The song ‘Johnston’s Motor Car’ was written by Willie Gillespie, Ballybofey, to commemorate an incident that took place in 1921. In order to appreciate this story it is important to note that at this time there was strong feeling and resentment towards the English authority in the country. As the story is told the local resistance forces required a vehicle to transport arms from Dungloe. The well construed plan was put into operation when a group of men took command of Cloghan Post Office and ordered the Postmaster’s assistant to send a telegram to Dr. Johnston requesting his urgent attendance with one of his patients in the Cloghan area. Dr. Johnston, who was accompanied by his wife on that occasion, was speedily making his way towards Dungloe. History relates how Dr. Johnston and his wife walked to Cloghan station, whereupon catching a train to Ballybofey reported the incident to the British military at Drumboe Castle. The characters credited with carrying out this military style operation were: Charlie Doherty, Willie Tom McMenamin, Jim McCarron and Henry McGowan. All four were natives of Ballybofey and were not arrested as their involvement was never proven. The song ‘Johnston’s Motor Car’, became well known throughout the state and especially popular among the Irish emigrants in America.

‘Johnston’s Motor Car’

As down by Brockagh Corner one morning I did stray.

I met another rebel lad who this to me did say.

I bear orders from the Captain to assemble at Drumbar.

But how are we to reach Dungloe without a Motor Car.

O Barney dear be of good cheer and I’ll tell you what we’ll do.

The Loyalists have got plenty, altho’ we have got but few.

I’ll wire to Stranorlar before we march so far.

And we’ll give the boys a jolly ride on Johnston’s Motor Car.

When Johnston got the wire he soon pulled on his shoes.

He says this case is urgent and there is no time to lose.

He wore a fancy caster hat and on his breast a star.

You could hear the din going through Glenfin on Johnston’s Motor Car.

But when he reached the Reelin Bridge he met some rebels there.

He knew the game was up with him and them he did stare.

He says I’ve got a permit for travelling here so far.

You can keep your English permit we want your Motor Car.

What will my loyal comrades say when I get to Drumboe.

To say my car was commandured by rebels from Drumboe.

We’ll give you a receipt for her, it’s signed by Captain Maher.

And when Ireland’s free, then we will see to Johnston’s Motor Car.

They put the car in motion, they filled her to the brim.

With guns and bayonete shining while Johnston he did grin.

When Barney waved a Sinn Fèin flag she shot off like a star.

And they gave three cheers for liberty on Johnston’s Motor Car.

When the loyal crew they heard the news, it grieved their hearts full sore.

They swore they’d have reprisals before they would go o’er.

In vain they searched through Glenties, The Rosses and Kilcar.

While the I.R.A. their flags displayed on Johnston’s Motor Car.