The Boys of Wexford
An Irish ballad of the 1798 Wexford Rebellion.
"The Boys of Wexford" is an Irish ballad that commemorates the Irish Rebellion of 1798, specifically the Wexford Rebellion. The rebellion aimed to remove English control from Irish affairs and led to the 1801 Act of Union. The song is also known as "The Flight of the Earls."
Quick Facts
- Lyricist
- Robert Dwyer Joyce
- Composer
- Arthur Warren Darley
- Associated rebellion
- Irish Rebellion of 1798
- Specific event
- Wexford Rebellion
- Resulting legislation
- 1801 Act of Union
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- On the Isle of Man, the tune is known as "Yn Speigh Er My Gealin" (The Pick On My Shoulder).
- Arthur Warren Darley also composed the Wexford ballads "Boolavogue" and "Kelly the Boy from Killanne."
JFK
During a 1963 visit to Ireland, President John F. Kennedy heard schoolchildren sing "The Boys of Wexford" and "Kelly the Boy from Killanne." When offered another tune, he requested another verse of "The Boys of Wexford" and later asked a student for the lyrics. Because his ancestors were from Wexford, Kennedy had the melody, a traditional Irish folk song, arranged for the U.S. Marine Band by Samuel L. Nestico. Orchestrated by Nelson Riddle, the tune became the opening and closing theme for the 1964 television series "Profiles in Courage," based on Kennedy's book. It was also a staple at political rallies for his brother, Senator Ted Kennedy.
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