The Boys of Wexford facts for kids
"The Boys of Wexford" is a famous Irish ballad (a type of song that tells a story). It remembers the Irish Rebellion of 1798, especially the part that happened in Wexford. This rebellion was a fight to end English control over Ireland. It eventually led to the Act of Union in 1801, which joined Ireland and Great Britain.
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About the Song
The words for "The Boys of Wexford" were written by Robert Dwyer Joyce. The music was created by Arthur Warren Darley. He also wrote the music for other well-known Wexford songs like "Boolavogue" and "Kelly the Boy from Killanne".
On the Isle of Man, the same tune is known by a different name: Yn Speigh Er My Gealin, which means "The Pick On My Shoulder".
A President's Favorite Song
John F. Kennedy's Visit to Ireland
In June 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited Ireland. On his second day there, school children sang "The Boys of Wexford" for him. They also sang "Kelly the Boy from Killanne".
President Kennedy really enjoyed the songs. When asked if he wanted another song, he said, "Another verse of The Boys of Wexford would be fine." Before he left, he even asked one of the students for a copy of the song's words.
The Song's Special Arrangement
The melody of "The Boys of Wexford" comes from an old Irish folk song. President Kennedy had a special connection to Wexford because his family came from there. He asked the United States Marine Band to arrange the tune.
A famous composer named Samuel L. Nestico created this special musical arrangement.
On Television
Later, the tune was used for a TV show called Profiles in Courage. This show was based on a book President Kennedy wrote. The music was arranged by Nelson Riddle and played at the start and end of each episode.
The song was also important to President Kennedy's younger brother, Senator Ted Kennedy. He often used it at his political events.
Where to Hear the Song
Many artists have recorded "The Boys of Wexford".
- The Wolfe Tones, an Irish folk group, included the song on their first album in 1965. It was called The Foggy Dew.
- Another famous Irish folk group, The Clancy Brothers, also recorded "The Boys of Wexford". They put it on their 1995 album, Older But No Wiser.
