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The Enniskillen Dragoons
In 1689 Captain James Wynne was given the responsibility to form a cavalry regiment in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, known as The Royal Dragoons of Ireland. The primary objective of this regiment, soon better known as The Enniskillen Dragoons, was to guard over Protestant interest in Ulster during the Williamite War.
After the Williamite War the Enniskillen Dragoons were also deployed in France and Spain in the first decade of the eighteenth century.
In the eighteenth century the regiment was used for police services in Ireland. As a consequence the regiment scattered over the country which was disastrous for the discipline and effectiveness, and it was disbanded in 1799.
The regiment raised again in 1858 as the 5th Royal Irish Lancers and was sent to India and South Africa.
When the regiment returned to Ireland around 1900 several officers got entangled in a dilemma: although loyal to the Crown they, like many Ulstermen, opposed against Home Rule. The course of history overtook this dilemma because the introduction of Home Rule was postponed by the outbreak of the First World War. The Enniskillen Dragoons were deployed in Flanders during the Great War.
In the First World War it became clear that the days of traditional cavalry regiments were past. As a result the Enniskillen Dragoons were included in The Queen's Royal Lancers D Squadron.
Obviously the girl in the song is charmed by the looks of a Enniskillen Dragoon. Her parents condemn her choice for reasons unknown. Are they afraid that the lover got killed in the war, leaving their daughter heartbroken?
This is just one version of the many traditional versions of this song. Tommy Makem has replaced some verses and came up with his own version.
The Enniskillen Dragoons
| Title: The Enniskillen Dragoons |
| Author unknown |
| No recordings known |
Copyright Statement |
Fare thee well Enniskillen, fare thee well for a while
And all around the borders of Erin's green isle
And when the war is over we'll return in full bloom
And we'll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons
A beautiful damsel of fame and renown
A gentleman's daughter from Monaghan town
As she drove by the barracks this beautiful maid
Stood up in her coach to see Dragoons on parade
Fare thee well Enniskillen, fare thee well for a while
And all around the borders of Erin's green isle
And when the war is over we'll return in full bloom
And we'll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons
They were all dressed out like gentlemen's sons
Their fine shining sabres and their carbine guns
Their silver mounted pistols, she observed them full soon
Because she loved an Enniskillen Dragoon
Fare thee well Enniskillen, fare thee well for a while
And all around the borders of Erin's green isle
And when the war is over we'll return in full bloom
And we'll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons
Flora dear Flora your pardon I crave
It's now and forever that I'll be your slave
Your parents have insulted both morn, night and noon
Because you would wed an Enniskillen Dragoon
Fare thee well Enniskillen, fare thee well for a while
And all around the borders of Erin's green isle
And when the war is over we'll return in full bloom
And we'll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons
Willie dearest Willie don't heed what they say
For children their parents are bound to obey
But when the war is over they'll all change their tune
And you'll roll me in your arms by the light of the moon
Fare thee well Enniskillen, fare thee well for a while
And all around the borders of Erin's green isle
And when the war is over we'll return in full bloom
And we'll all welcome home the Enniskillen Dragoons