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This poem by the late Dan McKendry,
A prolific poet, will stir some memories for folks living in the Armoy district. It's entitled...
'Homely Armoy'
I've been in and around Armoy so good,
On Armoy's scenic bridge I've often stood;
I've had many friends and delicious food,
Had an odd wee drink in a happy mood:
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
You've had talented sons and daughters grand,
Sure a jolly dance and the Park flute band;
Your River Bush, Knocklayde and scenic land,
Bushside, the bonnie glen, so close at hand:
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
Full of history, from Army to the Drones,
Ancient battles and local heroes bones;
Village business booming and some bank loans,
Farm, trade and sport and conciliatory tones:
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
McBrides, McCooks, Joey Dunlop of speed,
Glenshesk of beauty where the birdies feed;
Robinson, McLaughlin and the ‘boulder' heed,
This Country Antrim village has no greed:
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
You will get a salmon and a cup of tea,
“A drap o' poteen”, though too strong for me;
Kennedy, Carson, Stewart, another three,
A hardy village like a strong oak tree:
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
Molleys in the Diamond, lovely ice-cream,
Brennan and Shaw of Chatnam wading the stream;
Chasing the rabbits with a torch's beam,
Fairest wee village like a heavenly dream:
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
Near here, ‘The Singing Farmer; of great fame;
A sporting gun to the challenge of game;
An odd wee fight, to attach no blame,
Armoy, to me you have remained the same:
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
A song, a joke and those young girls so coy,
A poem, a yarn and the bold courint boy;
The school and church, a real true Christian joy,
The drums and flutes never seem to annoy:
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
I'm leaving Armoy, much against my will,
To this village I'll always owe a bill;
I may travel far, climb over the hill,
But dearest Armoy I will love you still;
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
From your lovely village I have got gain,
Your good folk blessed by sunshine and rain;
I've came back to you again and again,
My love for you in my heart I retain;
Homely Armoy, you call me back again.
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