Star of the County Down

Near Banbridge town on a July morn, down a green boreen came a lass new-born. Bare feet bright and a nut-brown crown, and she smiled as she drifted down. I bit my tongue, I rubbed my eyes, for fear the sight was fairy-wise. From Bantry Bay to Derry’s quay, from Galway port to Dublin town, no heart I’ve known could outshine she- the brown-haired star of County Down. She hurried past and my wits took flight, so I asked a man in the morning light: “Who holds that gaze with the autumn hue?” Says he, “She’s Ireland’s jewel true. The Bann runs near where her kinfolk stay- and the pride of the crown,” says he that day. From Bantry Bay to Derry’s quay, from Galway port to Dublin town, no heart I’ve known could outshine she- the brown-haired star of County Down. I’ve roamed a while and I’ve never fell, till her laughing eyes rang like a bell. My heart for rent and no tenant found- she knocked once in and paid no pound. No shawl nor gown ever claimed such due- but she walked right in and the bargain grew. From Bantry Bay to Derry’s quay, from Galway port to Dublin town, no heart I’ve known could outshine she- the brown-haired star of County Down. I’ll meet her fair at the crossroads wide, Sunday best and a hopeful stride. From Bantry Bay to Derry’s quay, from Galway port to Dublin town, let songs roll on till the rafters sway- the brown-haired star of County Down. Star of County Down…