by Tony McGirr
On the 4th of December, 1923
A baby was born who grew up to be me
My parents were happy ‘cause I was a boy
And because I was healthy this too gave them joy!
This event it took place in a "cotter house" room
The townland of the house? It was called Tullybroom
"What country? What country?" I hear someone drone
Well the Country is Ireland - the county Tyrone
The village is Clogher - not modern but old
Which once was a city or so I've been told
And the green verdant valley named after this place
Has been trodden by many of an ancient race
Getting back to my story I haven't earned fame
But I'm proud of my country and proud of my name
When I was a young lad there was no TV.
But there always were neighbours to call in and see
With a smile they would greet you and never once frown
God be with you - you're welcome,do come in and sit down
They'd discuss every topic from how to keep bees
To the latest events that occurred overseas!
Local snippets of gossip could all be aired too
Whilst the old ones and young ones exchanged
points of view!
I remember my brother announcing one day
That he to the Congress was heading away.
His statement of course was treated with scorn
But he jumped on his bike and went off the next morn.
Now the roads at that time were quite bumpy for sure
And his bike it was big and its tyres were poor!
Yet he made it to Dublin and back in a week
Cold, hungry and thirsty it was no mean feat!!!
Cotterhouse
