The Grave of Maccaura (MacCarthy Clan)

From The Irish Fireside, Volume 1, Number 2, July 9, 1883

At Callan, a pass, or an unfrequented route leading from Glancrought to Bantry, the country people point out a flat stone by a pathway, which they name as the burial place of Daniel MacCarthy, who fell there in an engagement with the FitzGeralds in 1261. The stone still preserves the traces of characters, which are, however, illegible. The Geraldines were defeated, and their leader, Thomas FitzGerald, and his son, eighteen barons, fifteen knights, and many others of his adherents slain. But the honour and advantage of victory were dearly purchased by the exulting natives, owing to the death of their brave and noble chieftain.

And this is thy grave, MacCaura!
Here by the pathway lone,
Where the thorn blossoms are bending
Over thy mouldered stone.
Alas! for the sons of glory!
Oh! thou of the darkened brow,
And the eagle plume, and the belted
clans, Is it here thour't sleeping now?

Oh! wild is the spot, MacCaura!
In which they have laid thee low,
The field where thy people triumphed
Over a slaughtered foe;
And loud was the banshee's wailing,
And deep was the clansman's sorrow,
When with bloody hands, and burning tears,
They buried thee here, MacCaura.

And now thy dwelling is lonely,
King of the rushing horde;
And now thy battles are over;
Chief of the shining sword!
And the rolling thunder echoes
O'er hill and valley free;
But alas! and alas! MacCaura,
it will not waken thee.

Farewell to thy grave, MacCaura!
Where the slanting sunbeams shine,
And the briar and waving fern
Over thy slumbers twine;
Thou whose gathering summons
Could waken the sleeping glen,
MacCaura! alas, for thee and thine,
It will never be heard again!