On a wild and stormy evening,

as the fishing fleet let go,

From the harbours of the Rosses

and the ports around by Doe;

They came from Magheraroarty

and the islands “round Gweedore”

One small boat among the number,

with a crew well known and famed,

Sailed across the ocean billow

and “The Celtic” was her name

 

Little thought those fearless heroes,

as they sailed away in style,

The would never see their mothers

or their friends on Gola Isle.

Machaire Gallen
Boats at Gweedore coast (Peter McGinley)

Never now on Sunday morning,

will those bold lads sail ashore,

To pray down at the chapel

where they often went before.

 

Oft I bought their silvery herring

from those lads so bright and gay,

They will l never say good morning

or you’re welcome Davey Hay.

never will l they cross the sand banks,

never see those scenes so fair,

Never hear the Angelus ringing,

calling all to silent prayer.

 

Written by Davey Hay (1931)