A Song For Christy Ring
by Brian McNamara.
(air of Old Skibbereen)

Come gather round me boys tonight and raise your glasses high,
Come Rockies, Barrs and Rovers stars, let welcome hit the sky,
Let bonfires blaze in heroes praise, let Shannon echoes fling,
For homeward bound with hurling crown comes gallant Christy Ring.

So all you hurlers from the Nore, you lads from Corrib's side,
From Garryowen gay and bold with Tipp's own men beside,
You may have hurlers straight and tall who can a caman swing
But whose the name can play the game with Cork's own Christy Ring.

When we were young we read in school in the days of old,
The young Setanta showed his worth with shield and spear of gold,
As hurling hard on royal sward he'd hurling heroes fling,
My soul today, he'd yield the sway if he met Christy Ring.

A heal to faithful Wexford boys, to the Rackards and their team,
Should Cork surrender Ireland's crown may victory on them gleam,
John Kelly's name we hold in fame - of '98 we sing,
But Slaney's plan must find a man to equal Christy Ring.

How oft I've watched him from the Hill move here and there in grace,
In Cork, Killarney, Thurles town or by the Shannon's race,
"Now Cork is bet; the hay is saved!" the thousands wildly sing-
They speak too soon, my sweet garsun, for here comes Christy Ring.

When age has gained this warior brave, when ended is the fight,
And o'er the hearth he hangs at last his stick and trophies bright,
Come counties all both great and small who boast a hurling King,
Can one tonight hold candlelight to Cork's own Christy Ring?.