"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). 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 murdered. Father Murphy was taken to Tullow's Market Square, brutally beaten by the yeomen warders, stripped of his clothes, denied a trial by jury and finally hanged from the town gallows. For the perceived insult of being a Catholic priest and not cooperating with the local authorities Father Murphy's body was subjected to further desecration when the yeoman, "unsatisfied by the lack of entertainment" decapitated his corpse and burned it in a barrel of tar outside a Catholic family's house. To allow the "holy smoke" to permeate their dwelling the yeomen forced the family to open all their windows. As a final insult, his head was impaled on a spike opposite the Catholic Church on the Sessions House. This final gesture was meant to be a warning to all others who would dare to take up arms against the British crown. Father John Murphy was only 45 years old when he died that July day in 1798 but his sacrifice and dedication to the cause of Irish freedom will never be forgotten. He lived as a true Irishman and true martyr for the Catholic faith. Fr. Murphy's spirit has continued on in the hearts and minds of every Irish patriot who has lived, fought and died in the cause of Irish freedom and liberty. "God grant you Glory, Brave Father Murphy!"
Added: Sep 7, 2008; Author: CatholicWarrior20; Duration: 5:21; Views: 256' favoriteCount='2
Tags: 1798 boolavogue father folk freedom irish john liberty murphy music rebel rebellion song wexford
