Crossmaglen Couplet

A most uncomplimentary epithet is “Crossmaglen where there are more rogues than honest men.” This is an abbreviation of what seems to have been the original form of the rhyme:—

which recalls the couplet quoted in White’s “A Month in Yorkshire,”—

The word “rogue” is used in its more ancient sense to imply a sturdy beggar or vagrant. In the old Vestry Book of Creggan, in which parish Crossmaglen is situated there is an entry under the year 1765—

“Resolved that £1 be given to anyone who will tell us who are the Rogues who are riding our horses about the country during service.”

It may have, however, a much older origin, as there is a townland in the district named Edinashara—anglice, a receptacle for thieves, and another townland named Annaghgad, which popular tradition makes Aonac na nGadurde—the robbers’ fair. Probably the original term was Eanac-an-ngad—the marsh of the willows or osiers. See “Historical and Statistical Account of the Barony of Upper Fews in the County Armagh, 1838, by John Davidson.

However, Crossmaglen has a better title to fame than the widely known couplet, for:—

And greater hospitality in Ireland it would be impossible to show.