Ye men of the Banner County,
Now closely watch today,
And vote for your ancestors
In an independent way.

The seat is between two contests,
Their names you all did hear.
One is a Castle servant
And the other DeValeer.

Hold up your heads, strong parents;
Pay heed to what I say.
But for this noble heroes,
Your sons would be forced away.

To fight the gallant German,
Who no power on earth do fear.
So on Tuesday next be sure and vote
For your man DeValeer.

He fought in the Rebellion
With his gallant comrades dear.
So don’t forget to pay the debt
For your man DeValeer.

"Coming as it did hard on the heels of the Easter Rebellion, the East Clare by-election of 1917 played a vital part in the movement towards Irish Independence. Held at the time of the First World War, the election was fought largely on a pro-German ticket on the basis of 'my enemy's enemy is my friend'. Newly released from prison and having narrowly avoided execution for his part in the Rebellion, Eamon DeValera easily took the seat with a resounding majority of nearly 3,000 votes, against his opponent Patrick Lynch."

The above commentary, lyrics and recording are taken from ‘Around the Hills of Clare: Songs and Recitations from the Jim Carroll and Pat Mackenzie Collection’ (2004) Musical Traditions Records MTCD331-2/Góilín Records 005-6.

See also
The East Clare Election sung by Martin Howley