Tallow : An Outline History

Every Spring, Tallow holds its annual Point-to-Point Races. They were originally held over 80 years ago. Originally the course was at Mount Fair, Kilmacow, Glenaboy, Springfield and recently Glencairn. Long ago the races were held from point to point from hence it got its name. These points were generally Church Steeples. Quite a number of local people owned horses competing in the meeting:- this added more excitement and thrills to the outcome of the winner. One such horse was "Springfield Boy" owned by the Curley family in West Street. The following ballad was written in his honour:

Springfield Boy

Come, all you Jolly sportsmen, come listen to my song,
It's Just a few short verses and I won't detain you long,
I'm going to make a statement which no-one can deny,
the greatest horse that ever ran is Curley's Springfield Boy.

How oft I've heard the Bookies shout - "Come give me here your bobs,
You're backing Springfield Boy I see - I'll give you fine long odds",
And then the Bookies tore their hair and Tallow roared for joy,
For coming in once more to win Curley's Springfield Boy.

Oh men may come and men may go the years they still roll on,
And other horses came and went but the Boy is still going strong.
Don't tell me of our British Lion or of your Roland Roy -
The greatest horse that ever ran is Curley Springfield Boy.

So now my song is ended come fill your glass with me,
We'll drink a toast to the greatest horse that man did ever see,
And give a cheer so loud that you will hear it in Fermoy,
The greatest horse that ever ran is Curley's Springfield Boy.

Author: E.M.P. Beecher Cantillon