Born for War (The Rise of Brian Boru)

From Limerick the Vikings came

To the village of the Dal gCais

To rape to pillage and to maim

With Viking sword and Viking axe.

So many lives were lost during this Viking raid

Brian's father fought heroically but fell to a Viking blade

A seed of hatred was planted, the promise of vengeance was strong

"To the Northern invaders of Ireland, leave now! you do not belong"

Brian's brothers were not convinced

They sued for peace at any cost

And formed a pact with Ivar of Limerick

This pact was flawed and would not last.

In the year of our lord – Nine hundred and Sixty Eight

Brian led a raiding party to King Ivar's fortress gate

Then fled towards a forest, Limerick Vikings took the bait

They left the safety of Limerick, they could not foresee their fate.

Three hundred Dal gCais warriors

Faced six hundred Viking men

On the hillside known as Sulcoit

Viking blood would flow again.

Brian's men were ready to unleash a surprise attack

The Vikings were caught off guard, they desperately tried to fall bad

The tangled forest confused them, their wall of shields did fail

A single Viking warrior was no match for a single Gael!

The fighting started late

And lasted through the night

The Dal gCais were victorious

They killed Vikings with such spite!

Brian then went and sacked Limerick

Though little fighting would ensue

The Dal gCais warriors were relentless

Behold the rise of Brian Boru!