“The Battle on Vinegar Hill”
Description
The English army of 20000 defeat 10000 Wexford pikemen in a fierce battle. The pikemen were brave and valiant; the English were stubborn and warlike. The singer comments on the pity that freeborn Englishmen "should strike fair freedom down"
Notes
Moylan dates "The Battle on Vinegar Hill" to about 1880. - BS
The battle of Vinegar Hill was the final end of the Wexford rebellion. The rebels, having failed at New Ross and Arklow, made a last stand on the hill. Ill-equipped and, in many cases, sick, they faced a British army some 10,000 strong under General Lake, and were slaughtered (see Thomas Pakenham, _The Year of Liberty_, pp. 256-258). For more details on the battle, see, e.g., the notes to "Father Murphy (I)." - RBW
According to Kathleen Hoagland, _1000 Years of Irish Poetry_, p. 784,
Moylan's dating is problematic. I assume this is the Patrick Kavanagh (1904/05-1967) who was best known for his poem "The Great Hunger." Thus he can hardlyl have written the poem in the nineteenth century! - RBW
Historical references
- Jun 21, 1798 - Battle of Vinegar Hill (source: Moylan)
References
- Moylan 89, "The Battle on Vinegar Hill" (1 text, 1 tune)
- BI, Moyl089