Huge bulls and wee heifers, And sheep scraggy and nervous The men holding sticks black and long Donned in coats and grey wellies, Bodies healthy and well fed Caps sideways pitched on their heads. Going to Mass down the main street, Was like the front lines of Aintree, We were scared from back kicks from the cows, Or the prod from a wild goat,reared up in Baurlan Or smart remarks from the boys of the town. We bought bulls eyes in Bessys, And icecream from Hanleys, With raspberry cordial on top, We strolled past the courthouse, And watched the good Travellers As they spat on their palms soft and hot. Tony Murphy looked handsome, In his striped butcher’s apron, As he bargained for heifer or lamb, He told the bold jobber That his beasts were disastrous From the town they should surely be banned. But the Mangerton farmer was well able for Tony, Who pretended to walk the other way, But back he came quickly, When he saw fast approaching, Paddy Dan Mick on his trail.
