Paddy Reilly - Carrickfergus

Paddy Reilly singing Carrickfergus, at Opera House, Cork.
Carrickfergus
I wish I was in Carrickfergus
Only for nights in Ballygrand
I would swim over the deepest ocean
only for nights in Ballygrand.
But the sea is wide and I cannot swim over
and neither have I the wings to fly
I wish I could find me a handsome boatman
To ferry me over to my love and i,
for it's in Kilkenny it is reported on marble stones their as black as ink,
with Gold and Silver I would support her
but I'll sing no more now till I get a drink,
am drunk today and I am seldom sober
a handsome rover from town to town,
ah but am sick now for my day's there numbered,
so come all ye young men and lay me down.

[@justinw947]

i would never shut up if i had this mans voice. literally brings tears to my eyes listening to some of his performances.

[@Rutherglen1969]

One of the greatest renditions I've heard of this great Irish classic song

[@Ms2blackcats]

how true

[@jimmurphy3287]

Paddy reilly just screams Ireland, what a voice and a look, he is the man you would see in a corner of any Irish rural pub.

[@chee6060]

Nobody sings this like Paddy. God Bless The Irish

[@kellymcdonald7065]

Hes the only one who sings this with the heartfelt regret and sorrow it should convey.

[@benguiry616]

True that Kelly.

[@eamonmacdonnell2627]

Very true 💐

[@nicoloperfido9167]

Jim McCann ???

[@kellymcdonald7065]

There are other songs I prefer Jim McCann to sing. This one goes to Paddy

[@metalmicky764]

The Dubliners do it just as well, but I do like Paddy.

[@richardmavin8255]

I can see me dear old Farther sitting in a quiet corner in heaven with his squeeze box singing this 🤗

[@camokabe100]

Aw❤🍀

[@jimduffy1967]

Beautiful thought my friend.

[@iamfantastic.iamgreat3649]

I belive you, Richard. No doubt!

[@Burnleyfc1982]

Same mate

[@GSeward]

It's a shame one can only give one "thumbs up" for this rendition of Carrickfergus.

[@evelinekettle1150]

Paddy Reilly's voice so clear and strong. Just pure and heartfelt every song he sings.

[@paddykavanagh3742]

for all the Irish who cannot return to Ireland,,god bless you

[@gaggymott9159]

No gimmicks, no fancy frills...Singing...pure and simple and note-perfect too...BEAUTIFUL ❤❤❤

[@beyondnatural9155]

Too many try to improve it. The singer is not supposed to be a philosopher or an operatic tenor. Sung solo at a party, this one always shuts them up. Every man - I can only speak for men - relates to it in very many different personal ways,

[@gaggymott9159]

@@beyondnatural9155 Absolutely correct. It's beautiful! ❤❤❤

[@briancorrigan5746]

he's the best no doubt about it

[@briancorrigan5746]

​@@beyondnatural9155 only Christy moore has done it

[@DanDgl01]

He is the best, in numerous songs. Great voice!

[@dougmacdonald1076]

Man oh man,Paddy Reilly is a rare talent. Absolutely perfect.

[@NicOliver]

He could sing me the ingredients on a cornflakes packet and I'd be spellbound!

[@knowerzark]

Corn and flakes, right?

[@weenedonpetrol]

This song leaves no where to hide!

[@kellyannejones4651]

My dad loved listening to paddy reiley before he passed away in 2007. I still listen to it on his anniversary every year.

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing..?😊

[@SpookyElectric319]

Fecking bloody grand.

[@robertmason2311]

I know that others have also sung this song, but with the greatest of respect to them, I am only inclined to ever listen to this one, as perfection cannot be improved upon.

[@waxkopp]

I can only say: Wow, what a voice.😍

[@madampresident6255]

He’s so cute, too! 😍🥰

[@waxkopp]

@@madampresident6255 definitely 😙!

[@trevormadden4301]

The sound of my lovely old Ireland

[@catherineosullivan5985]

This rendition is absolutely beautiful! I cannot listen to any others now - the Boardwalk Empire version is not a patch on it. Paddy's voice is amazing - so clear and strong. This is how this beautiful Irish song should be sang!

