I Was Born Here

by Helen M. Best-Colgan

Refrain
Oh I was born here in Merasheen, the beauty Island that ever was seen
Surrounded by the Atlantic Sea, our fathers found it for you and for me.
Oh on this Island our fathers came, and their intentions were all the same
To make a living from the sea, and where we would all live in harmony.

One of these fathers was Louis Movelle, yes there were others and I will tell
A Wilson, Connors and a Best, who settled out here just like the rest
Barnett, Fulford and Hennessey - now you might say that’s our legacy
But there’s more, with Ennis and Mulrooney, and yes the Moores and a Barry.
You know a Houlihan and a Garret, with a Rogers and a Barrett.
The Gardeners and a Rose - with a Yeo, and on it goes
The Leonards came and settled in, the Pitchers, Hepditch and Canning
Now add a Pomroy and Fitzgerald, with a Walsh, Pittman we can herald.

Refrain - Oh I was born here . . .

We celebrate each brave clan, let’s look at Hickey, Hynes and Hann
Yes for sure we do remember, Casey, Cochrane and a Brewer
A Moore was here so long ago, and the community began to grow.
Viscount, Curran, all were seen, on our island we call Merasheen.
There was a Green and a Sawyer, a Cochrane, Larkin and a Lockyer, Kiervans, Carroll and two more,
Bishop and Wadman came to our shore.
If in this song your name is left out, stand up now and give a shout
Sing your names for all to hear - and everyone will give a cheer.

Refrain - Oh, I was born here . . . .

Let’s not forget our mothers dear who nurtured us through so much fear
They kept us happy as we could be, while all our men were out to sea.
And all our clergy who brought us joy, our very first was Father Roy
And the very greatest of all time, was our very own dear Father Fyme.

Refrain - Oh, I was born here . . . .