Father Murphy of Boolavogue, Leads Wexford Insurgents During the 1798 Rebellion to a Major Victory

Wexford rebels massacre Kingsboroughs militiamen and yeomanry at Oulart

In the first Battle of Enniscorthy, the rebels take the town

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Father Murphy of Boolavogue, leads Wexford insurgents during the 1798 Rebellion to a major victory

Father John Murphy of Boolavogue, a parish priest who had earlier been reluctant to support armed resistance and was in conflict with his bishop, emerges as an unexpected leader of the Wexford insurgents during the 1798 Rebellion.

As the rebel forces gain momentum, Father Murphy leads them to a major victory: the storming of Enniscorthy, a key town in County Wexford. This success marks a turning point in the Wexford Rising, energizing the rebellion and expanding its support base.

Though initially hesitant, Father Murphy becomes one of the most iconic and tragic figures of the 1798 uprising—a symbol of local leadership, resistance, and sacrifice.