Village of the Three Generals

Village of the Three Generals

A Poem by Tomás Ó Cárthaigh
"

Monroe, Wison and Mc Eoin were all born and reared in the hinterlands of Ballinalee, or St Johnstown as it was also known in former times.

"
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Monroe, Wison and Mc Eoin were all born and reared in the hinterlands of Ballinalee, or St Johnstown as it was also known in former times.
Monroe, Wison and Mc Eoin were all born and reared in the hinterlands of Ballinalee, or St Johnstown as it was also known in former times.

St Johnstown, or Ballinalee
From where the three generals hail
Monroe, Wilson and McEoin
Two Scotsmen, one of the Gael.

All men brave in their own way
By their enemies feared and respected
Europe, America and Ireland
Their destinies by them affected.

The Huran, the German and the Tans
Met them as a worthy foe
Their deeds, their meekness, their leadership
Are their merits that others know.

Wilson, defiant, was shot by the IRA
Monroe died of guilt that was not his to confess
Mac Eoin lived to die as an old man, died natural death
Did God on him and his cause approve and bless?

Verse 1 / Line 3
George Monroe of Fort William Henry, Major Gen Sir Henry Wilson, Field Marshall of British Forces in WWI, and Sean Mac Eoin, rebel leader in the 1922 war.

Verse 2 / Line 3
Wilsons campaign to defeat Germany had effct at Versailles, the defeat of Fort William Henry had affect on North American history and weakened Englands hold on the colonies, and Sean Mac Eoins spirited fighting helped free Ireland.

Verse 3 / Line 3
None were bombastic carachters, all known for fairness in battle.

Verse 4 / Line 1
Henry Wison was shot by the IRA. He had tried to set up an army to retake the Free State but was overruled by the king.

Verse 4 / Line 2
Monroe blamed himself for the Huron massacre after the retreat from Fort William Henry. It was not his fault, but his anguish was blamed for the heart attack that killed him.

Verse 4 / Line 4
Though I am anti-Treaty myself, I cant resist a political dig at the end!!!

© 2017 Tomás Ó Cárthaigh


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A fascinating write, Tomas.

I am quite fond of history as a theme in general but it is difficult to engage with the many different cultural areas of it. So for me this is very welcomed. You have taught me something interesting and written it in a free flowing style with very good rhyme.

Nice work.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.




Reviews

A fascinating insight into the military campaigns of men who chose the destiny and believed in their cause !

Posted 7 Years Ago


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A fascinating write, Tomas.

I am quite fond of history as a theme in general but it is difficult to engage with the many different cultural areas of it. So for me this is very welcomed. You have taught me something interesting and written it in a free flowing style with very good rhyme.

Nice work.

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

A poem seeped in history... and it rhymes. As for the last line, doesn't everyone think HE is on their side?

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Great historical tribute for these Generals, Tomas. Very interesting. You taught me a lot today. Lydi**

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Historically buoyant with facts and smashing of glass... These men are well deserving of recognition... Respectfully penned...

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

This is very good. I love history and this was history. I liked read the bio written by the Generals. They shared real thoughts about hard days of war. Thank you my friend foe sharing the amazing words and thoughts.
Coyote

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Interesting, I expect this is true history of your country men. Valentine

Posted 7 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.


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Added on January 15, 2017
Last Updated on January 15, 2017
Tags: Ireland, Irelands Wars, Irish Civil War, Irish Free State, Irish War of Independence 1919- , Lesser Known Ireland, North Longford, Ulster Scots

Author

Tomás Ó Cárthaigh
Tomás Ó Cárthaigh

Renmore, Galway, Ireland, An Roinne Mór, Gallaimh, Eire, Ireland



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Ten years on this site... a quick decade, and an age in another way... Flanagan and the Lampost The Novena, some Drama and Midge Ure in Galway Fiddling at Longford Donkey Innovat.. more..

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