Jimmy Murphy also known as 'Little Jimmy Murphy' is a song, possibly of music-hall origin, referencing the 1798 rebellion, which occurred largely in Wexford.
According to research by Roly Brown:
'There are three versions; from Jack Barnard and a Mr J Thomas, both noted by Cecil Sharp; and a version sent to Sharp which was supplied by a Dr John Taylor who recorded it from 'a soldier'.[1]
Each version is quite different, some not referencing the rebellion at all, but all versions sharing the distinctive Irish lilting refrain and a final verse stating that Jimmy Murphy was hung for courting ladies as opposed to sheep stealing.
According to Frank Harte '...it has been suggested to me that the reference in the last verse to Kate Whelan:
Now Jimmy Murphy was hanged not for sheep stealing
But for courting a pretty girl and her name was Kate Whelan
could be interpreted as a reference to Ireland as Cathleen ni Houlihan.'[2]
'When I first heard this song, sung by Sean Óg O'Thuama many years ago, it had only three verses and that most peculiar chorus. A friend of mine, Luke Cheevers, in true traditional fashion wrote several verses, which I believe enhance the song, and expand the story.'Frank Harte[3]
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