Boys from Back of Beyond: Paul & Gary O’Donovan

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15 Responses So Far to “Boys from Back of Beyond: Paul & Gary O’Donovan”

  • George Shea says:

    Oh father dear, I oft-times hear you speak of Erin’s isle
    Her lofty hills, her valleys green, her mountains rude and wild
    They say it is a lovely land wherein a prince might dwell
    So why did you abandon it, the reason to me tell

    Oh son, I loved my native land with energy and pride
    Till a blight came over all my crops, my sheep, my cattle died
    My rent and taxes were too high, I could not them redeem
    And that’s the cruel reason why I left old Skibbereen

    Oh well do I remember that bleak December day
    The landlord and the sheriff came to drive us all away
    They set my roof on fire with their cursed English spleen
    And that’s another reason why I left old Skibbereen

    Your mother too, God rest her soul, fell on the snowy ground
    She fainted in her anguish seeing desolation ’round
    She never rose but passed away to life’s immortal dream
    And found a quiet grave, me boy, in dear old Skibbereen

    And you were only two years old and feeble was your frame
    I could not leave you with my friends, you bore your father’s name
    I wrapped you in my cóta mór in the dead of night unseen
    I heaved a sigh and bade goodbye to dear old Skibbereen

    Oh father dear, the day will come when in answer to the call
    All Irish men of freedom, they will rally one and all
    I’ll be the man to lead the band beneath the flag of green
    When loud and high, we’ll raise the cry, revenge for Skibbereen

  • greg mclaughlin says:

    Wonderful .I’m sure the accents had a lot to do with it.
    Eyes moistened a bit.Must be the Irish in me.

  • Ahoi Mench says:

    Terrific. We watched it twice. Teared up both times.

  • Julia Graves says:

    Oh this one made me cry!!! Fabulous story! Thanks OCH!

  • Samuel Dorrance says:

    An outstanding video! I started rowing a pram at about 8 years old; still at it in slightly more graceful craft at 71!

  • Robert Stumm says:

    A lovely video, and proof that you only have to believe in yourself. Thank you so much for sharing this story.

  • elliott shanley says:

    Wonderful to see them struggle to attain Glory
    Similar story of overcoming hardship to ” Boys in the Boat”

  • Harvey Kerstein says:

    Fantastic “can do” story and video, thanks ! It helps keep me rowing at 72.

  • Rod McLaren says:

    The best place to be from is “Back of Beyond”. Thank you for sharing this story.

  • Sandy Mcwilliams says:

    Inspiring video of the small town forgotten boys taking on the world of privIlege and bringing home the silver medal! Awesome story, how can you not love them!

    • Kathryn Gillenwater says:

      This was one terrific video. What a great way to start my Sunday morning here in Arapahoe, NC. THANK YOU!