The raid took place on a warm Summer’s night
Rebels commandeered the NAAFI, the store was set alight
The fire burned wild flames roared down upon
The Doran Family, in the Darkness Before The Dawn
Bill Doran ran outside as the stairwell fell apart
Brigid held their daughter Katie close to her heart
She dropped the baby down to Bill and went back in for their son John
Screams rang out in The Darkness Before The Dawn
When the top floor caved in John and Brigid died
William was badly burned, Dr. Rowantree saved his life
All in the name of freedom that reckless deed was done
Out on the Moorefield Road in The Darkness Before The Dawn
Some said the rebels they were heroes but the Town was torn apart
That raid upon the NAAFI blackened many hearts
The Doran Family killed and maimed in the war of 1921
As Freedom beckoned in The Darkness Before The Dawn
In Kilbelin Cemetery the price was paid
A Mother, Son, a Wife and Brother in the ground were laid
Remember The Doran Family as The Troubles linger on
Reflect upon Our Freedom, in The Darkness Before The Dawn
Reflect upon Freedom, in The Darkness Before The Dawn
Noel Heavey from Clongorey rang me. “I heard a great song last night, I think you’d like it.” He put me in touch with Pete Kavanagh. I was intrigued to hear this fine ballad.
I grew up on Moorefield Road 100 yards from the scene of this awful tragedy. Somehow it was never mentioned at home, in school or around the town. It was through Pete’s song that I learnt of the tragedy that befell the Doran family a short 24 years before I was born. As a boy I knew Dr. Rowantree very well. I was friendly with his grandson Paul. The British Legion Hall was 100 yards from our hall door. I really like Pete’s own version of the song which can be heard on Youtube.