De Banks How oft do my thoughts in their fancy take flight to the home of my childhood away.To the days when each patriots vision seemed bright. Ere I dreame'd that those joys should decay When my heart was as light as the wild winds that blow down the Mardyke through each elm tree, Where I sported and played 'neath each green leafy shade, On the banks of my own lovely Lee. Where I sported and played 'neath each green leafy shade, On the banks of my own lovely Lee.
And then in the springtime of laughter and song, Can I ever forget the sweet hours With the friends of my youth as we rambled along 'Mongst the green mossy banks and wild flowers. Then too, when the evening sun's sinking to rest Shed its golden light over the sea The miad with her lover the wild dasies pressed On the banks of my own lovely Lee. 'Tis a beautiful land this dear isle of song Its gems shed their light to the world. And her faithful sons bore thro' ages of wrong. The standard Saint Patrick unfurled. Oh! would I were there with trhe friends I love best And my fond bosom's partner with me We'd roam thy banks over, and weary we'd rest By thy waters, my own lovely Lee, We'd roam thy banks over, and weary we'd rest By thy waters, my own lovely Lee. Oh what joys should be mine ere this life should decline To seek what shells on thy sea- gilded shore. While the steel feathered eagle, oft splashing the brine Brings longing for freedom once more Oh all that on earth I wish for or crave Is that my last crimson drop be for thee, To moisten the grass of my forefathers' grave On the banks of my own lovely Lee, To moisten the grass of my forefathers' grave On the banks of my own lovely Lee.
A Hurlers Prayer Give me o'Lord a hurlers skill With strenght of arm and speed of limb Unerring eye for the flying ball And courage to match them whatever befall May my aim be steady - my stroke be true My actions manly - my misses few And no matter what way the game may go May I part in friendship with every foe When the final whistle for me is blown And I stand at last at Gods Judgement Throne May the great Referee when he calls my name Say ... You hurled like a man You played the game Amen.
