Remembering those who have gone before us, and paved the way for us here in America, is important in this little corner of the world wide web.
Today I have a lovely immigrant tale to share with you, one that is memorialized in a touching folk song that tugs on the heartstrings.
Erin, a reader in Shasta County, California, sent me a link for her beautiful song, The Turf O' Tullamore, dedicated to her great-great-grandfather, who immigrated to America from Tullamore, County Offaly.
Erin has also offered a copy of her latest music CD as a prize for a lucky reader to win. But before sharing the details of how to enter, let's first learn about Erin's inspiration for this lovely song, and listen to her beautiful music.
The Immigrant Tale Of George Convy From Tullamore:
According to Erin's family legend, her ancestor George Convy brought a priceless souvenir with him when he left Ireland for America.
Amongst his belongings he lovingly packed a piece of Irish turf in his trunk, when preparing for his long voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
He finally settled in the Western United States, but he never forgot his home in Ireland.
When nostalgia struck, and those sentimental waves of homesickness washed over him, he'd pour himself a glass or two or three of whiskey.
Inevitably he would find that sod of turf from the home country, and shed a tear or two as he held that piece of beloved Irish sod.
Erin says this tune is a tribute to her great-great-grandfather, and her ancestors in the Old Country. She has grown to appreciate her Irish roots more and more as she delves deeper and deeper into Irish history and stories of the past.
Folk Song Tribute To An Irish Immigrant:
And so without further ado, here's Erin's beautiful tribute to her Irish great-great-grandfather, an Offaly man from Tullamore.
Here are the lyrics if you would like to take time and read them slowly and thoughtfully. There's so much emotion wrapped up in these lovely verses.
Lyrics For the Turf O' Tullamore
by Erin Friedman
Into the West, land of the free,
In freedom fair, will I e'er a stranger be.
So up the stairs I climb,
Open up the trunk and find,
The piece of home
I carried 'cross the sea.
Weeping o'er the Turf o' Tullamore,
Exiles both: the Irish sod and I.
This Turf o' Tullamore
Will know my bones forevermore,
Sweeten my grave when I die,
When I die.
For my sons, I made a pledge
They'll not beg the Crown
For soup or daily bread.
And there's days I understand
The promise in this Promised Land
And days I fill my glass with my regrets.
Weeping o'er the Turf o' Tullamore,
Exiles both: the Irish sod and I.
This Turf o' Tullamore
Will know my bones forevermore,
Sweeten my grave when I die,
When I die.
When I take my final rest
Place the Turf o' Tullamore upon my breast.
And sweet, the dream I'll dream,
Home to Erin's fields of green.
By the Shannon's holy waters,
I'll be blessed.
Weeping o'er the Turf o' Tullamore,
Exiles both: the Irish sod and I.
This Turf o' Tullamore
Will know my bones forevermore,
Sweeten my grave when I die,
When I die.
Many thanks to Erin for sharing her great-great-grandfather's nostalgic American journey. Reminiscing stirs such warm fond memories from our past. Yet, these emotions are bittersweet, full of love and happy comforting thoughts, all the while tinged with sadness upon remembering all that was left behind.
Erin, you captured these unique Irish American sentiments so poignantly in your song. I truly appreciate you sharing it with us here.
About Erin and Craig Friedman:
Singer-songwriter Erin Friedman is part of a musical duo from Shasta County in Northern California. She loves to play with words, music and the truth.
Her music hangs out on the corner where traditional country meets modern folk. Erin teams with her husband, bass player and vocalist, Craig Friedman, to form the duo Still Married.
The Giveaway:
One lucky reader will win a music CD from Erin and her husband Craig, who form the folk music duo, Still Married.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday, August 4th, 2019.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you have a similar immigrant tale in your family's history.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Sunday, August 4th, 2019, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
Many thanks to everyone for stopping by to check out this beautiful folk song and tribute to Irish immigrants to America.
And many, many thanks to Erin for sharing her talent and family story with us today,and for sponsoring this prize.
Winner Chosen
Our lucky winners were randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner plug-in by WordPress. Congratulations to:
Deirdre O'Brien
I’ll be in touch to arrange mailing of your prize, Deirdre.
Many thanks to all who supported this little Irish American Mom giveaway. Wishing Erin and Craig every success with their music.
If you enjoy reading about Irish immigrants in America here are some more articles you might like to check out.
19th Century Irish Immigrants Who Made Multiple Journeys To America
US Infrastructure And The Extraordinary Legacy Of Irish American Immigrants
Grandpop Was An Immigrant – Guest Post By Phyllis Easterbrook
Did Irish Immigrants In America Ever Return To Their Homeland?
