Boolavogue

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Boolavogue is a village, 5 miles north-east of Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland.

It has given its name to "Boolavogue", a famous Irish ballad commemorating the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Father John Murphy of Boolavogue 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. Father Murphy and the other rebel leaders were hanged.

Although commemorating the events of 1798, the song was composed a hundred years later, for the centenary of the Rebellion in 1898. It was written by P.J. McCall (1861-1919), to the old Irish air 'Eochaill' (Youghal Harbour). McCall was also the composer of the popular Irish ballads "Kelly the Boy from Killanne" and "Follow Me up to Carlow".

The tune for "Boolavogue" was also used by Seán Ó Riada as part of the film score for Mise Éire (1959).

"Boolavogue" was also recorded by Irish Folk Music group the Clancy Brothers

[edit] Lyrics

At Boolavogue as the sun was setting
O'er the bright May meadows of Shelmalier
A rebel hand set the heather blazing
and brought the neighbours from far and near.

Then Father Murphy from old Kilcormack
Spurred 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 soldiers
And the cowardly yeomen we put to flight
'Twas at the Harrow the boys of Wexford
Showed Bookey's regiment how men could fight.

Look out for hirelings, King George of England
Search every kingdom where breathes a slave
For Father Murphy of County Wexford
Sweeps o'er the land like a mighty wave.

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

At Tubberneering and Ballyellis
Full many a Hessian lay in his gore
Ah! Father Murphy had aid come over
The Green Flag floated from shore to shore!

At Vinegar Hill, o'er the pleasant Slaney
Our heros vainly stood back to back
and the Yeos at Tullow took Father Murphy
and burned his body upon a rack.

God grant you glory, brave Father Murphy
And open Heaven to all your men
The cause that called you may call tomorrow
In another fight for the Green again.