The National Library of Ireland tweetz:
“Clery’s Van, a ballad describing Jack Keogh’s escape from the Central Lunatic Asylum in Dundrum [Co Dublin] on January 4, 1923.”
He’s no Moynes, in fairness.
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Thanks for posting this. The Jack Keogh in the song is my Fathers Uncle. Was a bit of a surprise to see something about him pop up.
Jack was well known in the Ballinasloe area, and there are a few bits written about his exploits, including some articles/old newpaper pieces on a local history website (where I found most of my info about the man)
http://www.ballinasloe.org/articles/article.php?ID=53
What a crazy death! Though you have to admit, ‘Kilcro’ does sound a little like a local distillery.
Interesting story.
The death could be read as stupid drunken accident, murder of someone with a lot of enemies, or suicide of an unhappy man . He certainly had a colourful life.
His brother was apparently shot by the black and tans agreed 17 for reasons unknown. The bit I read just said he was cycling.