The following blog post includes the lyrics to The Hegartys of The Laurels written by John Murphy. The video below allows the reader to listen to the song as sung by John Murphy. It was written as a tribute to John Joe Hegarty and his two sisters Mamie and Nan who all fought in the War of Independence and Civil War. A Garden of Remembrance and Reflection is soon to be opened in Clashduv Park honouring the two sisters where Mamie's GreatGrandson Danny Dineen will perform the song live at the ceremony.
The Hegartys of the Laurels
Lyrics by John Murphy
When Ireland’s freedom was denied
and its people were downtrodden.
When brave young heroes risked their lives
to take part in that fight.
I’ll tell you of the Hegartys
who should not be forgotten.
In County Cork
they went to work
and vowed to put things right.
Market gardening was their trade
on land blessed by the heavens.
To their door be they rich or poor
the citizens were fed.
John Joe worked harvesting crops
but also stored the weapons.
Spuds onions and tin can bombs
Lyrics by John Murphy
When Ireland’s freedom was denied
and its people were downtrodden.
When brave young heroes risked their lives
to take part in that fight.
I’ll tell you of the Hegartys
who should not be forgotten.
In County Cork
they went to work
and vowed to put things right.
Market gardening was their trade
on land blessed by the heavens.
To their door be they rich or poor
the citizens were fed.
John Joe worked harvesting crops
but also stored the weapons.
Spuds onions and tin can bombs
longside the planting beds.
Chorus
They joined the fight
against the might
of tyrants tans and tommies.
They went to war
with those next door
and beat them black and blue.
They saw the cull
of old John Bull
the nation without morals.
Now show your class
and raise your glass
Chorus
They joined the fight
against the might
of tyrants tans and tommies.
They went to war
with those next door
and beat them black and blue.
They saw the cull
of old John Bull
the nation without morals.
Now show your class
and raise your glass
to the Hegartys of the laurels.
Nan and Mamie joined the Cumann
from its first inception.
they quickly moved up through the ranks
Nan and Mamie joined the Cumann
from its first inception.
they quickly moved up through the ranks
as officers they served.
They carried arms to local battles
avoiding interception.
Bombs and bullets rifles guns
completely unobserved.
Weekly visits to Cork prison
They carried arms to local battles
avoiding interception.
Bombs and bullets rifles guns
completely unobserved.
Weekly visits to Cork prison
to sit with starving comrades.
They held their hands and mopped their brows
with care and dignity.
And when these men at last succumbed
to the ravages of hunger.
The sisters charged the jailors
They held their hands and mopped their brows
with care and dignity.
And when these men at last succumbed
to the ravages of hunger.
The sisters charged the jailors
with murder first degree.
Repeat Chorus
In the grim, Cork County jail
Repeat Chorus
In the grim, Cork County jail
The year of nineteen twenty.
Joseph Murphy gave his life
Joseph Murphy gave his life
so Ireland could be free.
He served his country with distinction
and with courage plenty.
Up to the end his greatest friend
was John Joe Hegarty.
Mamie wore full uniform
He served his country with distinction
and with courage plenty.
Up to the end his greatest friend
was John Joe Hegarty.
Mamie wore full uniform
the day that she was married.
And Nan with pride stood by her side
And Nan with pride stood by her side
two soldiers on parade.
They had no time to celebrate
They had no time to celebrate
the wedding party parried.
Til Ireland can be free at last
Til Ireland can be free at last
the party was delayed.
Repeat Chorus x 2 & End
Repeat Chorus x 2 & End
The Hegartys of The Laurels
© John Murphy
