'98 again

Subject: '98 again
From: Roddy
Date: 17 Dec 98 - 09:48 PM

Who was my namesake called Mc Corley? and why did he have to die on a bridge? is there any significance in the fact that itwas the "Bridge of Tomb"? Roddy

Subject: RE: '98 again
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 17 Dec 98 - 11:54 PM

The bridge of Toome is just above where the upper Bann River leaves Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland. Roddy McCorley, a Presbyterian, had to die because he was on wrong side (i.e. the losing side) in the 1798 Rebellion.

There are 2 songs (that I know of) about McCorley, composed about 100 years apart, and both are good. You can find both in 1 book: More Irish Street Ballads by Colm O Lochlainn. If you like Irish folk song, an investment in this book and its predecessor would be a very good investment.

Funny you should ask "is there any significance in the fact that it was the bridge of Tomb (sic)?" because they buried him (at least temporarily) under the scaffold.

All the best,
Dan Milner