Are My Children Irish Or American?
And don't forget that if you too have an immigrant tale you would like to share, why not submit it for publication here.
Irish American Immigrant Tales Submission Form
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
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Sheila
Thanks to Erin for a chance to win her beautiful music CD. This is a poignant tribute to her great great grandfather.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sheila - this song is truly a beautiful way to memorialize Erin's forefather.
Many thanks for checking out this immigrant tale.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary
Another chance to be ever closer to our Irish roots is a goal of mine. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. Blessings, Mary
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - thanks for stopping by to connect with your Irish roots through my ramblings and giveaways. This is a lovely story of illustrating no matter how long and Irish person may be in America, he or she will always feel connected to the homeland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jeff
Beautiful song! I guess that it kinda explains the heartfelt attachment that many people, native Irish and non-native Irish and others have for that island.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeff - Even when born in America, people of Irish descent always seem to hear Ireland calling. This song illustrates that sentiment so poignantly.
Take care,
Mairéad
Maureen Koebel
Beautiful song. I got chills listening to it. So touching. Thank you for sharing this with your readers.
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - I've listened to the recording over and over as I prepared this piece, and each time it brings a tear to my eye.
All the best,
Mairéad
Martha
It is nice to see and hear about Offaly in a song. When I came to America and would meet up with other Irish people and say that I was from Offaly the usual answer was, 'I never heard of Offaly' - shameful but true. I would launch into a Birr Castle history lesson telling about the largest telescope in the world built in 1845 by then Lord Rosse - and all the other great stories of Birr, Co. Offaly and still people thought Offaly did not exist. Now, of course, Birr is well known not only for the afore-mentioned telescope but also for the ILoFar telescope built in 2017 AND the fact that there are now Redwood trees growing on the castle grounds brought over from California AND, finally, we have a Vintage Week Festival that has been ongoing one week each year in August for the past 52 years. Birr is a great place and not far from Tullamore which of course is the home of Irish Dew Whiskey. What more would anyone want? I enjoyed the turf story and wish I had thought to do the same. Thank you, Mairead and Erin and Craig for a sad/happy story in song.
Irish American Mom
Hi Martha - Offaly may be a relatively small county near the center of Ireland, but it should be known the world over. I love all the wonderful places and events you highlighted for us. And don't forget Clonmacnoise, the beautiful monastic ruins on the banks of the River Shannon.
Thanks so much for checking out this song and story.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deedee
What a beautiful song! Reminds me of my sweet beautiful grandmother who immigrated to the USA as a young child. Back late 1880’s. Ireland never left her heart and was sure to teach all her 14 children and 46 grandchildren that Ireland is our home. And never forget it, she’d say.
Thank you again for the song. Beautifully written and sang.
Irish American Mom
Hi Deedee - What a wonderful family story of how your grandmother instilled a love of Ireland in all her many children and grandchildren. Ireland is our home, and around here, we'll never forget it. I'm so glad this song reminded you of your grandmother.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathy
What a beautiful and touching tribute by Erin Friedman to her great-great grandfather and her ancestors. As someone who, with my sister and niece, is currently researching our family origins in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, this song reminds me of the sacrifices my family members made when they left their ancestral homes for the unknown land, seeking a better life for their children and descendants.
Thank you for sharing this. I will have to look for more music from Erin and her husband.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathy - Erin and Craig's music is lovely. I too enjoyed listening to this tribute. Erin's lyrics so beautifully capture her ancestor's longing and nostalgia for the land he left behind.
Thanks for stopping by,
Mairéad
Dineen Muniz
My Great Grandparents left Ireland for a better life in America, but I always think how hard it was for them to leave the land of their birth and their family. I finally was able to go to Ireland and I felt like I was home from all the stories passed down from generation to generation. Beautiful song.
