Sean South - The Wolfe Tones (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins

Sean South - The Wolfe Tones (Cover) by Seth Staton Watkins

"Sean South", also known as "Sean South of Garryowen", was written by Sean Costello to the tune of another republican ballad "Roddy McCorley" and made famous by the Wolfe Tones. Seán South was a member of the Pearse Column of the Irish Republican Army, and was fatally wounded during the attack on Brookeborough barracks in 1957. The words to this song were first published in the Irish Catholic newspaper within a week of South's death.

I think it important to note that while I admire the sentiment expressed in the song, I hold no admiration for Sean South. South was a reactionary Catholic, an Irish republican zealot, and an outspoken anti-Semite. He admired the writings of the British fascist A.K. Chesterton, and associated with members of Irish fascist party, Ailtirí na hAiséirghe. His reactionary Catholicism was considered extreme at the time even among other devote conservative Catholics. Aside from the sentiments expressed in this song, my own beliefs stand in stark contrast to those of Sean South. However, I sing this song out of reverence for all the martyrs from the last 800 years who died fighting for Irish independence.

Here are the lyrics if you want to sing along:
T'was on a dreary New Years Eve
As the shades of night came down
A lorry load of volunteers approached the border town
There were men from Dublin and from Cork, Fermanagh and Tyrone
And the leader was a Limerick man - Sean South from Garryowen

As they moved along the street up to the barracks door
They scorned the danger they might face
Their fate that lay in store
They were fighting for old Ireland to claim their very own
And the foremost of that gallant band
Was South from Garryowen

But the sergeant spoiled their daring plan
He spied them trough the door
The Sten guns and the rifles too a hail of death did pour
And when that awful night had passed
Two men lay cold a s stone
There was one from near the border and one from Garryowen

No more he will hear the seagull's cry
Over the murmuring Shannon tide
For he fell beneath a Northern sky brave Hanlon by his side
They have gone to join that gallant band
Of Plunkett, Pearse and Tone
A martyr for old Ireland
Sean South from Garryowen

[spmoran]

I love the Wolf Tones . Sean South is still remembered in Limerick. You did a good job of this tune brother . Slante . 🇨🇮

[persianprince]

This is amazing Seth! Thanks for bringing back the rebel songs! ✊✊✊🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[Teajay]

I appreciate that you include historical context for many of your songs I find it only improves my enjoyment of them! Your cover is always wonderful, for a while I was only listening to your songs I was already familiar with & I'm so glad I branched out.

[cathanmccann]

This is no joke my favourite song iv been waiting for ages for this cover 🇮🇪 🇮🇪🇮🇪

[marshwalker]

This song was the first Irish song I had intentionally listened to like twenty years ago that got me more intrigued into the music and your rendition just gave me the chills and the wonderful feeling of discovery all over again. Beautifully done, Seth!

[arjunramakanth]

OH MY GODS! THIS IS ONE OF MY TWO FAVORITE SONGS! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS

[DUltras]

Would be cool with a cover of Kincaird's "The Irish volunteer" 😃

[nullset]

I wouldn't get into the habit of adding disclaimers for every Irish song about a reactionary Catholic. You'll find quite a few!
Beautiful cover btw.

[deathbyhotsauce]

Thank you Seth, another wonderful song

[wilhelm]

The Wolfe Tones are the best but you sure do a damn fine job, always a fan good sir

[BK-csgv]

Spot on with the extra context in the description.

[themin]

Only just come across you Seth , sing it loud brother 🇮🇪🤘✊️

[jacobwassegi]

Seth, if i may ask a question how does it feel for you singing about a man you don't admire? I mean you did a respectable job even tough you don't admire him i still feel the emotion of this song.

[johnnyk]

Come on Limerick, 3-in-a-row All-Ireland hurling champions. Luimneach Abu!!!!

[BoB]

Well done man, like all your song's .

[thorin]

An amazing song like always, kept up the good stuff.

[WaynettePorter]

Streets of New York, Field Behind the Plow (Stan Rogers) or Kilkelly, Ireland would be good songs. Kilkelly did something rare the first time I heard it. I brought a tear to my eye. Part of that has to do with one of my non-musical passions, genealogy.

[Grovezy]

Please do Botany Bay by the Irish Rovers

[patrickmcdonald]

I think you should try Thousands Are Sailing by The Pogues!

[Nobert]

Bro you have to put more stuff on Spotify I need it