The Gathering
Have you heard about the gathering, that is taking place this year
As we welcome home our exiles, from places far and near
Well the truth about the matter, if we call a spade a spade
Enda needs the money, for the bills have to be paid
The politicians and the bankers, that couldn’t do their job
For years have forced us Irish, to leave to earn a bob
Now it might be slightly unfair, if them all I were to tar
But it was years of mismanagement, that has left us where we are
And really that’s the bottom line, to what this it’s all about
Our country is in a crisis, and we need a big dig out
Well now that I have that said, I must hasten to add
I think that it will work a treat, for the idea is not half bad
For all the wrongs that happened, we can no longer grieve
We must all face the future, and turn over a new leaf
Let’s be positive for a minute, if we’re to tell the truth
To travel round and see the world, is a good thing for our youth
They will gain so much experience, as on their travels they do roam
And when our economy takes a turn, they can bring that experience home
Ireland is a country, that is welcoming and kind
And the scenery that’s on offer, is the finest you will find
There are miles of golden beaches, going all around our coast
And of mountains lakes and rivers, we all can proudly boast
And our big céad míle fáilte, can’t be matched anywhere
As you smell the scented heather, in the lovely crisp fresh air
Sure going back generation, our forefathers had to roam
And in all corners of the planet, you will find an Irish home
We all have some relations, somewhere around the globe
With a deep passion for Mayo, be it Ballina or Ballinrobe
Westport Crossmolina, Castlebar or Kiltimagh
Killala Ballyvary, Charlestown or Knock
Belderrig or Bohola, Bellcara Carnacon
Balla The Neal or Tooreen, Turlough Cross or Cong
Lahardane Achill Louisbourg, Mayo Abbey Garrymore
Claremorris Tourmakeady, Clare Island Aughamore
Carracastle or Belmullet, Bonnyconlon or Brackloon
Swinford Straid Mannula, Mullrany or Pontoon
Ballyhaunis or Kilkelly, or Foxford on the Moy
Right across the county, from Kilmovee to Ballycroy
In every part of Mayo, emigration has left its mark
We now stroll the plains of Africa, and the paths of Central Park
We have helped to change the landscape, and that’s the reason why
In every corner of the world, the Tri Colour flies high
We have a foothold in each country, right across the earth
Building roads and railways, in London Richmond Perth
For many years we’ve travelled, all over to find work
To Berlin and to Brussels, to Boston and New York
We Irish are all over, from Kabul to Singapore
To cities all around the world, there are many many more
And this gathering, it is sure to work, for I have little doubt
They will come back and enjoy themselves, and at the same time help us out
For I don’t know many Irish, that would ever turn their back
When there’s a chance to party, and have a bit of craic
But just one word of warning, don’t put us all to shame
We were christened rip off Ireland, and there’s a reason for that name
We all must learn from past mistakes, let’s prove we’re a new breed
A fair exchange for everything, do not be powered by greed
Then all sides will be happy, like the saying that is well known
We can sit back and enjoy ourselves, and kill two birds with one stone
So let’s all join together, and lend a helping hand
And welcome our lost Irish, back to the emerald land
Let’s throw a massive party, for family and for friends
And make the gathering a success, where everybody wins
Peter Costello
