Description
Book SynopsisPatrick '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.
Trade Reviewvery enjoyable … great memories … wonderful
-- Michael Lyster in Ireland's Own
top class from start to finish
-- Irish Daily Star
Table of ContentsChapter 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
