Songs of Wexford

A regular feature on traditional songs of County Wexford. This week: The Cuarracloe Boat Race

THE CURRACLOE boat race started off in Blackwater and raced towards a place called The Brook which runs into the sea at the convent at Ballyvaloo. It then turned and headed back for Blackwater.

This event took place in 1827. Crew members were household names in Curracloe for generations due to their many successes in their eight-oared rowing boat.

The song features on the CD Sing Again Paddy by the renowned Wexford singer and song collector Paddy Berry.

Paul Tobin, who performs the song on the Songs of Wexford Facebook page, learned it from Paddy Berry. Paddy credits the late Paddy Donohue of Curracloe with preserving the song and the air.

Lyrics: Tom Hayes

Air: The Screen Harriers

You muses inspire with heroic fire,

The mind of your poet that he might indite,

And with mirth and with candour and poetic grandeur,

The brave County Wexfordmen’s praises to write,

We long shall remember the month of September,

In the year twenty-seven when six boats did row,

For a prize they contended but soon it was ended,

And carried with honour to famed Curracloe.

That the crew were matched equal you’ll find in the sequel,

And each boat was manned with the pick of the men,

Likewise in formation to make preparation,

To avoid litigation when the race would begin,

Then with full satisfaction the men were in action,

Awaiting the signal as all had agreed,

The boats were in motion when loud an explosion,

Announced o’er the ocean that they might proceed.

Off Blackwater they started but soon they were parted,

The Curracloe boys left them all in the rear,

With courage undaunted each man for fame panted,

Being equally anxious the laurels to wear.

To The Brook thy rowed valiant, stout, able and gallant,

Then back they came

swiftly without much delay,

Our famous steampacket with her speed and her racket,

They would show her clean heels were she out on that day.

To praise them sufficient I own I’m deficient,

And in no way proficient in poetic style,

But were I a Homer I’d think it was an honour,

Their fame to make known throughout Erin’s Isle.

Matt Murphy, whose courage was exalting and glorious,

With judgment and skill the helm did wield,

Like his ancestors numerous who oft were victorious,

By land or by sea to the foe ne’er did yield.

And I’m not unwilling to praise John and William,

Two more of the Murphys, both stout hearty boys,

Likewise Thomas Carty, courageous and hearty,

Was one of the party that earned the prize.

Dick Neville was in it, with Anthony Sinnott,

Both fully determined to conquer the foe,

And also Mogue Doyle, who proved true and loyal,

Now these were the heroes from brave Curracloe.

Among the resident gentry who dwell in that country,

The fame of young Turner outstanding does shine,

But for his exertions the envious assertions,

Of mischievous persons would have us resign.

He encouraged the crew to take part in the race,

So also did Scallon and Ross, two good friends,

They urged the boys on, to show off their best pace,

And the ‘Mary’ was first, and so there the race ends.

The boats that were second and third I won’t mention,

They gave of their best but soon everyone knew,

They hadn’t a chance, though they tried hard to tame them,

But they couldn’t keep step with the Curracloe crew.

So come fill up your glasses to all pretty lasses,

We’ll toast them in bumpers wherever we go,

And we’ll drink the full gallon in the house of young Scallon,

And drink health to the heroes from famed Curracloe.

Aileen Lambert is a traditional singer from Ballindaggin. She works with various communities on a range of song collecting, composing and performing projects and delivers workshops in Primary Schools as part of the Heritage-in-Schools Scheme. If you have further information on a subject or song featuring in this column, or a song or verse/recitation you’d like to share with Aileen, please contact her on aileenlambert@gmail.com or 087 7552593.