Remembering the poet and patriot Darby Ryan

The Poet, Scholar and Bard, Darby Ryan is to be remembered in his home parish of Bansha/Kilmoyler at a special event at 7pm on Thursday, August 24 in Templeneiry Church and graveyard.

Darby or Diarmuid O’Ríain, was born at Ashgrove, Bansha in 1777 and was a well known poet whose most famous composition was undoubtedly "The Peeler and the Goat", a ballad or satire which was popularly sung across Ireland and was taken worldwide by emigrants.

"The Peeler and the Goat" was inspired by a number of factors affecting 19th-century Ireland.

The song is reportedly inspired by police officers (Peelers) taking a number of goats into 'custody' for creating an obstruction on a road in Ireland.

A police officer finds a goat roaming the streets of Bansha and, presuming her to be either a loiterer or a 'stroller,' as used in the poem, announces that he will soon send her off to prison.

The song has been recorded by a number of artists including The Wolfe Tones and is a favourite of many traditional musicians. Copies of Darby's Tipperary Minstrelsy are to be found in The British Museum and at The Royal Irish Academy.

Ryan died in 1855 and is buried in the old graveyard in Bansha, where his grave is marked, unusually, by a carved stone cross depicting a rope and anchor.

Darby's memory will be honoured on August 24th, by the attendance of his relatives John Grogan and his sister Clare amongst others.

Both John and Clare have been instrumental in getting Darby's headstone restored, and along with local people under the banner of Aherlow Fáilte, will produce a programme of poetry music and song to honour the memory of the poet.

There are many people with an interest in Darby and his lineage and there will be a copy of the family genealogy to view on the night.

Dr. Denis G. Marnane historian & author will speak about Darby and the era through which he lived, with particular reference to the political situation that pertained at that time.

This event will take place the evening after the Bansha Show and there is an open invitation for people to attend, especially those who might be home for 'show week'.

A souvenir Brochure will be available for €5 Euros but attendance is free to everyone.

The organising committee acknowledges the support of the heritage office/Tipperary County Council.

The event will commence at 7pm with the rededication of the headstone of Darby Ryan in the old graveyard in Bansha, followed by 'coel, caint agus tae' at Templeneiry Church.

Some of Darby's other compositions include 'Ireland's Lament', 'Sheehan's Lament, 'The Galbally Farmer, and 'The Bansha Shoemaker'.