Written by Phil and June Colclough in 1977, this song was first recorded by Sean Cannon on his album "The Roving Journeyman", but it was the recording made by Luke Kelly in 1983 that made this song popular. At this time, Luke was suffering from a brain tumour and was exrtremely ill, and his sombre and weaker vocals make this song all the more evocative and emotional, coupled with the gentle mandolin and sweet whistle, it is impossible to listen to this song without tearing up. It was the last sutdio recording that Luke sang. In later 1983, Luke was unable to perform this song with The Dubliners, and as such, Sean Cannon had to perform it instead. Luke died on the 30th January 1984 aged only 43.
Written by the great Irish singwriter Phil Coulter, this song tells the story of an old sailor or mariner who has came off a disastrous boat trip. The song is sombre, emotional yet with a happy, upbeat tone. Headed by Ronnie with his characteristic gravelly vocals, the song is very good. The song was featured on the 1973 album "Plain and Simple"
Luke Kelly met the Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh in the early 60s in Dublin. Kavanagh was a very well known Irish poet and songwriter and in the early 60s, who composed a song called called "Raglan Road" to the tune of the old Irish song "Fainne Gael an Lae" When Patrick met Luke, Patrick said to him "Won't you sing my song Luke?", "What song is that?" Luke said. "Raglan Road", Patrick said. So Luke sang it, and it became the definitive version of the song. A poetic song of lost love, Raglan Road has became almost iconic in the Irish folk scene, and it has often been regarded as The Dubliners "Greatest Song".