Napper Tandy's Revolution

In Ireland in 1791 a 39-year-old James Napper Tandy (1739-1803) joined with Wolfe Tone in the Society of the United Irishmen. Together they stood before the English rulers and declared that the Irish had the right to rule themselves. He became strongly impressed with France Revolutionary concepts which made him extremely unpopular with the British.

Due to Napper Tandy’s revolutionary stance, he had to move and move often in Ireland until he finally took up residence in Paris. Wolf Tone and many of the other Society of United Irishmen were also stationed in France, planning and coordinating the Irish rebellion.

Napper Tandy did return to Ireland with arms and ammunition and stationed in Rutland, unfortunately, the residents were less than thrilled to join in the fight. He was nearly 60-years-old when he was called back from a retirement in France where he had comforts and lots of wines to take part in a great rebellion. A ship, the Anacreon, was assigned to him. The ship was loaded with muskets and cannon essential for the volunteer Irish Army.

Word came that the effort in Ireland had failed. Napper Tandy got drunk.

On the way to disarm their ship, they were attacked by an English ship. While the seamen fought back, Napper Tandy sat on the deck imbibing brandy and steeping himself against the battle. His breeches were bulging with cannonballs guaranteed to weight him into the bottom of the sea instead of being captured.

The seamen won the battle.

During some of his escapades, he was caught and put on trial for many reasons and including treason and sentenced to death. However, Napoleon, himself, intervened for Napper Tandy. He lived in exile from Ireland for the rest of his life.

Despite some faulty characteristics Nappy Tandy might have had, he was well honored at his funeral but the Irish army and forever reverenced in the famous “Wearing o’ the Green” ballad that has fueled the heart strings of rebellion in many an Irish lad.

Oh! Paddy, dear, and did you hear The news that's going round The shamrock is forbid by law To grow on Irish ground Saint Patrick's Day no more we'll keep His color can't be seen For they're hanging men and women The wearing of the green I met with Napper Tandy And he took me by the hand And he said "How's poor old Ireland? And how does she stand?" She's the most distressful country That ever you have seen They're hanging men and women For wearing of the green Then since the color we must wear Is England's cruel red Sure Ireland's sons will n'er forget The blood that they have shed You may take the shamrock from your hat And cast it on the sod But 'twill take root and flourish still Tho' underfoot 'tis trod.

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Lisdoonvarna is a small town in the west of Ireland which hosts an interesting celebration of a Matchmaking Festival every September. With lots of music and drinking and fun, anyone who is searching for the Right Romance will gather to consider interesting and attractive other attendees, hopefully for permanent marriage. The festival is so popular that an enterprising travel agent filled a Boeing 747 one year with women, anxious to give the festival a try!

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To read more of the story, read "St. Patrick's Secrets" (non-fiction) by Helen Walsh Folsom.

With the aid of my daughter, Bettse Folsom, we are responding to a series of answer & questions & snippets about Ireland that many people have asked me during events where I have attended. If you have a question, please contact me by email and I will be happy to address it.

Thank you for reading my blog!