Village of the Three Generals
St Johnstown, or Ballinalee
From where the three generals hail
Monroe, Wilson and McEoin
Two Scotsmen, one of the Gael.
All men brave in their own way
By their enemies feared and respected
Europe, America and Ireland
Their destinies by them affected.
The Huran, the German and the Tans
Met them as a worthy foe
Their deeds, their meekness, their leadership
Are their merits that others know.
Wilson, defiant, was shot by the IRA
Monroe died of guilt that was not his to confess
Mac Eoin lived to die as an old man, died natural death
Did God on him and his cause approve and bless?
Verse 1 / Line 3
George Monroe of Fort William Henry, Major Gen Sir Henry Wilson, Field Marshall of British Forces in WWI, and Sean Mac Eoin, rebel leader in the 1922 war.Verse 2 / Line 3
Wilsons campaign to defeat Germany had effct at Versailles, the defeat of Fort William Henry had affect on North American history and weakened Englands hold on the colonies, and Sean Mac Eoins spirited fighting helped free Ireland.Verse 3 / Line 3
None were bombastic carachters, all known for fairness in battle.Verse 4 / Line 1
Henry Wison was shot by the IRA. He had tried to set up an army to retake the Free State but was overruled by the king.Verse 4 / Line 2
Monroe blamed himself for the Huron massacre after the retreat from Fort William Henry. It was not his fault, but his anguish was blamed for the heart attack that killed him.Verse 4 / Line 4
Though I am anti-Treaty myself, I cant resist a political dig at the end!!!