The Battle of Garvagh

2. The Tory whistle loud and shrill
We heard it o'er the high Mourne Hill
Fall on, brave boys, we'll slay and kill
The Protestants in Garvagh.

3. The day came, on they did repair
In multitudes to Garvagh Fair
Some traveled thirty miles and more
To burn the town of Garvagh.

4. They all appeared in greatest haste
White handkerchiefs tied round their waists
But their jackets we did soundly baste
That July fair in Garvagh.

5. To Coleraine straightaway we went
For aid but none for us they sent
This bloody crew all to prevent
From their design on Garvagh.

6. To Provines then we quick applied
For aid which he soon us denied
Saying Longest stands the toughest hide
I'll find no aid for Garvagh.

7. The Protestants and Orangemen
Like brothers did assemble then
To keep the town was their design
Or die like men in Garvagh.

8. We fired blank shots of no avail
The Orange balls they flew like hail
While Ribbonmen soon turned their tail
With deadly wounds from Garvagh.

10. He had not turned himself well round
Till he received a deadly wound
His heels went up, his head went down
At the third tree in Garvagh.

11. We gave the word to clear the street
While numbers flew like hunted sheep
When Protestants did Papists meet
At Davidsons in Garvagh.

12. Oh then brave boys if you had seen
Twas the best man through Ballinameen
While Orange Boys pursued them keen
And cleared the town of Garvah.

13. But mark what followed this affray
They thought to swear our lives away
To jail we went without delay
We had no guards from Garvagh.

14. They horrid oaths against us swore
Such swearing you ne'er heard before
McCluskey swore three hours of more
Against the Boys of Garvagh.

15. The Judge then he would us condemn
Had it not been for our jurymen
Our grateful thanks are due to them
For they cleared the Boys of Garvagh.

16. All thanks and praise we'll tender still
To Mr. Price and brave George Hill
The Beresfords befriend us still
For they cleared the Boys of Garvagh.