Boolavogue

Source: The Stone Fiddle by Paddy Tunney

Location: New Edition, page 21 / 22

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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 fight or die.”

He led us on against the coming soldiers,

The cowardly Yeomen we put to flight;

‘Twas at the Harrow the boys of Wexford

Showed Booky’s Regiment how men could fight.

Look out for hirelings, King George of Englan

Search ev’ry kingdom where breathes a slave,

For Father Murphy of the Country Wexford

Sweeps o’er the land like a mighty wave.

We took Camolin and Enniscorthy,

And Wexford storming drove out our foes;

‘Twas at Sliabh Coillte our pikes were reeking

With the crimson stream 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 down from shore to shore!

At Vinegar Hill, o’er the pleasant Slaney,

Our heroes vainly stood back to back.

And the Yeos at Tullow took Father Murphy

And burned his body upon the rack.

God grant you glory, brave Father Murphy,

And open heaven to all of your men;

The cause that called you may call tomorrow

In another fight for the Green again.

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