Trees fallen on historic grave

A great granddaughter of the late Paddy (Patrick) Reilly told the Celt she felt “sad” to hear that trees had fallen on the grave of the famous Ballyjamesduff man and his family.

The gusts of Storm Éowyn recently caused the trees to fall in the old St Joseph's graveyard, causing damage to the landmark grave and fenceing surrounding it. Marie Jones, who visited the grave in recent years with her late mother Mary (Molly) Prior (née Reilly), feels a deep connection with her family history in the area.

Born in Ballyjamesduff, sadly Mary passed away last Christmas, but Marie was happy she got to visit the grave one last time before she passed away.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Marie described how Paddy Reilly became a famous character in the town upon meeting the famous balladeer Percy French.

In his younger days, before he married his wife Mary, Paddy drove a horse and cart around the town, as well as working in a pub.

Percy French came to the town as a surveyor and wanted someone to drive him around, when he came across Marie's great grandfather Paddy. The second time Percy French came to the town, Paddy “wasn't there” to escort him around. Which is why he wrote the famed song 'Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff'.

Marie believes he had “gone to Scotland for a time working” but came back. When he returned, he married Mary (née Smith) and they had six children Annie, James, Peter, Michael, Mary Kate and Bridget.

Marie felt “very sad” when news of the effects of Storm Éowyn spread to her home in Leicester. She would like to see repairs to the graveyard.

“Obviously it's other people's graves [too], it's not just our family, it's other people's as well.”