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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." 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 ev'ry kingdom where breathes a slave, For Father Murphy of the County Wexford Sweeps o'er the land like a mighty wave. 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 from shore to shore! 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 tomorrow In another fight for the Green again. |
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For most of the fourteen years that Fr. John Murphy was a curate in Boolavogue he lived with John O'Donohoe and his family in house in Tomnaboley in Boolavogue. That house was destroyed in the rebellion and rebuilt afterwards. It was used until the late 19th. century and then fell into disrepair. It was restored as part of the commemoration of the bicentennial of the rebellion. It is situated in a restored farmyard which includes a cowhouse, pigsty, dairy, stable, dairy and labourers' lodge. The haggard contains a range of farm machinery, ploughs, harrows and sowers from the 19th. and 20th. century. Some of them were made in Wexford, in Pierce's, in the Star Engineering Works and in Thompsons. |
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The Center is open from 12.00 noon to 5.00 pm from Monday and Friday and again from 12.00 noon to 5.00 pm each Sunday. Visits on Saturdays are by appointment and anyone wishing to visit on Saturdays should contact bookings@boolavogue.info at least a week in advance. The facilities include a large picnic area, a tea room & craft shop as well as ample parking for busses and coaches. School groups are especially welcome and can avail of the picnic facilities or the tea rooms for lunch. A guided tour is available, but booking in advance is advisable. The farmyard, haggard and garden of remembrance are also available for wedding photographs but must be booked in advance. If you are coming from Gorey you can take the road through Ballycanew to Wexford town. About 16km from Gorey, in Ballyedmond you turn right heading for Boolavogue. Just outside Boolavogue, on your left is the Fr. Murphy Center. Those travelling from Ferns should turn at Dunbar's Pub, proceed throught the Harrow and Boolavogue. The center is about 1 km outside Boolavogue on the right hand side. |