The Town of Carlow has been commemorated in the famous Irish folk song “Follow Me Up to Carlow”. It is a traditional sixteenth-century Irish rebel song.
So, the words were written by Patrick Joseph McCall (Irish poet and songwriter born in Dublin). Moreover, the original version is an Irish song celebrating the defeat of 3,000 English soldiers at the bloody battle of Glenmalure in the Wicklow Mountains in 1580. They were sent to capture Fiach Mac Hugh O’Byne and destroy his troops. So, the song was most likely performed by Fiach MacHugh pipers.
Below is the version of the song performed by an original, high-energy, traditional Celtic band “Fine Crowd”.
Fine Crowd – Follow Me Up To Carlow
Besides, author Patrick Joseph McCall also wrote many other songs, including “The Boys of Wexford”, “Boolavogue”, “The Lowlands Low” and “Kelly the Boy from Killarney”.
The main purpose of the song “Follow Me Up to Carlow” was to provide strong mobilization for future struggles. So, the words of the song called on the Irish to stop thinking about the past and to stop being afraid of British strength. Because they have the leader O’Byrne who can lead them to victory.
That’s why the chorus of the song is Fiach’s scream of the words “Follow Me Up to Carlow”. The song is a general call to arms, a call to rebel against British rule. McCall was a nationalist and liked to look at Ireland’s past as a way to provide inspiration for nationalists in the 19th century to take action to free themselves from British rule.
To this day, “Follow Me Up to Carlow” is a popular song with its irresistible charm, hypnotic melody, and lyrics with the mysterious intriguing power of mobilization.
What`s more, the song is performed by many Irish bands. Especially its performance by the band Planxty, who recorded it on their debut album.
Planxty – Follow Me Up To Carlow
Then, the song can be found on the albums of the Celtic rock band Young Dubliners.
It is also performed by such Irish musicians as Patrick “Paddy” Reilly, Irish folk singer and guitarist, one of the most famous Irish “balladeers”.
Furthermore, the song was also performed by The High Kings an Irish folk group formed in Dublin in 2008.
It was also recorded on his album Irish punk-folk band Blood or Whiskey.
Moreover, the Blood Axis – an American neo-folk band, that is one of the most controversial bands in the world.
Another band that performed this song is The Wolfe Tones which is an Irish rebel music band deeply rooted in Irish traditional music.
One of the newest versions of “Follow Me Up To Carlow” from 2018 was performed by The Temple Bar All-Stars.
Also, The Kilkennys, Ireland’s finest folk and ballad group also recorded “Follow Me Up to Carlow” in 2018.
Featured image photo I took in County Carlow Military Museum.
