Skies O'er Ballyroan, originally by Thomas Hodge.
Arranged and performed by Brian Lalor and Jack Doherty.
Recorded at Knuttery Studios, Cork, Ireland.


Words were written in the late 19th century by Thomas Hodge, a schoolmaster from Ballyroan. An arrangement was set to a melody by Chris Andretti thereafter.


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4th November 2017

"This is a picture of the old OLD school in the village of Ballyroan, Co Laois. The building is a real relic and stands beautifully on the corner where Chapel St and Main St meet. - By reading the last line Ballyroan may appear to be a larger place than it actually is…there basically is only two streets…and the phrase ‘Blink and ya’ll miss it’ comes to mind : ) -

Today is my father’s birthday. He was born on 4th November 1947, which means he would have been 70yrs old if he was still with us.
Bless him. Some man for one man he was. I miss him dearly.

At home, we never learned until later on in Pat's life that he had indeed, a fine knack for painting and art in general, which he developed in a local center he attended weekly, sculpting and painting many a piece…eventually coming up with his very own style. A lot of locals and aunties and uncles started to notice his talent and original flair. They started requesting different ideas…which he gladly obliged.

This picture of the school is one of those pieces. He did a series of similar concepts from the surrounding area which now hang in many a sitting room all over the place. Mainly Laois id say but who knows!?

One of Daddy’s favorite songs was Skies O’er Ballyroan. Well, it was the one he would always sing out at a session anyway…maybe Blueberry Hill was indeed his favorite…or at least up there in the list. Either way, I know he held the words of Skies O’er dearly. It was about his home turf after all.

Here we have a version of the song myself and a good friend Jack Doherty recorded in late 2017 at his home studio in Cork. I had been over there only a couple of weeks previous and we were jamming away as usual. At some point in the night, I mentioned id been thinking of doing a recording of the song in the near future, and would Jack be interested in playing some parts on it? He said yes and asked me to play it to him. Which I did, pretty hesitatingly at first, trying to grasp the key as I hadn’t gone over it in some time.
Within a few run-throughs, Jack had some lines worked out on the flute and then preceded to set up a few microphones. He insisted there’s no time like the present. And we just went for it.
This recording I think was the third, possibly the fourth take and is the only one where I didn’t screw up the lyrics. The air of the song is a complete re-working and chords and tuning to match. There are imperfections on there, both in performance and technical wise if ya want to get geeky about it…but, I like it and so does Jack…enough to share with you all today.
I thought it would be fitting to use the painting of the school as a sleeve for the art.

Hope you enjoy : )
Feel free to share it around.


Side note:
Jack is a really gifted musician and songwriter. I recommend you check out his music. You won't be disappointed.

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Follow Jack Doherty facebook page for updates. "


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I love the sunny shores of France
I love the Italian skies
Where beauty beams o’er fields and streams
And nature reigns sublime
I love the Alps, the winding Rhine
The classic Po and Rhone
But ten times more do I adore
The skies o’er Ballyroan

The setting sun ne’er shine upon
A sweeter little town
The purling rill that drives the mill
Through hazel shades runs down
The moat, high crowned with noble trees
Its origins unknown
With beauty, grace adorns the place
For miles round Ballyroan

The chapel spire high overall
Points to that crystal sky
The vesper’s chimes proclaim the time
When evening worships night
And home the hearty workman hikes
His hour of toil now flown
With songs and cheer and Skinner's beer
Enlivens Ballyroan

Oh, Ballyroan, me native home
Oh how it breaks me heart
Within my breast I am oppressed
To act the brave man's part
If should I fall for Erin's cause
Like Emmett or Wolfe Tone
Me last sigh to heaven's high
Would be for Ballyroan


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