Sean South From Garryowen lyrics guitar chords

​"Sean South from Garryowen" is an Irish republican ballad written to commemorate Seán South, a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) who died during a raid on Brookeborough barracks in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, on January 1, 1957. The song is a tribute to his sacrifice for Irish nationalism, and it became a staple of republican and nationalist music.

Historical Background

• Seán South was from Limerick, not Garryowen specifically, but Garryowen is a district in Limerick and a term that evokes Irish pride and identity.
• On New Year’s Day 1957, South and fellow IRA member Fergal O’Hanlon were killed during a poorly executed attack on a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) barracks as part of the Border Campaign (1956-1962), which sought to end British rule in Northern Ireland.

Song Meaning and Themes

1. Martyrdom:
   The song portrays Seán South as a martyr for the cause of Irish unity. He is depicted as someone who gave his life willingly for the goal of a free and united Ireland.
   
2. Nationalism and Pride:
   The song is steeped in Irish nationalist sentiment, celebrating not just South’s sacrifice but also the bravery and determination of all those who fought for Irish freedom.
   
3. Tragic Heroism:
   South is depicted as a tragic hero whose death, while devastating, is framed as noble and meaningful in the struggle for independence. His death became symbolic of the IRA’s fight during the mid-20th century.
   
4. Cultural Identity:
   The reference to Garryowen and the stirring melody evoke a strong sense of Irish cultural pride, tying South’s actions to a long tradition of resistance and struggle.
   

Notable Lyrics"It was on a dreary New Year’s Eve,
As the shades of night came down,
A lorry load of volunteers
Approached a border town."
These opening lines immediately set the scene, framing the story as one of bravery and sacrifice.

Controversy and Legacy

• The song is beloved by many who identify with the Irish republican cause, but it is also seen as divisive in some circles, especially given the violent nature of the events it references.
• Despite its political nature, it remains a popular folk song, performed at Irish gatherings and commemorations.

This is an Irish Rebel song [ I.R.A. ]. Written by Sean Costello. Sean South From Garryowen Tin Whistle Sheet Music .The Wolfe Tones made this song famous throughout the world. The air of the song is ''Roddy McCorley Tune'' and I have recorded it myself to show you how to play the chords on guitar. I use the key of D Major. The song was also recorded by Scottish band Charlie And The Bhoys, Irish country singer Dermot O'Brien, Rebel group The Druids, Eire Og, The Blarney Pilgrims, The Celtic Rebels, Tipperary group Rebel Hearts, The Irish Ramblers, Declan Hunt, Terry O'Neill, Blackthorn and Masterless Men to name a few. It's one of the most recorded Irish rebel songs of all time.​ Sean South from Garryowen tenor guitar / mandola tab in CGDA included.

Poem before the song.
​
Sad are the homes around Garryowen, since they lost their gal land pride,
but the banshee cry, rings every vale along the Shannon side, that city of the ancient walls, the broken treaty stone, on dying fame surrounds your name Sean South From Garryowen.

Lyrics And Chords Of Sean South
It[D] was on a dreary new year's eve as the[G] shades of night came[D] down,
A[D] lorry load of[G] volun[D]teers approched the border [A]town,
There was[D] men from Dublin[G] and from [D]Cork,Fermanagh[G] and Ty[A]rone,
And their[D] leader was a Limerick man Sean[G] South from[D] Garryowen

[2]
And as they moved along the streets up to the barrack door,
They scorned the danger they might face,the fate that lay in store,
They were fighting for old Ireland,to claim their very own,
And the foremost of that gallant band was South from Garryowen.

[3]
But the sergent foiled their daring plan,he spied them through the door,
Then the Sten guns and the rifles a hail of death did pour,
And when that auful night was past,two men lay as cold as stone,
There was one from near the border,and one from Garryowen.

​[4]
No more he'll hear the seagull cry o're the murmuring Shannon tide,
For he fell beneath a Northern sky,brave Hanlon by his side,
They have gone to join that gallant band of Plunkett Pearse and Tone,
A martyr for old Ireland,Sean South from Garryowen

Here's the guitar chords in the key of G Major in case my version in D doesn't suit your voice.
​It[G] was on a dreary new year's eve as the[C] shades of night came[G] down,
A[G] lorry load of[C] volun[G]teers approached the border [D]town,
There was[G] men from Dublin[C] and from [G]Cork,Fermanagh[C] and Ty[D]rone,
And their[G] leader was a Limerick man Sean[C] South from[G] Garryowen.

Back to The Wolfe Tones Lyrics And Chords

He was born in limerick city where 
the shannon waters flow
A lad of princely bearing, 
as everybody knows
He loved his native language, 
because it was his own
Oh let irishmen ne'er forget 
Sean south of garryowen
As christmas eve was dawning near
he faced our ancient foe
But many had greeted him that day
for few had seen him go
But when his reddled body
Came home to rest among his own
There were thousands there to welcome back
Sean South from Garryowen
The wee ones in Fermanagh homes
Are asking where your gone
Where is the red haired soldier now
who spoke our Gaelic tongue
Beside the fire he drew for us
and spoke of Pearse and Tone
Oh mammt will we meet again
Sean South from Garryowen
A Sheain a ghra your resting now
with Ireland's noble dead
While Ulster fields are crimson
with the blood you gladly shed
May the God who reigns in heaven
take you to his kingly throne
And may Irishmen remember well
Sean South from Garryowen

Taken from The Republican paper , 'The United Irishman' in 1957.
The writer remains unknown as with many rebel song writers,

​Sean South from Garryowen tenor guitar / mandola tab in CGDA Tuning and in the key of G.

Sean South photo with blue sky

Sean South From Garryowen

​Sean South from Garryowen guitar tab