Ammanford group release Swansea City Centenary Song

Ammanford-based Irish band Henry Marten’s Ghost have recorded a special song to help mark the centenary of the high-flying Swans.

The Swansea Centenary Song has been written by their singer Padraig Lalor.

“Coming from the home of George Best in Belfast, I can appreciate what good football is all about.

“The Swans have done us all proud in South Wales through their achievements in the Premier League.

“As they are celebrating their centenary this year, I thought it only right and proper we should mark the occasion with a rousing song which I hope will become a firm favourite with fans.”

The song pays tribute to the Jack Army and evokes memories of some of the greatest Swansea Town and Swansea City players.

“There are references to the old North Bank days at The Vetch Field, but also plenty of links to modern-day successes,” said Padraig.

“I thoroughly enjoyed putting the song together as the inspiration was provided by someone linked closely to the Swansea City management.

“The band also enjoyed recording it and we hope Swans fans get as much pleasure out of listening to it as we did recording it.”

The song is available for download from –

ITunes –

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/swansea-city-song/id535527289?i=535527417&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Padraig Lalor

Earlier this year, Padraig released his debut solo album, timed to coincide with the centenary of the Titanic disaster.

Called Ismay’s Dream, the album focusses on different characters in Lalor’s home city of Belfast. Padraig was born in Belfast. He lived his formative years in the 1970s against the backdrop of the troubles in Northern Ireland.

He worked as a freelance journalist in the 1980s; becoming Northern Irish correspondent for the Irish Post, before gaining a Scholarship to Ruskin College Oxford.

It was in Oxford he formed the Traditional Irish band Henry Marten’s Ghost and started writing songs in the late 1990s. A fascination with his country’s musical history and a love of the stories that permeate its culture, bring an engaging authenticity to his songs.

Capturing the passion and contradiction of the people and places of Belfast has seen Padraig earn the reputation of a modern day Seanachaí.

Not surprising perhaps, that he lists both the great Irish Tenor Josef Locke, and Belfast’s Kathleen Largey among his key musical influences. Padraig’s music has featured on TV and radio across the world.

He has opened shows for Finbar Furey, the Dubliners, Craobh Rua and has taken his individual brand of Irish music to audiences in France,Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and the Channel Islands, where he is a perennial visitor.

Swansea Centenary Song lyrics

In 1912 the Swans first played, At the Vetch Field by the sea.

The people came from all around, To join the “Jack Army”.

We play the finest football, The world has ever seen

From 4th to First in 4 Years And now we’re Premier League

(Chorus)

We are Swansea City, Yeh eh eh, Jack Army

We sing our hearts out for the lads, Wherever they may be.

We are Swansea City, Yeh eh eh, heart & soul

From the North Bank to the east stand sing

C’mon give us a goal.

Len & Ivor Allchurch, Cliff Jones & Tevor Ford

Robbie James & Besian Idrizaj,

have gone to meet their Lord

Their spirits walk the Liberty,

the place we all call Heaven,

The Swans Immortals,

now play football in the Gary Speed 11

(Chorus)

We are Swansea City, Yeh eh eh Jack Army

We sing our hearts out for the lads, Wherever they may be.

We are Swansea City, Yeh eh eh, heart & soul

From the North Bank to the east stand sing

C’mon give us a goal.

Solo the chorus repeat

Old Sir John the English Knight,

banished Brendan from his lands

So he fled to Wales & joined the Swans

where he hatched his mighty plan

We slew the Sheriff of Nottingham,

Then marched on London Town

Brendan Rodgers Black & White Army

Took the Royals down.

(Chorus)

We are Swansea City, Yeh eh eh, Jack Army

We sing our hearts out for the lads, Wherever they may be.

We are Swansea City, Yeh eh eh, heart & soul

From the North Bank to the east stand sing

C’mon give us a goal, C’mon give us a goal

Music & lyrics by Padraig Lalor, www.padraiglalor.com

CD single version is available from next week on my site at www.padraiglalor.com

It is available in iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/swansea-city-song/id535527289?i=535527417&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Press release issued on behalf of Padraig Lalor by Robert Lloyd