Seamus McMurphy facts for kids

Seamus McMurphy (Irish: Séamus Mór Mac Murchaidh) was an Irish poet and a rebel leader who lived from about 1720 to 1750. He was known for his poetry and for fighting against the authorities of his time.

Early Life and Family

Seamus McMurphy was born around 1720. His home was in Carnally, which is a part of Creggan parish. This area is near Crossmaglen in County Armagh, which is now in Northern Ireland. We know his mother's name was Aine, but his father's name is not known.

Seamus had a grandfather who was said to have died in the Battle of Aughrim in 1691. This battle was an important event in Irish history. Seamus also had four sisters. One of his sisters, Aillidh, was married to Mr. Duffy. Mr. Duffy was a nephew of another poet named Niall McMurphy. Seamus was closely related to Niall McMurphy.

Seamus McMurphy: Poet and Rebel

Seamus McMurphy was a close friend of Peadar Ó Doirnín. Peadar was also a poet. Together, they started a special school called a hedge school. In this school, they taught Irish bardic poetry. They often held their teaching sessions in places like Dunreavy Wood and Mullaghbane.

Planning for Change

Both Seamus and Peadar were very involved in planning for the Jacobite rising of 1745. This was a time when people wanted to bring back a different king to the throne. Seamus had been active in this movement since at least 1740.

Their main opponent was a man named John Johnston of Roxborough. He was known as Johnston of the Fews. He was a local official who often went after people who supported the Jacobite cause.

Meeting on Slieve Gullion

In the summer of 1744, Seamus McMurphy and Peadar Ó Doirnín organized a large meeting. This meeting took place on Slieve Gullion. They wanted to encourage local people to support Prince Charles Edward Stuart. He was the leader they hoped would become king.

Because of this meeting, Johnston was attacked and badly hurt. Even though he survived, he later met with McMurphy and Ó Doirnín. They agreed to a difficult peace between them.

The Hideaway Inn

McMurphy and Ó Doirnín often visited a small inn or pub. It was located at Flagstaff, which is a mountain route to Omeath. The owner of this inn was Patsy MacDecker, also known as Paddy of the Mountain.

This area was very remote, even in modern times. In the 1740s, it was a perfect secret spot for rebels like McMurphy to hide.

A Difficult Situation

There are different stories about how Seamus McMurphy was eventually caught. One story says that Paddy MacDecker's daughter, Molly, was involved. After an argument with Seamus, Molly was said to have wanted revenge.

This story claims Molly tricked Ó Doirnín into writing a poem about Johnston. The poem was called The Heretic Headhunter. Molly then showed the poem to Johnston, saying McMurphy wrote it. Johnston was very angry because he thought this broke their peace agreement. Molly was then offered money to help trap McMurphy.

Another story suggests that a man named Art Fearon was involved. He was one of McMurphy's lieutenants. This version says Fearon told Molly stories about McMurphy. Molly became very angry. Paddy MacDecker then decided to help capture McMurphy for the reward money.

No matter how it happened, Johnston and his men caught Seamus McMurphy. This happened at MacDecker's inn in late 1749 or early 1750.

Trial and Final Days

Seamus McMurphy was held in prison in Newry, County Down. He was there for eight months. After this time, he was put on trial. He was found guilty and sentenced to be executed.

It is said that Seamus was not afraid on the day of his execution. He forgave everyone who helped in his capture, including Molly. His body was left hanging for three days. After that, it was taken down and brought to his mother's barn in Carnally for two nights. He was then buried in Creggan churchyard.

Legacy and Remembrance

Paddy MacDecker reportedly received his reward in copper coins in Armagh. People say the authorities were disgusted with him. A folk legend says that carrying the heavy reward money home caused him to die within sight of his house.

Molly MacDecker was shunned by her community. This was because she broke the traditional Irish rule of silence about the police and courts. She became mentally unwell and eventually drowned herself.

In 1973, a relative of Seamus McMurphy's family, Jem Murphy, placed a headstone for Seamus McMurphy in Creggan churchyard. This stone helps remember the poet and rebel.