How did the term a Gary Owens come about? And where did it come from?

Question

I always hear this term referring to an up-and-under kick, but I have no idea where the reference came from, if somebody could shade some light on this it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Garryowen is the name of a rugby club from limerick (where im from). Garryowen used the up and under kick so much throughout their matches that it became known as a 'garryowen'. Garryowen is also a place in limerick in Ireland so thats where it came from

Answer 2

I found one site on the net that had infoabout the Gary Owen.

http://services.georgiasouthern.edu/cri/...

You are advised to search for 'Gary Owen' as it is a fair way down the page.   Do this by going to the 'Edit' menu and selecting 'Find (on this Page)' if using Ineternet Explorer.

Answer 3

I have no idea about the rugby use of the term.  Gary Owen was a song that was adopted by several military units as their marching tunes going back to the 1800s. Most recently it was used by the US Seventh Cavalry and is on their regimental crest. The song is highlighted in the movie - 'We were soldiers once' with Mel Gibson.

It has been used by various units in the US and British army's usually Irish regiments and has been used as a war cry as well.

Lyrics below:

1. Let Bacchus' sons be not dismayed

But join with me, each jovial blade

Come, drink and sing and lend your aid

To help me with the chorus:

Chorus:

Instead of spa, we'll drink brown ale

And pay the reckoning on the nail;

No man for debt shall go to jail

From Garryowen in glory.

2. We are the boys who take delight

In smashing limerick lamps at night,

And through the street like sportsters fight,

Tearing all before us

Instead of spa, we'll drink brown ale

And pay the reckoning on the nail;

No man for debt shall go to jail

From Garryowen in glory.

3. We'll break the windows, we'll break down doors,

The watch knock down by threes and fours,

And let the doctors work their cures,

And tinker up our bruised

Instead of spa, we'll drink brown ale

And pay the reckoning on the nail;

No man for debt shall go to jail

From Garryowen in glory.

4. We'll beat the bailiffs out of fun,

We'll make the mayor and sheriffs run

We are the boys no man dares dun

If he regards a whole skin.

Instead of spa, we'll drink brown ale

And pay the reckoning on the nail;

No man for debt shall go to jail

From Garryowen in glory.

5. Our hearts so stout have got us fame

For soon 'tis known from whence we came

Where'er we go they fear the name

Of Garryowen in glory.

Instead of spa, we'll drink brown ale

And pay the reckoning on the nail;

No man for debt shall go to jail

From Garryowen in glory.