Come All You Roman Catholics
Source: The Stone Fiddle by Paddy Tunney
Location: New Edition, page 18
Come all you Roman Catholics and listen to my song.
I hope you’ll pay attention; I won’t detain you long,
Concerning Father McFadden who lies in Derry Jail.
He has been returned for trial since the jury won’t take bail.
It was on a Sunday Morning just after he said Mass,
‘Twas the Sub-Inspector Martin was the man did him arrest.
He tore the collar off his coat, he had a broad-sword in his hand.
He said: “You are my prisoner and with me come along!”
When the people saw their priest a prisoner at their door,
David being amongst them, a stone he did procure.
He placed the stone all in a sling, and by the Lord’s comman,
He killed the Sub-Inspector on the ground where he did stand.
They put him on a covered coach, Lord Leitrim by his side,
And going along the country road he got a speedy ride.
The people laughed and jeered at him, ‘twas a joyful tale to tell,
To see the Sub-Inspector going away on a door to hell.
The Devil met him at the gates and sang a merry song,
Saying: “You’re welcome, Mister Martin, I’ve waited for you long.
The heat will not agree with you. your head will be sore too,
And you’ll curse the day you strayed away to the mountains of Gweedore.”