Sligo Poets 1912-1923

Lyons' Sale

Now and then rhymes were used in advertising though there are few examples in Sligo newspapers of 1912. This rhyme was included in both the Sligo Times and the Sligo Independent in the editorial section. However in the Sligo Independent no author is given and the penultimate line has the incorrect prosperities. Well spotted Mr Smyllie!!

I'm not sure what the significance of the "Argosy" is, a brandname perhaps or the name of a ship, a frequent caller to Sligo port? It does seem a pity that the author deemed it necessary to call attention to the pun on sale/sail.

Both papers, as well as the Sligo Champion, carried identical large pictorial advertisements for Lyons' Sale at this time. See example below from the Sligo Champion front page 13 January 1912.

The pen-name "Rustic" was regularly used by a correspondent to the Sligo Times who appears to have lived in Glencar, Co. Leitrim. He is also the author of Votes for Women.

Sligo Times 13 January 1912

Cheap Sale and Remnants Days at H. Lyons & Co. Ltd.

The cheap sale is on at H. Lyons & Co.,
And remnants are selling quick as they can go.
For of remnants and oddments they’ve got quite a store—
If you haven’t enough, just ask for some more.
They have everything else in the drapery line—
Just give them a call and they’ll soon make you shine.
I know they can do so, I saw as I passed
Through the crowds at the counters on Saturday last.
There I paused, till I cried “Ship Ahoy!” to the mate
Of the “Argosy,” laden with bargains so great;
Then the mate’s voice rang out through prosperity's gale,
Oh! yes, we are having an excellent sale (sail).

—At Messrs Lyons and Co.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx—RUSTIC