The Ballad Of Derry Poem by Liam ó Comáin

Oh Derry is so beautiful
I’d have you all to know;
And through that ancient city
The Foyle waters flow.
’Tis the city of Columba
And others of renown,
Who brought fame and glory
To that northern town.

Oh, Derry I love well
And world wide is her name,
Through the spirit of her people,
Who never brought her shame.
And in memory I return
From this land where I now dwell
To the Siege Walls and the ‘Crit’
And Columba’s holy well…

Oh, fair city of my fathers,
I love each little hill,
And the warmth of your people
From Prehen to Carnhill.
Alas, I am an exile
Far from your old Bogside,
Longing to embrace you
and with you to abide.

Perhaps in the future
I’ll travel on that plane
To the north west of Ireland-
Beyond Antrim and Coleraine-
To see again dear Derry,
With my kinsfolk at the door
Of that neat little house,
Where I played in days of yore.