1868 being the state of the year, Them Waterloo sportsmen did grandly appear,
To gain the great prizes and bear them aware, Never counting on Ireland and Master McGrath.
On the 12th of December, that day of renown, McGrath and his trainer, they left Lurgon Town.
John Welsh was the trailer and soon they got o'er, For the very next day they touched England's sweet shore.
And when they arrived there in great London town, All the fine English sportsmen they gathered around,
And one of them gentlemen gave a ha-ha, Saying, Is that the great dog you call Master McGrath?
Then Lord Lurgon stepped forward and says, Gentlemen, if there's any among you with money to spend,
For you's nobles of England I don't give a straw, Here's five thousand to one on my Master McGrath.
Then McGrath he looked up and he wagged his old tail, Just to comfort his lordship and show he'd not fail,
While Rose stood uncovered and the crowd yelled hurrah, There's the pride of all England and Master McGrath.
As Rose and the Master both waited their call, Now I wonder, said Rose, why you left home at all?
Keep your bread for the ration, don't waste it in jaw, And stuff that up your gob, said Master McGrath.
Then the hares she went off just as swift as the wind, He was sometimes for Ninsker and sometimes behind,
Rose gave the first turn all according to law, But the second was given by Master McGrath.
Then the hares she led on with a beautiful view, As swift as the wind or the green field she flew,
But he jumped on her back and held up his old paw, Three cheers for old Ireland, cried Master McGrath.