Take It Down from the Mast
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Take it Down from the Mast is an Irish Republican song written by Dominic Behan, refering to the period of the Irish Civil War (1922-23). .
The flag in question is the Irish tricolour, which the song tells supporters of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the Irish Free State to take down, as it is the flag of the Irish Republic, which they claim the "Free Staters" betrayed. The fourth verse references specific incidents in the Civil War, when Republicans were executed by the Free State. The line "you have murdered our brave Liam and Rory, you have slaughtered young Richard and Joe" refers to the execution of Rory O'Connor, Liam Mellows, Richard Barrett and Joe McKelvey on December 8, 1922. (See also Executions during the Irish Civil War).
Those opposed to the treaty considered the Free Staters as traitors to the Republican cause and thereupon unworthy to use the Green, White and Orange, especially since the flag was meant to represent all of Ireland.
"Take It Down From The Mast" is still sung by Irish Republicans who strive for a united Ireland and regard the political establishment in the Republic of Ireland (and those who accept that state) as traitors. The reasons for this are that the Continuity Irish Republican Army upholds Irish Republican legitimatism and that they believe the Republic of Ireland is nothing more than a continuation of the Irish Free State.
