Paddy Reilly : From the Fields of Athenry to the Dubliners and Beyond

Paddy Reilly emerges as a defining Irish balladeer whose enduring recordings shaped public memory.

Patrick 'Paddy' Reilly is an Irish folk singer and guitarist. Born in Rathcoole, County Dublin, he is one of Ireland's most famous balladeers and is best known for his renditions of "The Fields of Athenry", "Rose of Allendale" and "The Town I Loved So Well". Reilly released his version of "The Fields of Athenry" as a single in 1983; it was the most successful version of this song, remaining in the Irish charts for 72 weeks.

After years a solo performer, he joined The Dubliners in 1996 as a replacement for long-time member Ronnie Drew. He played with the group for nine years before leaving for New York City.

In this memoir, Paddy is gracious and generous about sharing his memories, good and bad, with the readers who have helped make him Ireland’s best loved balladeer for almost 60 years.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Good Old Days My Arse! page 7

Chapter 2 From Pat to Paddy Reilly 24

Chapter 3 Life and Love in America and Ireland 40

Chapter 4 Highs and Lows in London and Elsewhere 58

Chapter 5 North America, Ted Kennedy and Brushes With the Law 73

Chapter 6 ‘The Fields of Athenry’ Found Me 89

Chapter 7 Paddy in the Lands Down Under 111

Chapter 8 The Dubliners Years 126

Chapter 9 Paddy Through the Eyes of Others 142

Chapter 10 Irish Sports Stars Sing Paddy’s Praises 162

Chapter 11 Retirement, Racing, Reminiscing and Beating Cancer 174

Tom Gilmore is a journalist, author and broadcaster with The Tuam Herald and Galway Bay FM. He was recently honoured for his outstanding contribution to country music presented by Big Tom himself. Tom Gilmore has been writing about country music for over 30 years. Big Tom said of Tom Gilmore:

"Tom and myself go back a long long way. He is one of the nicest people in the business and it is great to see that he is being honoured here tonight. He has always been a gentleman since the first time I got to know him. I think this has come as a big surprise to him."