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing..?

[@BrianBoru5523]

John Treacy Egan does a great rendition in an episode of that show. The Wainwright version is quite weak.

[@briannolan823]

Got so much respect for this man,when asked who was the best Irish folk singer,he said Luke Kelly.

[@honestj820]

Hey how are you doing?😊

[@rogergoris4241]

this beautifull song sends shivers down my spine , what a voice !

[@eamonmacdonnell2627]

This is the difinitive version of Carrickfergus, Paddy one of the finest ballad/ folk singers Ireland ever produced So many singers have covered this excellent song but most don't put feeling in to the lyrics and also over do the song and sing it like a piece of opera..

[@beyondnatural9155]

“ This is the difinitive version of Carrickfergus, ” ABSOLUTELY.

[@d.neilmckay7709]

Is that a shot at the Irish Tenors?

[@jeffreysytsma6541]

Jim McCaan?

[@daveh6151]

The true master, I listened to Paddy version for over 40 years and nothing can come close

[@davidbosquette4798]

Im NOT crying, you are. One of the most BEAUTIFUL songs of all time. Jeezz, it got me right in the gut.

[@gaggymott9159]

It's beautiful. My father who was a dyed-in-the-wool Englishman just melted at this man's voice and simple, but STRONG interpretation of Northern Irish/Irish traditional music....Tears? Yes, I've had a few....😔😔😔❤❤❤👍👍👍

[@noelcarroll9505]

I'm 56 now and have followed paddy for over 40 years...what a voice..pure class 👏

[@curiousaustriantours6962]

What a beautiful interpretation of a great song!

[@paulsketcher4157]

My Scottish dad worshipped this guy rip to both

[@eamonmacdonnell2627]

Paddy is alive and well..

[@jestalhut]

I agree. I can't think of anyone today who sings like this.

[@patsyod]

What a voice! Absolutely clear and in tune. Forget the guitar, Paddy doesn't need it.

[@Sharps.50]

Beautiful Song .

[@zaneyron]

One of the finest Irish folk singers of all time.

[@elizabethsantoianni7351]

One of my favorites, if not favorite, Irish song. So beautiful. My parents played all of Paddy Reilly's songs as I was growing up. Such a beautiful singer.

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing?😊

Ah but I'm sick now my days are numbered Come all me young men and lay me down

[@ThePatricia1934]

A wonderful song especially with Paddy performing

[@jamescoyle1528]

Hiya honey ye it's a beautiful song ❤

[@TONYIRISHPROUD]

IN MEMORY OF BIG TONY GOD BLESS DAD !!!

[@cuocujimmy]

What a wonderfull version of this beautifull song - well done Paddy

[@colinbenson7068]

My dad frankbenson sang this beautifully....miss you dad❤❤❤

[@1viva]

Such a beautiful voice and nostalgic song.😌

[@allanwilliams9646]

How could anyone not like this song. Cold cold heart!

[@Glasgow1966]

Lovely song memories of all who are gone ❤❤

[@Emmet21982]

Love his voice. So powerful and clear

[@Suzibird307]

This is one of the prettiest songs ever written. So sad and yet beautiful at the same time. Gives me gooseflesh.

[@kennybrown5607]

Every great song tells a story,,,,,,

[@musiclover1469]

What a voice tears falling RIP and thank you

[@joenick8557]

I had the pleasure of seeing Paddy perform this song live in the Royal Arms hotel in Omagh in the early 1970s'. He was the support act to the Plattermen showband and and it left an indelible mark on me as it was so beautiful and moving. You've left a fantastic legacy of ballads for which the Irish nation can be rightly proud RIP Paddy and profound thanks Joe

[@Fordman99.]

Joe Nick paddy isn't dead

[@stephenoneill855]

I'm from Strabane and I remember the Plattermen! Was it Rock Stewart and the Plattermen? What a night that must have been!

