By 1826 one by the name of Watt
Murphy came to the Parish of Mooncoin and built a number of
houses. He also built a private school which became very
successful, he himself was the only teacher.
Besides the 3Rs he also taught verse and composition both in
Irish, English and History.
The "Tithe Act" was still in vogue and the struggle
against payment continued. At this time the "Carrigeen
Slaughter" occurred. Watt Murphy issued a poem in praise of
the Land Lord, but had no effect with the locals. Watt was not in
favour with the School Inspector and was severely reprimanded.
Watt became interested in the
Rector's daughter Elizabeth.The Rector on hearing that both
Elizabeth and Watt were in love packed her off to England. His
world was shattered as a result of Elizabeth leaving Mooncoin. He
composed the now famous song in her memory.
The Rose of
Mooncoin
How sweet
'tis to roam by the sunny Suir stream
And hear the dove's coo'neath the morning's sunbeam
Where the thrush and the robin their sweet notes combine
On the banks of the Suir that flows down by Mooncoin.
Chorus
Flow on, lovely river,
flow gently along
By your waters, so sweet sounds the lark's merry song
On your green bank's I'll wander where first I did join
With you, lovely Molly, the Rose of Mooncoin.
Oh Molly, dear Molly,
has the time come at last
When from you, dear Molly, from you I must part
But I'll think of you, Molly, while the Summer sun shines
On the banks of the Suir that flows down by Mooncoin.
She has sailed far
away o'er the dark rolling foam
Far away from the hills of her dear Irish home
Where the fishermen play with their boats, net and line
On the banks of the Suir that flows down by Mooncoin.
Then here's to the
Suir with its valley so fair
Where oft times we rambled in the morning's pure air
Where the lilies do bloom and the roses entwine
On the banks of the Suir that flows down by Mooncoin.
