The Peeler & The Goat

Duirmuid O’Rían (Darby Ryan), of Bansha, Tipperary (c. 1777 - 1855)

In 1812 Sir Robert Peel established the Royal Irish Constabulatory.  Peel was a reformer and is credited with the modern concept of a police force, but his officers (nicknamed 'bobbies' or 'peelers' after him) were less than popular in Ireland. This was in part because of the penal laws, discriminating heavily against Catholics, that they were charged with enforcing. (Peel's forward thinking did not extend to Catholic emancipation.) Darby Ryan, 'The Bansha Bard', wrote this song in 1830 - loosely based on an incident on Bansha's main street - and by the end of the decade whistling it in the wrong company could get you much the same treatment the goat receives here...

 

Oh, a Bansha Peeler went out one night
On duty and patrolling, O,
He met a goat upon the road
And took her for being a strollin, O,
With baynet fix'd he sallied forth
And caught her by the wizzen, O,
And then swore out a mighty oath,
He'd send her off to prison, O.

Oh, mercy, sir! the goat replied,
And let me tell my story O
I am no rogue, no Ribbonman,
No Croppy, Whig, or Tory O;
I'm guilty not of any crime
Of petty or high treason O,
And I'm badly wanted at this time,
For it is the milkin season O.

It is in vain for to complain
Or give your tongue such bridle O,
You're absent from your dwellingplace,
Disorderly and idle O.
Your hoary locks will not prevail,
Nor your sublime oration O,
For Peeler's Act will you transport,
On your own information O.

No penal laws did I transgress
By deeds or combination O,
I have no certain place of rest,
No home or habitation O.
But Bansha is my dwellingplace,
Where I was bred and born O,
I'm descended from an honest race,
That's all the trade I've learned O.

I will chastise your insolence
And violent behaviour O;
Well bound to Cashel you'll be sent,
Where you will gain no favour O
The magistrates will all consent
To sign your condemnation O;
From there to Cork you will be sent
For speedy transportation O.

This parish an' this neighbourhood
Are peaceable and tranquil O;
There is no disturbance here, thank God!
And long may it continue so.
I don't regard your oath a pin,
Or sign for my committal O,
My jury will be gentlemen
And grant me my aquittal O.

The consequence be what it will,
A Peeler's power I'll let you know,
I'll handcuff you, at all events,
And march you off to Bridewell O.
And sure, you rogue, you can't deny 
Before the judge or jury O,
Intimidation with your horns,
And threatening me with fury O.

I make no doubt that you are drunk,
With whiskey, rum,or brandy O,
Or you wouldn't have such gallant spunk,
To be so bold and manly O.
You readily would let me pass
If I had money handy O,
To treat you to a poteen glass—
'Tis then I'd be the dandy O!