Closing Message: A Bit of Clare
Story
And so, as my friend Dr. Paris Mansmann said, ‘The tunes and songs have been told.’
Let us lift our parting glasses and toast all who have been associated with this collection. To our younger generation of musicians, singers, and dancers, may I suggest keep the tradition alive, enjoy life; live, love, and laugh, and always keep the flag flying. Or, as they proudly say in County Clare, ‘Up the Banner!’ Remember, there's a bit of Clare in us all.
"A Bit of Clare" was written by Killaloe poet and family friend J.P. "Jack" Noonan. Thanks to Jack's family for allowing me to publish his wonderful poem in this collection.
Séamus Connolly
Sullivan Artist-in-Residence, 2004-2015
Boston College
A BIT OF CLARE
There’s a bit of Clare about you
That I cannot quite explain.
It’s elusive as the fragrance
Of wild-woodbine after rain.
Or it may be I was dreaming
When I first looked in your eyes
Of the grey mists o’er the Shannon
Mingling with the star-specked skies.
With your fingertips caressing
I can feel again the thrill
Of the breezes that steal softly
O’er the turf-banks on the Hill
And I hear the lark at dawning
When your lilting laughter peals
It’s that bit of Clare about you
Which your ev’ry act reveals.
But whatever is that something
It brings back a memory
Of the wild rose in the hedges
And the berried rowan tree;
There’s a breath of Irish Springtime
Fragrant flowers and April rain
In that bit of Clare about you
That I cannot quite explain.
-- Jack Noonan
Let us lift our parting glasses and toast all who have been associated with this collection. To our younger generation of musicians, singers, and dancers, may I suggest keep the tradition alive, enjoy life; live, love, and laugh, and always keep the flag flying. Or, as they proudly say in County Clare, ‘Up the Banner!’ Remember, there's a bit of Clare in us all.
"A Bit of Clare" was written by Killaloe poet and family friend J.P. "Jack" Noonan. Thanks to Jack's family for allowing me to publish his wonderful poem in this collection.
Séamus Connolly
Sullivan Artist-in-Residence, 2004-2015
Boston College
A BIT OF CLARE
There’s a bit of Clare about you
That I cannot quite explain.
It’s elusive as the fragrance
Of wild-woodbine after rain.
Or it may be I was dreaming
When I first looked in your eyes
Of the grey mists o’er the Shannon
Mingling with the star-specked skies.
With your fingertips caressing
I can feel again the thrill
Of the breezes that steal softly
O’er the turf-banks on the Hill
And I hear the lark at dawning
When your lilting laughter peals
It’s that bit of Clare about you
Which your ev’ry act reveals.
But whatever is that something
It brings back a memory
Of the wild rose in the hedges
And the berried rowan tree;
There’s a breath of Irish Springtime
Fragrant flowers and April rain
In that bit of Clare about you
That I cannot quite explain.
-- Jack Noonan
Subject
Publisher
Boston College University Libraries
Séamus Connolly
Rights
Citation
Connolly, Séamus
and Noonan, J. P. , “Closing Message: A Bit of Clare,” The Séamus Connolly Collection of Irish Music, accessed October 4, 2024, https://connollymusiccollection.bc.edu/document/748.