Roddy McCorley is a historical figure. He took part in the rising of 1798. While the song suggests that he was a leader of the rebels in Country Antrim, it is not clear that he actually was in a leadership position. He went into hiding after the failure of the rebellion, and was finally betrayed during an attempt to escape to North America and was hanged.
lyrics
Oh see the fleet foot host of men who speed with faces wan
From farmstead and from fisher's cot along the banks of Bann
They come with vengeance in their eyes. Too late, too late are they
For young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the Bridge of Toome today.
Up the narrow streets he stepped smiling proud and young
About the hemp rope on his neck the golden ringlets hung
There is never a tear in his blue eyes both glad and bright are they
As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Toome today.
When he last stepped up that street his shining pike in hand
Behind him marched in grim array, a stalwart earnest band
"For Antrim Town! For Antrim Town! He led them to the fray
And young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the Bridge of Toome today.
There is never a one of all your dead more bravely fell in fray
Than he who marches to his fate on the bridge of Toome today
True to the last, true to the last he treads the upward way
And young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the Bridge of Toome today.