The Last Breath At Navan Fort

Beneath the still waters of this Blue Lough in County Monaghan  memories lie sleeping

Not far away in Armagh at Navan Fort, find the footprints of our ancient ancestors

Listen carefully for the whispers my friends they have foretold of hard times

Enjoy the stillness of these waters, for the storm gathers    

And 

McCann's Dog barked at Cuhulain

..."see the Ghost" said Murphy, 

McCann had no fear this evening

"He's owns this hill...this mighty fort" said Murphy, 

"it’s in the palm of his Red Hand,

and the mighty shield and sword of King Connor rests at his feet". 

"Did you know he sleeps with one eye open?"

The sun was setting over Navan Fort

Long before The High Kings of Ireland laid foundation stones for prayer

Long before St Patrick became a shepherd

Long before we breathed our first breath and whispered our last.

Meanwhile The Brown Bull of Cooley had foresaw

The Troubles along the border

Long before The Farms became planted, and took root

And the sun rose over Navan Fort as Ferdia and Cuchliann fought each other to the death

They had learnt their trade on Scathach’s Isle 

Each had undying allegiance to their Tribe.

And Copernicus centred that same sun 

A life-affirming force that my grandfather gave thanks on his knees for

The twenty-two and a quarter acres bog and grass.

Yes

Long before time became the light of stars

Murphy and McCann fought to the death 

Through their tears over that quarter acre.

The fight started as a 'wee thought'

About the sacred lough that held the treasure

Long before the sun warmed the hearts

Belonging to the ghosts that took flight over Armagh and into Monaghan

And back again