It was the battle's eve and the party's nerves were on edge. None of us knew if this would be our last stand or if we would live to smile tomorrow.

"Smile guys!", Casper exclaimed. "We're not gonna let the demon lord take this land. We have always gotten through hard times and we're not about to give in now." Casper started to bounce about. "Ah, I know what will lighten the mood!" He reached for his case and started to open it. He pulled out a violin and started to play a merry jig, a tale of old he heard when he was young.

♪ Lift, McCahir Og, your face
Still brooding over the old disgrace?
That Black Fitzwilliam stormed your place
Drove you to the Fern ♪

♪ Gray said victory was sure
And soon the Firebrand he'd secure
Until he met at Glenmalure
With Fiach MacHugh O'Byrne ♪

♪ Curse and swear, Lord Kildare
Fiach will do, what Fiach will dare
Now Fitzwilliam have a care
Fallen is your star low ♪

♪ Up with halberd, out with sword
On we'll go for by the lord
Fiach MacHugh has given the word
Follow me up to Carlow ♪

♪ See the swords of Glen Imayle
They're flashing over the English pale
See all the children of the Gael
Beneath O'Byrne's banners ♪

♪ Roosters of the fighting stock
Would you let a Saxon cock
Crow out upon, an Irish rock?
Fly up and teach him manners ♪

♪ Curse and swear, Lord Kildare
Fiach will do, what Fiach will dare
Now Fitzwilliam have a care
Fallen is your star low ♪

♪ Up with halberd, out with sword
On we'll go for by the lord
Fiach MacHugh has given the word
Follow me up to Carlow ♪

♪ From Tassagart to Clonmore
There flows a stream of Saxon gore
O great is Rory Og Omore
At sending the loons to Hades ♪

♪ White is sick, Grey is fled
And now for Black Fitzwilliams head
We'll send it over dripping red
To Queen Liza and her ladies ♪

♪ Curse and swear, Lord Kildare
Fiach will do, what Fiach will dare
Now Fitzwilliam have a care
Fallen is your star low ♪

♪ Up with halberd, out with sword
On we'll go for by the lord
Fiach MacHugh has given the word
Follow me up to Carlow ♪

The party's mood started to lift. "You're right!" they exclaimed. "We won't let some ugly demon take anything from us!" They started to rally to the music. Giggles and laughter filled the rest of the night. Bountiful food and plenty ale filled their stomachs as they told grand tales, hopeful for their future.


Art by the lovely
Characters from left to right
Lyrics from Follow Me Up To Carlow - Planxty