3 ms·
Behan may have been talking about Oliver Cromwell, who I think figured much larger as an object of execration among the Irish. But, hey, my surname looks Dutch,
by cafard 3y ago
Behan may have been talking about Oliver Cromwell, who I think figured much larger as an object of execration among the Irish. But, hey, my surname looks Dutch, so don't ask me.
My recollection of Borstal Boy was that the doggerel you quote was an ad-hoc translation from Irish.
- gilleain 3y agoGiven the reference to Henry VIII's bollocks, it is certainly Thomas, not Oliver. Thomas Cromwell oversaw the founding of the Anglican Church, partly to satisfy Henry's need for a legitimate male heir.
- cafard 3y agoAh, but I don't think the rhymes Behan translated had anything in particular do with either Cromwell, save (remotely) by way of TC's agency in the new church.