[@waxkopp]

@@Fordman99. True, all I know is that paddy Maloney of the chieftains has died, last year in october.

[@caseycompton7141]

I had the pleasure to see him in a tiny bar in Portland, Oregon, USA. One of the best, ever?

[@maureengillies9495]

So beautiful

[@jayjoejeanz]

I always wondered why my dad would listen to this "stuff" Now, many years later I love this "stuff" Thanks for posting :)

[@tamm57]

just had the most plesant 45mins listening to Paddy i am so at peace with the world thak you Mr Reilly

[@mauricecrotty8726]

Good man Paddy, this if the definitive version of a great song. Excellent performance.

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing?😊

[@bootsmufc6646]

Just speechless

[@SuperBobbyboy1]

My father used to sing us to sleep to this beautiful song.

[@somersetuk525]

Paddy your more than special, god's gift to Ireland.....rip.

[@franko3792]

he is still with us lives in florida

[@eamonmacdonnell2627]

Paddy Reilly is now 80 yrs old and is alive and well.

[@DubstepAndCo]

Best singer ever

[@josephmcnulty2287]

The man who sings this best , brilliant Paddy .

[@Ms2blackcats]

true. you can listen to a dozen or more singer

[@PatrickDexterCello]

Beautiful

[@sonjawhite186]

I'm just going to repeat this because I need to cry, Thanks for the man at the Bandon Convention this afternoon

[@johngough2958]

What is always amazing is how a few lines sung in a song can capture a whole lifetime of experience. It's why Folk music works so well. And why it resonates more as we get older. Paddy delivers the purest form here.

[@dalymc]

one of my favourite Irish songs.Thx.

[@honkytonk2010]

Greetings from Canada just wanted to say This Irish song is so beautiful! and sad and the singer is amazing!!Thank you for sharing

[@charlesking7060]

one of my all-time favorite songs by one of my all-time favorite singers!!😃🎸

[@margaretdavies6529]

I agree his voice is just so true this version makes me cry xx

[@yveeliza]

Lost one of our beautiful cats, called 'Cloudy' today, so I naturally gravitated to this very sad rendition and although the lyrics are about a human experience I still find it fitting to include and lament the loss of one of our fellow mortals. :( "Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives". ღ

[@emcsull]

I am so sorry, those little furry people accompany us through our lives and love us unconditionally and unquestioning. My old cat Irene is 18, I am dreading the day.

[@SingingTimberwolf]

It's Something You May Say About Your Cat Passing Away, So Sad To Hear That, But I Remember Listening To Carrikfergus On A Drive, I Was Thinking At The Same Time, About A Beloved Pet, Sampson Passed Away On That Drive I Shedded Many Tears! Rest In Peace To The Cat & Sampson (01-03-94--01-14-08) Sampson Lived 14 Years, 11 Days After His Birthday, Such A Sad But Memorable Topic

[@maureenmcevoy5982]

I hear you + cry with you .Peace + Purrs

[@waxkopp]

@@maureenmcevoy5982 Me to...🙀

[@beyondnatural9155]

@@maureenmcevoy5982 I’m glad you wrote that, Maureen. I’ve often wondered if women were stirred the same way as men are. I’m thinking on this wee bit are women also, but couldn’t know.

[@cpohagan]

As I child I was subjected to this and other (now) classic tunes and hated them. But now they're timeless tunes with meaning and great memories of late dad love you PJ. What a great ballad paddy

[@robertn625]

cpohagan - yup me too

[@grainnekeenan]

cpohagan me too :)

[@plogue78]

Me too

[@maureenmcevoy5982]

Amen 2 that-

[@britshroofing8097]

The best 👌👌👌☝️☝️☝️💯💯

[@paulinebradleysoundinspira6981]

Beautiful song, beautifully sung, thankyou, Pauline

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing?

[@johndublin776]

Ireland's greatest ever folk singer.

[@karmapeach]

I agree and i miss them all,Liam Clancy,ronnie drew,luke kelly,and now Barney

[@queenb62]

Paddy Reilly carries every song he sings powerfully. One of Ireland's greats

[@Ms2blackcats]

he most certainly does!

