RECENT PICNIC AT THE WATERSIDE
Down by the Mourne riverside, one night I chanced to stray,
I espied a happy party at a picnic on Boyle’s Bray.
There were maidens fair with golden hair and gassons fair to see,
As they gathered around upon the ground, to have their buns and tea.
John Martin is the first I’ll name-as he was dressed so smart.
He said, “I’ll have to get a doll, if not I’ll break my heart.”
I le says young ladies do not fear your sport I will not mar,
And I’ll sing to you my favorite song “The Irish Jaunting Car.”
Young Tom Mc Crea and Sarah Cairns, they did the dip so well
That Harry Mc Gale went off the rail, the truth to you I’ll tell.
John Mc Elwee, it’s plain to see, he meant the rest to do,
As he came to the Waterside, dressed in his navy blue.
Young James Mullen he looked. hot as he waltzed the maids around ..
He kept very close to Maggie Coyle when seated on the ground.
The girls from Tin town, they were there, they’re pretty girls to see
I’m not quite sure, but I fondly hope that they did enjoy their tea.
Miss Rose McCann came on the scene when the fun was in full swing
She came right up to Jimmy Mullan and asked him would he sing .
He told her he was sorry, that for songs he had got none.
But told her, if she didn’t mind, that he would leave her home.
Frank Mc Elwee he says to me to sing, “I am not fed.”
But if the ladies don’t object I’ll stand upon my head
Both Harrv Mc Gale and Joe me Gee were dressed up very nice
I think I saw Mt Gale go near to Sarah once or twice.
Young Johnny Robinson from the bog, with his sandy hair so long
Fairly tried to bring down the skies, by singing an Irish song
And Madge, she sat in the background, looking somewhat pale,
Until her red head Johnnie had sung his ‘Long Lost Trail.’
Then Katie Cairns with her dark brown eyes, the sweetest of them all
I think it would not be a lie to say she took the B:all
Of course Miss Timoney from the town was very fair to see
As she jazzed around the ben weeds, with the very bold M. C
Now Maggie Milligan’s fairy feet went lightly over the grass,
As she tipped around with Tom Mc Crea to the tune called Doran’s Ass
And the fiddler was kept busy as he played his music sweet,
May his arm keep strong till we meet again and have another treat?
Both Mary Cairns and Rose Mc Cann we now wish to thank
For the most enjoyable night we spent on the Mourne River Bank.
