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This poem 'In Exile' was written by Percy French circa 1903. Percy French spent time in Achill between 1900-1910, he stayed in the Slievemore Hotel. He did several paintings of Achill and Mayo. One of his paintings was named 'In Achill Sound - Co. Mayo' and another was named 'Wherever I go my Heart turns back to the County Mayo' - no doubt referring to his time in Achill!

The poem was written in London and describes him dreaming about being back in Achill - The Island of his Dreams. 2020 marked the 100th anniversary of
Percy French's death.

lyrics

This London sky is dull and grey;
A storm of sleet and rain
Is beating dismally today
Upon my window-pane.
On wings of fancy let me stray
To Summer shores again.


Once more the fresh Atlantic breeze
Its friendly greeting cries;
Afar across the azure seas
The cliffs of Achill rise
And cloudland's countless pageantries
Sweep thro' the sunlit skies.


The distance fills with misty hills,
Alternate gleam and gloom;
I see again the purple plain
Bestarred with golden broom,
Whilst at my feet the meadowsweet
Pours forth its faint perfume.


So when along the Achill Sound
The summer sunset gleams,
And when the heather bells are found,
Beside the mountain streams,
I'll seek thy shore and live once more,
Oh, island of my dreams!

I'll seek thy shore and live once more,
Achill Island of my dreams!

credits

from Oile​á​n m'Aislingí / Island of my Dreams, released October 24, 2022
Lyrics: Percy French
Music: John 'Twin' McNamara
Musical accompaniment: Caoilte Ó Cuanaigh (Guitar)

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John Twin McNamara

John 'Twin' McNamara is one of Achill’s most important historians, folklorists and collector of songs, poetry and stories associated with Achill and its connections to significant aspects of our local and national cultural heritage. His life has been dedicated to the promotion of Achill and in particular its language, music, and culture. He was the driving force behind the revival of Scoil Acla, ... more

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