The Boys of Kildare

Say what of Kildare?-is she waking or sleeping? The day of our testing is growing apace As mighty as winter-tossed billows on leaping Wild 'farrahs' ring out from the lips of our race! And what of Kildare, ever foremost and ready Whenever the warflag was raised for the right She's lifted her standard, true hearted and steady Kildare to be-in the thick of fight! From Naas to Maynooth rings the slogan of "Freedom." From Newbridge to Leixlip, Kilcock to Athy The men of Kildarra are there when we need them They know how to fight and they know how to die To The shrine of St. Brigid whose lamp ever burning Shone out like a star on the ramparts of God The home of Lord Edward, our eagle of morning Could traitors abide on so sacred a sod! Could fear of defeat or despair of a morrow Find place where the ashes of Tone are at rest Is there room for a coward or time for a sorrow With "Croom a boo" watchword and oak tree for crest! From Naas to Maynooth rings the slogan of "Freedom." From Newbridge to Leixlip, Kilcock to Athy The men of Kildarra are there when we need them They know how to fight and they know how to die Sure the challenge she threw in the face of the foeman Of old when her claims flashed their falchions in air Is still to the fore for a finish, and no man Shall humble the shield of Fitzgerald's Kildare Unconquered, invincible, steadfast forever With a hand for the south and the north and the west The foremost in onset the latest to waver She stands with the Counties, the first and the best From Naas to Maynooth rings the slogan of "Freedom." From Newbridge to Leixlip, Kilcock to Athy The men of Kildarra are there when we need them They know how to fight and they know how to die Kildare is awake for she never has slumbered Whenever the summons to battle went forth The deeds of her dead with the bravest are numbered The sons of her soil are the salt of the earth As true as the Liffey that sweeps ever onward Through sunshine and storming, through shadow and light Kildare holds her standard aloft in the vanguard Kildare to be-in the thick of the fight From Naas to Maynooth rings the slogan of "Freedom." From Newbridge to Leixlip, Kilcock to Athy The men of Kildarra are there when we need them They know how to fight and they know how to die There the spirit of liberty hovers unsleeping Where rebels and martyrs found birth an a grave The murdered of Mullaghmast watch still are keeping O'er fields never trod by the foot of a slave