18th century martyr Owen McNeil. Poem about him or his death

Hello.

I listened to the piece on William Manchester that you heard on "All
Things Considered" on June 1, 2004.
http://www.npr.org/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=2&prgDate=1-Jun-2004

Manchester described the poem as being a favorite of John F. Kennedy
and Bobby Kennedy, and containing these lines:

"We thought you would not die - we were sure you would not go,
And leave us in out utmost need to Cromwell's cruel blow -
Sheep without a shepherd, when the snow shuts out the sky -
O, why did you leave us? Why did you die?"


Here is the complete poem:
http://www.from-ireland.net/poemspoets/davislament.htm
Also see:
http://www.bartleby.com/250/108.html

--------------
search strategy:
"all things considered"
"Sheep without a shepherd" "why did you die"

I hope this helps.

i heard this as i was driving to visit the grave of one of my dear
sons who died so young 7 years ago after a valiant 3 year battle with
melanoma leaving a devastated family including a lovely young wife-3
beautiful children-7 siblings and a church filled to overflowing with
grieving family and friends - it was such an appropriate thought i
felt bound to read the whole poem-my sincere thanks

Thank you for your kindness.

Here's some more information about Eoghan (Owen) O'Neill:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11253a.htm

Here's a little information about the poet, Thomas Davis:
http://93.1911encyclopedia.org/D/DA/DAVIS_THOMAS_OSBORNE.htm 

Thanks again and best wishes to you.
-juggler