DE BURCA, Seamus. The Soldier’s Song. The story of Peadar Kearney [INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR]

Illustrated. Dublin: P.J. Bourke, 1957. First edition. Crown octavo. pp. 255. Brown papered boards, titled in silver. Inscribed and signed by the author on half-title, dated July 20th, 1959. A near fine copy in original repaired dust jacket.
Peadar Kearney (1883-1942), was the author of the poem which became the Irish national anthem. Born in Dublin, an uncle of Brendan Behan, grew up in Dolphin’s Barn and was educated at Model School, Schoolhouse Lane and Marino CBS. He left school at fourteen and worked in a variety of jobs. He joined the Gaelic League in 1901 and became a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood in 1903. In 1907 he wrote the words of ‘The Soldier’s Song’, and his friend Patrick Heeney, wrote the music. It became the marching song of the Irish Volunteers and in 1926 became our national anthem. He also wrote othe popular songs including ‘Down by the Glen Side’, ‘The Three Coloured Ribbon’, etc.

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