Cuchulainn's Son (A tribute to Nicky Rackard) ; WILLIAMS Tom

As a Wexford man, hurling is in my blood. There are more modern, more raucous songs than this, reflecting a more recent generation of heroes, but this tribute to Nicky Rackard is, to me, the definitive Wexford hurling song.

What I wouldn't have given to be in Wexford Park this weekend to hear George Lawlor sing it. I have to settle for a more produced version from a few years ago:

On another note, George sang another Wexford standard, "Boolavogue", as myself and my family carried my father's coffin out of the church last November. My father and George were friends and comrades for many years - there wasn't a Labour poster in living memory that one or both of them hadn't got their hands on at some point.

Cuchulainn's Son (A tribute to Nicky Rackard)
The challenge of an ancient game
Brought glory, glory to your name
Though March winds blew the crowds still came
To watch you gentle hero.
In life's long march you made us proud
And many a voice from out the crowd
Called out your name aloud, aloud
An echo still resounding.
Chorus:
And Blackstairs men who saw you then
Still speak of you in awe,
On Carman's green where you had been
They tell of what they saw,
We watched you on September fields
And lightning was the drive
You were the one Cuchulainn's son in 1955.
The hand that held the stick of ash,
And the man who led with style and dash,
Oh! Carrigtwohill once felt the crash
And Bennettsbridge and Thurles.
And when in later life you beat
The devil on that lonely street
You showed us how to take defeat
With dignity and courage.
(Chorus)
The last parade was sad and slow
The last oration spoken low
And as, on green fields long ago
The Diamond stood beside you
Old friends they flanked you side by side
And the tears they shed were tears of pride
An ash tree toppled when you died
And scattered seeds at random.
(Chorus)