Irish American Mom
Hi Dineen - I'm delighted you had the opportunity to visit Ireland, and that it felt like home. All those stories handed down through the generations help bind us to our heritage. We communicate so easily today it's hard for us to comprehend the great loss of connection to family and home which our ancestors endured.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deirdre OBrien
Beautiful tribute to your great great grandfather. My parents also emigrated in the 1960’s with 4 children. We used to always talk about moving back someday but well it never happened. We do visit all our Irish relatives quite often. Beautiful people and so scenic. Good luck to you and your music. ☘️
Irish American Mom
Hi Deirdre - I think many families, like yours, moved to America with the ultimate plan of moving back to Ireland. For most it never happens, but staying in touch with those we leave behind is so much easier nowadays. And traveling over and back is much easier than in days gone by. I remember back in the 199's, my phone bill home was over $100 per month, and I didn't have a huge monthly wage. So much easier to chat away to folks at home these days, thanks to the internet.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sandi
I would love to hear other stories like this, from my family also!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sandi - I also love these stories of the past. I'm always delighted when readers contact me with their 'immigrant tales' from days gone by. It's important to record these stories, as a written social history. Many families have oral storytelling traditions, but as time is passing these stories are being lost. Thanks for stopping by,
Mairéad
Sue
No immigrant tale that I know of within my family but the recent trip to Ireland tugged at my roots. Enjoyed some beautiful small concerts while there and was captivated by the haunting music of Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sue - Irish music is truly captivating. Lovely to hear that Ireland tugged at your roots and it sounds like it tugged on your musical heart strings also. So glad you had an enjoyable and memorable trip.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lury
I type this with tears in my eye such a beautiful song/story. I to have Irish roots and for our 20 anniversary my wonderful husband took me to Ireland as he said he would when we married. This year he has surprised me an planned a trip to Donegal and northern ireland for our 33 anniversary we have so fallen in love with the people, beauty and history of the magical island. Thank you Irish American Mom and Erin and Craig for share your stories with us.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lury - What a wonderful surprise for your next wedding anniversary - an unexpected second trip to Ireland. Donegal and Northern Ireland are fantastic destinations, with so much to see and do. This trip is an amazing gift. I hope you have a wonderful time there and that your feelings of connection to Ireland are rekindled and deepened while you are there.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and happy travels.
Mairéad
Colleen Williams
Turf brings memories! Living in the southern US , college football 🏈 is part of our autumn lifestyle. When the University of Tennessee changed out their football playing field back in the early 1990’s, we purchased a section of the infamous AstroTurf (framed and all)!
Ah the good ol’ college memories!
Have a wonderful day
Irish American Mom
Hi Colleen - Nice to hear that you have paid tribute to your college memories by framing some of the turf from the University of Tennessee - what a great idea. I hope you too have a great day.
All the best,
Mairéad
Liam "sourdoe"
Thaistil mo sheanathair mar stoker ar long guail agus bhí sé
fostaithe mar "thairiscint" do vaigín dóiteáin a tharraing capaill Philadelphia.
Tugadh ardú céime dó
tillerman ar chriú "crúca agus dréimire"
Bhí sé ina tillerman maith a d'oibrigh le grúpa de scoundrels Éireannacha chun a lán saol a shábháil.
Bhí an dán seo aige:
"Our Fire Horses.
Glorious in áilleacht agus i seirbhís;
Cairde dílse
Ní féidir linn glaoch orthu balbh
Toisc gur labhair siad i ngníomhais
I ngach uair an chloig de chontúirt
Cuimhneachán suthain
"Enshrines" a ndílseacht agus a misneach
Irish American Mom
Go hálainn ar fad, a Liam. Obair thábhachtach a bhí ag do sheanathair and a chairde. Agus is iontach an scéal seo agus an dán seo.
Míle buíochas,
Mairéad
For readers who don't understand or read Irish, Liam is telling us about his grandfather who came to America as a stoker on a ship. He was employed as a tillerman on a horse drawn fire wagon in Philadelphia, and worked with a group of other Irish men. He had a poem about his job. Here's my rough translation:
Our Fire Horses
Glorious in beauty and in service,
Faithful friends,
We cannot call them dumb,
Because they spoke in deeds,
In each hour of danger,
Perpetual memorial,
Enshrines their loyalty and courage.
All the best, and thanks for adding your family story to our discussion.
Mairéad
Lynn
What a lovely tribute, and a sad song. No matter where people come from, there seems to be a longing for the land of their ancestors. I'm sorry her grandfather seemed to have lifelong regret in leaving Ireland, and I hope he found love and peace in the U.S. despite his sorrow.
My great grandfather fell in love with a woman from Wales, brought her to Ireland, and one of their children was my grandmother, who eventually had my mother. They all moved to the U.S. for more opportunities, as many have. We have Crowleys, Kellihers, and Flannagans in our family tree, mainly from County Cork and County Antrim. My mother married an Italian man, and she would often say she had Ireland in her blood and Italy in her heart. 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Lynn - I think a longing for the land of our ancestors is a universal human story, no matter where we live or where we were born. Your Crowley and Kelliher ancestors definitely have names that are from County Cork. I love your mother's saying explaining how Ireland is in her blood, and Italy in her heart. My father's family moved to America in the 1940's and 1950's. He was one of 13 children and 7 of them moved to America. So like you, my family has many ties to Ireland and America. Many thanks for sharing your family story.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Lisa Lalik
Erin, Thank you so very much for sharing your beautiful heartfelt song. I am working at tracing my ancestry and while listening to the song I thought about my Third great grandfather and what must have been in his fifteen year old heart as he left his home and family behind in Dublin. The courage our brave ancestors displayed is a testament we should all keep alive in our lives and future.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lisa - Our ancestors were truly brave and courageous when they left Ireland, knowing it was pretty much for sure, they would never see their homeland again. They left not knowing what lay before them in America, but determined to eek out a living in the New World. Thanks so much for listening to Erin's beautiful song and tribute.
