Local musicians pen Limerick hurling song
Two local musicians are involved in a song celebrating Limerick's appearance in this year's all-Ireland hurling final.
Titled 'Connors Goes to Croker', the song is a Limerick take on 'Joxer Goes to Stuttgart'. It is written by Jacki and John O'Connor and performed by the O'Connors and Tadhg Maher.
This song has Tipperary connections as co-author of the song Jacki O'Connor is married and living in Killoscully while vocalist Tadhg Maher is from outside Roscrea and teaches in Coláiste Phobal Roscrea. The song itself was mentioned and welcomed by Christy Moore on his website and amassed over 40,000 views between You Tube and Facebook within a few days of its release.
Jacki plays concertina in the song, John plays the accordion and James O'Connor performs on bodhrán. Vocals are by Tadhg Maher while Martin O'Malley features with guitar accompaniment. The song was recorded at Malbay Studios, Miltown Malbay, Co Clare, on August 5th.
LYRICS
2018 was the year and August was the month
There was a serious heatwave and all of us were burnt
With scarfs, hats and headbands for Croker we began
Connors packed his Jackeen phrasebook, first aid kit for the van.
Some of the lads away from home never had they been.
Twas the first time Badger put his foot outside of Pallasgreen.
We left for Croker hoping to meet up with our buddy Liam.
He’s been hiding from us now since nineteen seventy three.
As you know a jaunt to Croker can be a costly trip.
At Barack Obama Plaza we needed a curry chip.
But our friend J.P. he gave a donation to the cause.
To fund a bodhran purchase and new jerseys from Shaws.
In Offaly, the motorway twas like the Dock Road.
Stocked up from the Milk Market we had quite a load.
The M50 Toll saw an old starlet from Athea.
With the engine overheating carrying many flasks of tay.
There was fans from Ballyhahill, Ballymartin and Ballybrown.
Heading for the Red Cow outside of Dublin town.
Round Robins and Hawkeye can fly us to the Promised Land.
As Shane Dowling said we’re not just here to march behind the band.
On the banks of the Royal Canal he met a Jackeens daughter.
The Pope himself would have blessed them if it had been a weekend later.
She showed him the sights of Dublin for a ticket for the Hill.
And he told her she’d be welcome anytime in Ballyhahill.
As soon as we hit Drumcondra we parked the motor up.
We headed then for Quinns for Taytos and a sup.
Some of the lads headed to Coppers hoping for the shift.
Loving the Dublin lassies if you get me drift.
Nolan tuned up the banjo and Hayes pulled out the box.
Limerick You’re a Lady and Sean South we did rock.
Jiving along the Liffey to Thin Lizzy and U2.
The Walls of Limerick was danced from shoe to shoe.
But alas our session ended we’d finished all the stout.
We missed a Donkey Ford’s after our night out.
As one by one we feel asleep Connors had a dream.
Himself and John Kiely sat down to pick the team.
Connors dreamt they both agreed on Quaid straight away.
And that Hannon, Lynch and Byrnes were certainly to play.
But tensions began to rise and shouts began to ring.
John wanted Gillane but Connors wanted Dowling.
Things were turning sour, their brains they had to rack.
Connors wanted TJ Ryan and Ciaran Carey back.
The Treaty of Limerick resurrected from afar.
And Connors woke up many miles from Ardagh and Nearys Bar.
Loughnane, Mullane and Duignan didn’t give us much of a chance.
And Cyril Farrell had already started with a victory dance.
With Canning in their corner Galway for victory set.
When Gillane dropped his hurl and kicked the sliotar to the net.
What happened next is History brought tears to many eyes.
That day will be the highlight of Many Peoples lives.
Connors climbed over the top with a Quaid flick and high kicks.
Singing revenge with John Kiely for ninety four and ninety six.
Now Badgers back in Pallasgreen, he’s living with his mam.
There’s a statue to John Kiely beside Terry Wogan.
Do you remember the Jackeens daughter on the banks of the Royal Canal.
Didn’t she show up in Ballyhahill last week………
That great Limerick team are heros to a man.
King Johns Castle sees a victory after Kielys masterplan.
The skill and the passion the likes has to be seen.
And all that’s left for me to say is Come on you boys in Green.