“The Wee Duck (The Duck from Drummuck)”

Description

"I once had a duck when I lived in Drummuck, I was quite in luck when I lived in that land." The duck, said to be related to (Nell) Flaherty's drake, is said to be very productive -- but now has been stolen. The singer will keep better guard hereafter

Notes

If "Nell Flaherty's Drake" is about Robert Emmet, then this song presumably is about some later freedom fighter. The song mentions "the year forty-nine," so presumably 1849 (i.e. the aftermath of the 1848 revolt) -- but the leaders of that revolt, such as John Mitchel (for whom see "John Mitchel"), William Smith O'Brien (for whom see "The Shan Van Voght (1848") and Thomas Meagher (for whom see "The Escape of Meagher") , were transported rather than imprisoned. - RBW

Cross references

References

  1. SHenry H228a, pp. 19-20, "The Duck from Drummuck" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Roud #5075
  3. BI, HHH228a

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1928 (Sam Henry collection)
Found in: Ireland