His soul was true to the noble mission
That his heart espoused in early youth.
He dreamed the Dream and he saw the Vision,
And steered his ship by the Star of Truth.

His genius shone like the sun new-risen,
Dispelling the darkness south and north.
The spirit of Freedom was bound in prison –
He smashed her fetters and brought her forth.

His song of love was soft appealing,
Delicate, fervent, undefiled.
His song to his land was grand and thrilling;
His song of battle was fierce and wild.

While the Blackwater with graceful motion
Glides in its beauty towards the sea.
O, Thomas Davis, with deep devotion
We’ll cherish the name and fame of thee!

Michael Mullin ‘The Bard of Foremass’
Foremass Lower, Sixmilecross, Co. Tyrone.
First prize (10/-)