Boolavogue (song)

LyricsAt Boolavogue as the sun was settingO'er the bright May meadows of ShelmalierA rebel hand set the heather blazingand brought the neighbours from far and near.

Then Father Murphy from old KilcormackSpurred up the rocks with a warning cry:'Arm! Arm!' he cried, 'For I've come to lead you"for Ireland's freedom we'll fight or die'!

He led us on against the coming soldiersAnd the cowardly yeomen we put to flight'Twas at the Harrow the boys of WexfordShowed Bookey's regiment how men could fight.

Look out for hirelings, King George of EnglandSearch every kingdom where breathes a slaveFor Father Murphy of County WexfordSweeps o'er the land like a mighty wave.

We took Camolin and EnniscorthyAnd Wexford storming drove out our foes'Twas at Slieve Coilte our pikes were reekingWith the crimson blood of the beaten Yeos.

At Tubberneering and BallyellisFull many a Hessian lay in his goreAh! Father Murphy had aid come overThe Green Flag floated from shore to shore!

At Vinegar Hill, o'er the pleasant SlaneyOur heros vainly stood back to backand the Yeos at Tullow took Father Murphyand burned his body upon a rack.

God grant you glory, brave Father MurphyAnd open Heaven to all your menThe cause that called you may call tomorrowIn another fight for the Green again.

"Boolavogue" is a famous Irish ballad commemorating the Irish Rebellion of 1798. It was composed by Patrick Joseph McCall in 1898, for the centenary of the Rebellion issued Irish Noíníns (Dublin 1894). [ [http://www.pgil-eirdata.org/html/pgil_datasets/authors/Mc/McCall,PJ/life.htm P. J. McCall ] ]

Father John Murphy of the town of Boolavogue in County Wexford led his parishioners in routing the Camolin Cavalry on May 26, 1798. The Wexford insurgents were eventually defeated at the Battle of Vinegar Hill on June 21 and Father Murphy and the other rebel leaders were hanged.

McCall, who also composed the popular Irish ballads "Kelly the Boy from Killanne" and "Follow Me up to Carlow", wrote "Boolavogue" to the old Irish air "Eochaill" ("Youghal Harbour"). The tune was later used in the Australian traditional song "Moreton Bay", about an Irish convict's travails in Australia, and was also used by Seán Ó Riada as part of the film score for "Mise Éire" (1959). The song is inspired by songs contemporary to the events of 1798 such as Come All You Warriors.

References

External links

* [http://www.grandmabooboosinternetattic.com/IrishWeb/boolavogue.mid The tune as a midi file]