BOOLAVOGUE

(Traditional, Words by P.J. McCall)

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 neighbors 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
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 foe
'Twas at Slieve Coillte our pikes were reeking
With the crimson stream of the beaten Yeo
At Tubberneering and Ballyellis,
Full many a Hessian lay in his gore
And Father Murphy, had aid come over
The green flag floated 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 your men.
The cause that called you may call to-morrow
In another fight for the Green again

*This verse not generally sung by Mr. Kearns