'Poem' about Kilkishen

[JPC]

Hi,

I may have to fly over some turbulence for this request, but ...

There is a family tradition that someone once wrote an unflattering 'poem' about Kilkishen in Co Clare. There are several variations and I was wondering if anyone knew more about it. The version I have heard goes something like this:

"Kilkishen's street is long and neat,

it's church, it has no steeple.

But behind every door,

there stands a bore,

criticising decent people."

The third line is sometimes given as "behind every half door ... "

Has anyone heard anything about who wrote this 'poem', when they wrote it or it's original wording ?

Thanks and regards,

JPC.

[M. McNamara]

I have heard those lines recited to me in Co. Kerry. I was told they referred to Knocknagoshel in that county.
I have a book of ballads. There is 1 verse critical of Kilkishen and it goes;
"Kilkishen is a famous town
But lately it is much come down
They have a sidewalk on the street
Would tear the shoes off a horse's feet."