blind—a dead-end; A dead-end features prominently in “Two Gallants,” as well.
areas—spaces providing light and air to the basements of houses.
O’Donovan Rossa—Jeremiah O’Donovan (1831–1915), nicknamed Dynamite Rossa; an Irish revolutionary.
the troubles—a euphemism for Irish civil unrest.
Freemason—an international secret society having as its principles brotherliness, charity, and mutual aid. Many Dublin Roman Catholics were hostile to Freemasons, who were generally Protestants.
collected used stamps for some pious purpose—selling used postage stamps to collectors to raise money for charity.
The Arab’s Farewell to His Steed—a poem by Irish poet Caroline Norton (1808–77).
