Lyrics

Come all ye true bred Irishmen wherever you may be
Likewise pay attention and listen unto me
I’ll tell a gallant story of those who do and dare
Of Donnelly and Cooper that fought in sweet Kildare.

‘Twas on the third of June my boys the challenge was sent o’er
From Britannia to old Grainne to raise her son once more
To renew their satisfaction and credit to recall
They were all in deep distraction since Donnelly conquered all.

Old Grainne read the challenge received it with a smile
You had better hasten to Kildare it may be worth your while
It’s there you’ll reign victorious as you’ve often done before
And your deeds will shine so glorious upon the shamrock shore.

The challenge was accepted these heroes did prepare
To meet brave Captain Kelly on the Curragh of Kildare
The Englishmen bet ten to one that day against poor Dan
Such odds as this could ne’er dismay a hefty Irishman.

When these two champions stripped off into the ring they came
For they were full determined each other’s blood to tame
From six to nine they parried time 'til Donnelly knocked him down
Well done my child sweet Gráinne smiled that is ten thousand pound.

The second round that Cooper fought he knocked down Donnelly
And Dan likewise being of true game he rose most furiously
Right active then was Cooper he knocked Donnelly down again
The Englishmen they have three cheers crying the fight is all in vain.

Long life to brave Miss Kelly as is recorded plain
She stepped into the ring saying my boy what do you mean
Oh Dan my boy what do you mean my Irish son said she
My whole estate this day I’ve bet on you Dan Donnelly.

Then Donnelly rose up again his foe he met with might
And pluckily he pummelled continuing the fight
Cooper stood on his defence and soon became so frail
A temple blow laid him low he sank beneath the rail.

Ye sons of proud Britannia your boasts you should recall
For Cooper by Dan Donnelly has met a sad downfall
In eleven rounds nine knock downs cracked Cooper’s stiff jawbone
So shake hands Dan Donnelly the fight is all your own.