I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS VERSION OF A BEAUTIFUL SONG
COME BACK PADDY REILLY
TO BALLYJAMESDUFF.
Come home, Paddy Reilly, to me.
But I know the lie of it still
Just turn to the left at the bridge of Finea
And stop when halfway to Cootehill.
'Tis there I will find it I know sure enough
When fortune has come to my call,
Oh the grass it is green around Ballyjamesduff
And the blue sky is over it all
And tones that are tender and tones that are gruff,
Come whispering over the sea,
Come back, Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff,
Come home, Paddy Reilly, to me.
My mother once told me that when I was born
The day that I first saw the light,
I looked down the street on that very first morn
And gave a great crow of delight.
Now most newborn babies appear in a huff,
And start with a sorrowful squall
But I knew I was born in Ballyjamesduff
And that's why I smiled on them all.
The baby's a man, now he's toil-worn and tough,
Still, whispers come over the sea,
Come back, Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff
Come home, Paddy Reilly, to me.
Ballyjamesduff is immortalised in the famous Percy French song, 'Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff'. It is also home to the award-winning Cavan County Museum, which showcases the entire spectrum of Cavan's diverse culture, heritage and history. The collection comprises archaeological finds from the Stone Age to the Middle ages including the three-faced pre-Christian Corleck Head and a 1,000 year old dug-out boat. There is also a fine display of 18th - 20th Century costume, galleries on folk life, the GAA and Camogie Association.
The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th Century building with spacious grounds, gardens and nearby children's playground. A craft and coffee shop are also available. The museum frequently hosts art and photography exhibitions, book readings and the famous Lakeland Quilt Fair.
Fishing in and around Ballyjamesduff is excellent and the twin lakes of nearby Nadrageel and Lackan provide good coarse fishing. Boats are available for hire locally
PICS OF BALLYJAMESDUFF
