This tune was written by J. P. McCall during the second half of the nineteenth century. Detached from the Society of United Irishmen, who were involved in a poorly planned rebellion in Dublin, Father John Murphy led some members of his parish in attacking a party of yeoman troopers on 26 May 1798 in the small village Boulavogue, or Boolavogue, in County Wexford. The troopers were defeated by the insurgents in the first of a small series of victories by the Wexford rebels which triggered the revival of the collapsed United Irishmen Rebellion in other parts of the country. The Wexford rebels were eventually defeated at Vinegar Hill and Father Murphy and the other rebel leaders were hanged.

At Boulavogue, as the sun was setting
O'er 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 'gainst the coming soldiers,
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 the County Wexford
Sweeps o'er the land like a mighty wave.

We took Camolin and Enniscorthy,
And Wexford storming drove out our foes;
'Twas at Slieve 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,T
he 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 tomorrow
In another fight for the green again.