The Slopes of Selton Hill was written by the late Michael Whelan, historian and native of Aughavas, to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Selton Hill Ambush.
On 11 March 1921, six IRA Volunteers were killed at Selton Hill, between Mohill and Fenagh, during one of the most tragic events of the War of Independence in County Leitrim. Michael’s ballad tells the story plainly and powerfully, preserving the names and memory of those who died.
The song has been sung by many Leitrim singers over the years and to several different airs. Michael was never overly concerned about which melody was used—the important thing to him was that the story continued to be told.
Song Details
- Songwriter: Michael Whelan, Aughavas, County Leitrim
- Place: Selton Hill, County Leitrim
- Theme: War of Independence, loss, remembrance and local history
- Archival source:Whelan Papers, Leitrim Local Studies Archive
- Singers on these recording: Fionnuala Maxwell, Mae Reynolds Malone, Stephen Flynn, Gerry Moran
- Recorded by: Paul Gurney, Mike Mulvihill, Comhaltas, Tracey O’ Neill
- Video: Produced for the Selton Hill centenary commemorations, 2021
Listen to four interpretations of The Slopes of Selton Hill, demonstrating how a locally composed ballad can pass between singers and acquire different melodies and styles.
Lyrics
The Slopes of Selton Hill
On history’s page with pride we read of Leitrim’s fighting tale.
Her manhood bold ’neath the green and gold did die for Gráinne Mhaol.
But the boys who fought the Black and Tans and freedom’s cup did fill
Were our noble sons who faced the guns ’neath the slopes of Selton Hill.
The chill March wind it was unkind as the column pushed along
On an early dawn in twenty-one when the fight was raging strong.
Mid Gorvagh hills, they stood to rest where their plans soon came to nil.
For true ’tis said, they were betrayed ’neath the slope of Selton Hill.
’Tis five o’clock and the English guns have pinned them to the ground.
Behind the house that sheltered them, Sean Connolly looks around.
“They’re closing in around us, boys; break through this ring of steel.
But some of us will fall today ’neath the slopes of Selton Hill.”
With rifles raised, the Reilly blazed, Jack Hunt was by their side.
And Seamus Wrynn strode mid the din to stem the battle tide.
But from the lane, the bullets’ rain did Baxter’s lifeblood spill.
Ere the night wind sighed, Joe Beirne died ’neath the slopes of Selton Hill.
As the stars grew bright on that cold March night, the gallant Sweeney rose,
And McPartland too had broken through from the death grip of his foes.
While far away McDermott prayed and Guckian wept his fill
For their comrades brave who died that day ’neath the slopes of Selton Hill.
The Leitrim Larks 