God Save Ireland

On 18 September 1867, a group of 20–30 men effected the escape of two Fenian prisoners by ambushing the carriage transporting them to Belle Vue Gaol in Manchester.

One of the five, Edward O'Meagher Condon, concluded his speech from the dock with the words "God Save Ireland", a motto taken up by supporters in the public gallery.

[3][2] The lyrics to "God Save Ireland" written by Timothy Daniel Sullivan were first published on 7 December 1867, the day before the Martyrs' funeral.

[7] John McCormack, an Irish tenor residing in the United States, had a big hit with the number, making the first of his popular phonograph records of it in 1906.

[8] The heavily wounded Cathal Brugha who was presumed dead was discovered by Commandant Éamonn Ceannt singing the song with his pistol still in hand.

Girt around with cruel foes, still their courage proudly rose, For they thought of hearts that loved them far and near; Of the millions true and brave o'er the ocean's swelling wave, And the friends in holy Ireland ever dear.

Climbed they up the rugged stair, rang their voices out in prayer, Then with England's fatal cord around them cast, Close beside the gallows tree kissed like brothers lovingly, True to home and faith and freedom to the last.