Éamonn an Chnoic facts for kids

Éamonn an Chnoic (which means Ned of the Hill) is a very well-known traditional Irish song. It's a slow and sad song that tells a story, and it doesn't have a repeating part like a chorus.

The song is about a real person named Éamonn Ó Riain (Edmund O'Ryan), who lived in the early 1700s in County Tipperary, Ireland. He was a brave folk hero, a poet, and a "rapparee". Rapparees were like outlaws, often noble people who had lost their lands and continued to fight against the new rulers of Ireland. People said Edmund O'Ryan was very brave and had many exciting adventures.

Life Story

Edmund O'Ryan was born in Tipperary, probably before the wars of the 1690s. Some say he was born in Shanbohy, while others say it was at a castle on a hill called Cnoc Maothail. Because of this hill, he became known as Éamonn an Chnuic, or Edmund of the Hill. His sister was also known as "Sally of the Hill."

His family was part of the old Irish nobility, but they had lost their lands in earlier wars. His mother's family also came from important Irish chiefs.

Edmund went to school in Europe and was planning to become a Roman Catholic priest. But something happened that changed his plans. It's said that during a visit home, he became an outlaw. This happened after he shot a bailiff (someone who collects debts or takes property) during a fight. The bailiff was trying to take the only cow from an old, poor woman.

Many people like Edmund became outlaws, or "rapparees," after the English took land from Irish families. These rapparees continued to fight against the new rulers.

Edmund O'Ryan became famous for his actions. He would often rob people who supported the new government. One story tells how he stopped a woman's coach on the way to Dublin. When he learned she only had £100 for her living expenses, he took only a small coin and gave the rest back. He told her to say that "Ned of the Hill" had robbed her, not a common criminal.

He also fought in the Williamite War (1689-1691) for King James II. He was at important battles like the Battle of the Boyne and the Battle of Aughrim. He also joined Patrick Sarsfield in a famous raid that destroyed the enemy's siege equipment at Ballyneety.

After the war, many Irish soldiers left Ireland. But Edmund O'Ryan and other brave rapparees stayed behind. They continued to fight by raiding English army camps and hiding in the hills. They were like an underground movement, and Edmund was one of the most heroic. The government even offered a reward of £200 for his capture around 1702.

Family Life

Even though he was always on the run, Edmund O'Ryan found time for love. He met a woman named Mary Leahy while traveling. He pretended to be a wandering poet and singer to secretly win her heart. They ran away together from a feast that was celebrating Mary's upcoming wedding to another man! People say Edmund wrote the song "Éamonn an Chnoic" and another love song for Mary.

While there are no official records, it's believed Edmund and Mary had a son. This son was raised by a kind Anglo-Irish woman and later became a respected local merchant. Their grandson even became a judge.

His Death

In 1724, after many adventures, Edmund O'Ryan arrived at the home of his relative, Tomás Bán Ó Dubhuir, in Hollyford. Edmund had been chased by soldiers for two days and was very tired. Even though Edmund was the godfather to Tomás's son, Tomás let him in and then, hoping to get a reward of £300, he killed Edmund with a hatchet while he was sleeping.

The exact spot where he was buried is marked on old maps of Tipperary. In 1962, his grave was found, and what was believed to be his skull was reburied in a Catholic church. In 1963, a relative of Edmund's put up a tombstone for him.

The Song Today

The song "Éamonn an Chnoic" is usually sung in the Irish language, but there are many popular versions in English too. Some versions of the song talk about how Edmund's own people didn't always come to help him.

Many artists have recorded "Éamonn an Chnoic." Some, like The Pogues with their song "Young Ned of the Hill," have changed the lyrics and made it a faster song, quite different from the original sad folk tune. You can also find versions that are just instrumental, without any singing.

See also

• Irish rebel songs