All the best,
Mairéad
Joan
A beautiful tribute to her great great grandfather. Lovely words.
Joan
Irish American Mom
Hi Joan - The lyrics of this song are like poetry - a beautiful tribute in word and song to a brave man.
Take care, and thanks as always, for stopping by.
Mairéad
Jane
How true-"...nothing compared to true stories of our ancestors."
Thank you for the sweet memories!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jane - These true stories definitely tug on the heart strings and help us record our Irish American social history.
Many thanks for stopping by,
Mairéad
Marion
Mairead this is so beautiful. I imagine this is the way all immigrants feel.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - I agree that all immigrants are probably lonely when they first come to a new country.I know I was very homesick when I first came to America from Ireland. When I first arrived in New York City I had trouble cashing the bankers draft I had brought from Ireland to help pay a deposit for an apartment. I had to take it to a specific bank way downtown. At lunchtime from work I hailed a taxi to take me there. I sat in the back seat and burst out crying. The taxi man was so nice. He took me to the bank and even waited for me to cash my check and took me straight back to work. I remember his advice when he dropped me off - "give it time, and everything will get better." Luckily, there was no such thing as 'taxicab confessions' when I was in NYC.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deborah
What a lovely tribute to her great great grandfather.!
Irish American Mom
Hi Deborah - Thanks for checking out this song and for supporting our little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
m
it is so pure and wonderful thanking you for sharing that piece of love and tribute
Irish American Mom
And thank you for reading this post and listening to this poignant song.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Thank You for this lovely giveaway.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - It's great to be able to share these lovely prizes with readers and to introduce beautiful music like this. Musical duos, like Erin and Craig, may not be widely known in today's viral video sharing world, but their music deserves a wide audience.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Veronica Koebel
Such a beautiful song. Poignant.
Irish American Mom
Thanks for listening, Veronica.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Marge
Such a lovely memory to preserve and pass on to the ancestor’s descendants. Good on yez!
Irish American Mom
Hi Marge - Recording these stories is so important, and Erin has not only written the tale, but put it to music. I commend her for creating this lovely family heirloom through song.
All the best,
Mairéad
Erin Friedman
I think the kindest, sweetest people in all the internet are hanging out here on the Irish American Mom blog. I was honored when you said you would feature my song, and was thoroughly impressed by the way you wrote about it and the graphics you created. But I am COMPLETELY blown away by the sweet, kindhearted comments from your readers. Every word, every shared story, is precious to me. I am grateful for this chance to share my music and to connect with such lovely folks.
Thank you so very much for listening.
Erin
Irish American Mom
Hi Erin - I couldn't agree with you more - the readers around this little corner of the internet are amazing. Their comments always bring a smile to my face, and sometimes a tear to my eye. I'm thrilled to hear you like the graphics I created for this post. I'm honored you shared your song with us and allowed me use your lyrics to create these visuals. And thank you for sponsoring this prize. Your music is lovely, and perfect for this community.
Wishing you continued success with your music.
Mairéad
Jane Petz
I have Irish ancestors but know very little about them. It is really a blessing for those that do.
That was a very beautiful tribute to your great grandfather..
Irish American Mom
Hi Jane - It truly is a blessing for those who have family stories to hand down through the generations. It's good you know you've Irish roots, even if you don't have any of the details. Thanks for connecting with your Irish heritage through this little corner of the internet.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bart
Erin: you capture in but a few words the real price that our ancestors paid to ensure dignity to their children. Thank you.
One of the rewards paid to your Greatgrandfather was a Great-granddaughter
With the voice of an angel and the talent to understand and convey! Sláinte
Irish American Mom
Beautifully said, Bart. Many thanks for your kind words for Erin and her family.
All the best,
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Love how Erin wrote a song inspired by her great-great grandfather. What a treasure for her family and a wonderful way to keep their history and heritage alive!
Irish American Mom
Hi Cheryl - This beautiful song is truly a family treasure for Erin and her loved ones. Keeping our family stories alive and passing on our heritage to the generations to come is so important.
Thanks for stopping by,
Mairéad