[@ronvdlaar6112]

What a stunning rendition! Love it!

[@jamespowell617]

Gold!

[@richardmavin8255]

Such emotions, it must be a cracking place 🤔yes it's definitely on my must go to list

[@bmorris78]

stunningly straight to the quick & core. brilliant….

[@barryhutchinson6397]

I live near Carrickfergus sums up a lush land with history garole

[@randellcayla]

I love this song .So sad but so beautiful ..I've seen paddy in concert here in st john's a few times .I chatted with him in a local pub & had my picture taken with him , What a wonderful voice!!

[@susangallagher6511]

what a wonderful rendition

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing today?😊

[@boogieelaine]

beautifull song always makes me cry

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing today?😊

[@tmag5309]

Perfect, true beauty.

[@GrissomLovesSara]

oh My God his voice is so fantastic. I wish I knew how to download songs from youtube to my iPod! He's the best singer in the world

[@veryrancid3128]

i love Jim´s version too but you can´t compare these two. this is the way it is supposed to be done but jim is all heart at this song! love these both!

[@Hemulen40]

Go braith , paddy !

[@ShepStevVidEOs]

Paddy Reilly didn’t sing a bad note in his entire career.

[@hgreen7591]

Rip my Gan Gan first man to break my heart little did I know you wouldn’t be the last hope you and Andrew are looking after eachother up there 💔

[@csm5040]

This are the country music roots

[@tanglewoodlad]

A wonderful song coupled with a wonderful voice! What more could you ask for?

[@waxkopp]

More of these gifted people!

[@yugandali]

What a voice!

[@maureengillies9495]

This is wonderful

[@mmchenry]

Mellifluous brilliance with just a wee strummer and a powerful voice

[@michaeldeburca9422]

Oh. Memories Memories. Emotional.

[@martinkeenan9237]

Heavenly song despite the undeniable fact that nobody ever wished they were in Carrickfergus. Incredible

[@bongo7571]

brilliant voice and beautiful song

[@spiced32]

Fantastic song, I simply love Paddy's voice more than any other (gr8 to see im not the only 1 here too) Spancill Hill etc etc fantastic too, I tip my hat to you good sir

[@boldhylandpaddy5288]

Highland Paddy is a proud lrish man when he listen to this song 👍🍀🍀🍀

[@raymondem2]

John Derbyshire, a columnist for National Review, cited this song as a tribute to the Irish for St. Patricks day. He is from England and immigrated to the US. He has a great deal of respect for free thinking culturalist people. John, unfortuneatly is dying of cancer. I cry every time I hear this song, and hope that my fellow facebook friends will appreciate his great work and contributions. go on-line to check his previous work. Thank you. Daniel Leavy

[@killiekentman]

lovely

[@herbert5491]

What a lovely tune. Never heard it before

[@susanodea1837]

Absolutely love this song

[@honestj820]

Hey how are you doing?😊

[@bikerbp]

great song sung by one of the best

[@holyeti3553]

Ma auld mans tune

[@maryoshea8944]

Wonderful. Listen to Paddy Reilly often! Great Talent!

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing today?😊

[@anelladambrosio2513]

Paddy!! Hai una voce incredibilmente bella!! 😅😀😍😘💔♥️💗🎶💎💋🌟

[@annmayo7276]

beautifully ethereal and sung with passion Thank you!

[@eamonmacdonnell2627]

💚❤️

[@maryoshea8944]

Beautiful!!

[@honestj820]

Hello how are you doing?😊

[@Luke_0]

GO ON PADDY, GIVE IT SOME OF THAAAAT!

[@MultiPritchett]

Makes me want to sit at an Irish pub and have a parting glass.

[@stephenmagee2356]

come and join me in belfast

[@graham2458]

stephen magee he said Irish pub not a British pub

[@igorstein5616]

Yep

[@davenight]

Al, fantastic analogy

[@marthakelleher5106]

@@graham2458. Belfast is on the island of Ireland and has plenty of Irish pubs.