Where the Allachán does flow

Brother Stephen Russell

Though I’m far away from Ireland, my heart is ever there

Especially in sweet Limerick, that place beyond compare

In fertile flights of fancy, my mind does often go

To my home near Tournafulla, where the Allachán does flow.

How I loved it in my boyhood and no labour would I shrink,

To taste it’s cool sweet freshness, where it springs at Mullaghrierk,

Then on through Tournafulla, in my bare feet I would go

To savour timeless magic where the Allachán does flow.

Where it joins it’s parent river, some precious hours I’d steal,

Lured by it’s haunting beauty, near the town of Abbeyfeale,

New strength I’d gather from it, and if my heart felt low

New hope I’d find and peace of mind, where the Allachán does flow.

It’s verdant banks give cover to the wild fowl and the hare

It’s waters offer fishermen prizes beyond compare

Many friends I know and love there, and my heart is all aglow

As I savour happy memories, where the Allachán does flow.

‘Tis many years since I’ve been there, yet time can never dim

The relish of it’s limpid pools, where in summer I did swim,

‘Tis calling now so strongly, that a-booking I must go

To take a plane for Shannon, and to where the Allachán does flow.