Kilmovee Gathering
The year of zero 13, in history will go down
As our many Irish exiles, return home to their town
Right across the country, there are gatherings taking place
It’s a chance for long lost loved ones, to meet up face to face
And we have also done our bit, as all of you can see
We have organised some parties, in the parish of Kilmovee
We all have family members, somewhere across the foam
With a passion and a longing, to return to their own home
In all sides of our parish, 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
And The Gathering is a great excuse, to get our families back
Be it only for a week or two, for a reunion and the craic
We have many spots of interest here, well known to most of you
So while you’re here amongst us, make sure you see a few
Take a visit to our local pubs, full of character and charm
Where you are guaranteed a welcome, that is genuine and warm
And call up to Cois Tine, and find out what they’re at
You can sit and have a cuppa, have a sing song and a chat
And while you’re in the area, a trip you will have to make
Is to our ancient Abbey, on the shores of Urlar lake
And then we’ve Clough na Halteor, where our forefathers committed crimes
When they celebrated mass there, in the far off penal times
Well in this year of the gathering, on the 23rd day of July
Once again we had a mass there, and remembered those gone by
And what a lovely turn out, they came from far and near
For this unique occasion, on this Historic year
It would really put you thinking, how the years do go so fast
And how things have come a long way, from the dark days of the past
I know there are still folk leaving home, because work is hard to get
But the farthest point you can go now, is just a few hours on a jet
Then a few miles further down the road, if you travel towards the west
There’s an old grave yard in Kilkelly, where St Celcus is laid to rest
This August in Kilkelly, there is a festival taking place
With all kinds of activities, so make sure that you touch base
There’re are lots of things check out, so many holy wells
With unspoiled scenery all around, with hills and lakes and dells
It is always such great therapy, to have a laugh and talk
And it’s good for mind and body, to take a forest walk
So whatever takes your fancy, for an adventure big or small?
You will not be disappointed, for we have got it all
And for those that could not make it here, I want to make it clear
We really mean it when we say, we wish that you were here
And for those of you that came along, you are welcome one and all
Soak up the hospitality, and have yourselves a ball
And in years to come when they talk about, the weekend we did share
At the Gathering in our Parish, you can say That I Was THERE