Brendan McMahon

 

LISTEN - BUSH/FOLK

WILD COLONIAL BOYS Brendan McMahon On the first day of November, 1830 — 195 years ago — a defining moment in Australia’s early colonial history took place at Bringelly, New South Wales. John O'Donohoe, also known in folklore as Jack Doolan, met his fate when he was shot down by a soldier named John Muckleston. O'Donohoe was one of the most notorious figures among the band of bushrangers later immortalised as The Wild Colonial Boys.   These men, often convicts or settlers driven by hardship, became legends of the Australian bush. Their daring raids, defiance of authority, and repeated escapes from capture made them both feared and admired. To some, they were dangerous outlaws; to others, they were rebels symbolising resistance against oppression and injustice in the harsh conditions of early colonial life.   Brendan McMahon has reimagined the legend with his new song “Wild Colonial Boys,” breathing fresh life into this enduring Australian tale. Through powerful lyrics and evocative storytelling, the song captures the spirit of the early bushrangers — their courage, desperation, and unyielding will to live free. McMahon’s interpretation bridges past and present, allowing modern audiences to reconnect with a story that has shaped the nation’s identity and folklore for generations.   Today, nearly two centuries later, the name John O'Donohoe still echoes through Australian history — a reminder of a rugged past, the struggles of early settlers, and the enduring allure of those who dared to challenge authority in pursuit of freedom.

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