mary at the third rib of her stays;

I’ll feed her on the best of fish, with soda cakes and tea,

I’ll throw my arms round the neck – of the Pride of Ardnaree!

She needs no paint or lipstick, or powder on her nose,

She’s as graceful as a seagull, and far fresher than a rose;

There’s no grander girl in Connaught, and she’s all the world to me,

She the reigning Queen of Ballina, and the Pride of Ardnaree.

I’ll search her laughing, dark blue eyes, for the love that lies therein,

And fondle every silken curl that’s like gold upon the whin;

I’ll sing her songs of Ireland, and songs of constancy,

While I’m waiting for an answer – from the Pride of Ardnaree!

I’ll ask her will she wed me, when the moon is in the sky,

And shining down on Nephin as the Moy is running high;

We won’t be too long married, when a widow she will be,

What a lovely death to die – with the Pride of Ardnaree!

She won’t wear widow’s weeds for long, her tears will soon run dry,

For dozens will be smitten with the sparkle in her eye;

She’s lay a trail of broken hearts, from Swinford to Bunree,

And someone will be murdered – for the Pride of Ardnaree!

There are girls in Crossmolina who can charm a heart of stone,

And some in old Killala who are better left alone;

There are angels in Heaven, there are mermaids in the sea,

But there’s only lovely Mary – who’s the Pride of Ardnaree!

                                Laurie Gaffey

                     Ballina, 1956.