Artist In Ireland

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I was there and proud to be. The Brefini Family Resource Centre provided the log cabib for a us to gather and sing and laugh and speak about ourselves . A big thanks goes to the woman of the newly formed Leitrim Women’s Network. This organization was officially  launched on March 8th and we’ll look forward to its new website and other great activities such as lobbying against the current government’s cut backs on Carer’s allowance and rights. Naturally the majority of Carers in Ireland are women and naturally the fat arses in government have decided to stop working towards proper support of these workers ( but they are giving themselves a pay rise)

Back to International Woman’s Day.

We had a great time. I sang some songs I haven’t sung in years- including Poverty Knocks, The Oasis of Peace and She lived beside the Anner. I was also given new words to the tune of “She’ll be coming round the Mountain”. Its a great ditty… here’s a few lyrics by Elizabeth Bohan, a wordsmith if ever there was one.

“ We can get around this mountain if you’ll come

We can get around this mountain if you’ll come,

This mountain of recession,dole queues & depression

We can get around this mountain if you’ll come!”

“Sure don’t we own the AngloBanking of renown

and certain other banks around the town

They maybe all empty

But aren’t we all thrifty

We can start a co-op in the town”

by Elizabeth Bohan

As well as me yodelling we had some lovely songs from Ursala Connolly. Ursula writes the Interior Design section for the Leitrim Post, she’s recently got married and she tells me that she’s getting ready to return to singing concerts in the not too distance future. She did some beautiful renditions and shared a few delightful original pieces. Pity I don’t a have a picture of her, but you can look up in papers.

We also heard from various women’s groups, reminding us that they’re services are available. And we had a few charming recitations from Margaret , who’s last name I can’t remember but she is the brains and backbone at the reception of the County Council Offices, so you know who I mean.  One more little bit of a lyric….. ’cause I know Haley(the vixen)Fox-Roberts really liked this song. “Poverty Knocks ” An English weavers song written a few centuries ago.

“Poverty Poverty Knock,

Me loom is a singing all day

Poverty Poverty Knock,

The gaffers too skinny to pay

Poverty Poverty Knock,

with always one eye on the clock,

Oh I know I can guttel when I hear me shuttle go

Poverty Poverty Knock

Oh how my poor heart it sings

for I should have woven three strings

Oh the strings they keep breaking

My poor heart is aching

Dear god how I wish I had wings

Sometimes a shuttle flies out

And gives some poor woman a clout

Aye and there she lies bleeding

With nobody heeding

Now who’s going to carry her out

Singing…..

“Poverty Poverty Knock,

Me loom is a singing all day

Poverty Poverty Knock,

The gaffers too skinny to pay

Poverty Poverty Knock,

with always one eye on the clock,

Oh I know I can guttel when I hear me shuttle go

Poverty Poverty Knock”

No poverty in this room, perhaps in the pocket book but not in the heart

cheers

always eileen