BOULAVOGUE

LISTEN!
(One of the many scattered risings
in 1798 took place in Wexford under
the leadership of a 'Croppy priest', Father John Murphy.
The tune is of the ancient 'Youghal Harbour'.
The words are by P.J. McCall,
a prolific writer of the nineteenth century.
Source: Folksongs and Ballads Popular in Ireland by John Loesberg)

1.At Boulavogue as the sun was setting, o'er bright May meadows of Shelmalier,
A revel 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.
2.He led us 'gainst coming soldiers, And the cowardly Yeomen were put to flight;
Twas at the Barrow, 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 from the County Wexford Sweeps o'er the land like a mighty wave.

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