“The Rebellion of 1798”
Description
Rebel exploits, poisonings and massacres are recounted, from Lord Edward Fitzgerald to Father Murphy, and their defeat at each turn by yeomen and Orangemen, in Kildare, Antrim, Ballynahinch, Wexford and Kilkenny. "Down, down, croppies lie down"
Notes
It may not be clear from my description that this ballad is against the rebellion. The tag line of each verse is the chorus of the Orange song "Croppies Lie Down." - BS
It sounds to me as if this might be a sort of an answer to "Croppies Lie Down (II)."
For the career of Edward Fitzgerald, see the notes to "Edward (III) (Edward Fitzgerald)." For Ballynahinch and Henry Monro(e) see "General Monroe." For Father Murphy, see especially "Father Murphy (I)."
Historical references
- 1798 - Irish rebellion against British rule (source: "1798 - Calendar of Events" at IrelandOn-Line site)
- May 19, 1798 - Lord Edward Fitzgerald arrested
- June 2-3, 1798 - Rebel defeat at Kilcock, Co. Kildare
- June 7, 1798 - Rebel defeat at Antrim
- June 13, 1798 - United Irishmen under Henry Monro defeated at Ballynahinch
- June 21, 1798 - Government recaptures Wexford
- July 2, 1798 - Father Murphy (1753-1798) captured, executed, and cremated.
References
- Moylan 50, "The Rebellion of 1798" (1 text)
- BI, Moyl050