Luke Kelly Raglan Road - LIVE Dublin, 1979

Luke Kelly explains how he met Patrick Kavanagh in The Bailey pub in Dublin. During this encounter Kavanagh told him he had a song for him. 1979. Clip courtesy of RTE.

[fshanahan]

The song started life as a poem by Patrick Kavanagh, himself a genius. It was on a fateful night in The Bailey that Kavanagh and Kelly met, soaked in whiskey. Kavanagh gave Luke the words and suggested the tune and only Luke Kelly could render it into one of the best folk songs of all time.

[Markgeoghegan]

Incredible version of Raglan Road, Luke Kelly was a one He did more than just sing a song, he told a As a fellow Irishman, i believe his passing was a great loss to Ireland and it's wonderful Forever a

[paulryan]

An unparalleled performance. Rest In Peace, Luke . Your likes will never be seen again.

[kathrynlandry]

I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet Luke Kelly’s music until after his death. The first time I heard him I fell in love with him ☘️☘️☘️💚💚💚🇮🇪🇮🇪🥰🥰

[bikkies]

I will never tire of this. There's a reason why Luke Kelly was considered the definitive performer of Raglan Road, and why many consider this to be the definitive rendition of his. Many have covered this work but I believe none have bettered it. Taken from the world far too soon, but he gave us such a gift with this.

[dylankelley]

I love how he goes straight into singing his heart out without even the barest of pauses.

[MrJohnnyshoes]

This day 37yrs ago you left us, Luke. Thank you for the days.

[ebjeezer]

The emotion and poetry of this song is hard to bare. Luke bows his head at the end of the song somewhat unable to look up at the audience for his soul is laid bare. Just absolutely the best!

[dotsfrazer]

The greatest singer to have ever lived on this island

[randybyrne]

Luke Kelly and Al O'Donnell. Two Dublin legends in the music world. Luke would have been 81 today. May both these men Rest easy.

[jimdoyle]

Carried my daddy from the church to this his favourite

[recorderman]

I'm not an Irish and I'm quite new to Irish folk song, but Luke Kelly, I can see in his face the true joy of singing. Never saw an artist like him before. He's a born Celtic Bard of morden era.

[patriciathewisher]

Love that Patrick Kavanagh gave this song to Luke Kelly. A perfect poem/song and Luke is perfect for it, as Patrick so wisely knew.

[martinfolan]

Luke Kelly was astonishingly gifted. This beautiful poem brought to life. His wonderful voice. A kind beautifully talented genius. Example of the oral Irish tradition. We miss you Luke!

[keithdaly]

An absolutely magical performance from the greatest singer ever! A song which hits you straight in the soul. I will never get tired of listening to Luke sing. RIP to the greatest ☘☘🇮🇪🇮🇪

[margaretsmyth]

What can I say? Luke ; without all the paraphernalia of today’s guy’s is unparalleled. Would we know anything of this great piece of poetry without him .R.I.P…

[trevormcgrath]

My das mate sang this in the graveyard at my nanny and grandas funeral a week apart from each other, will always be my favourite ballad.

[johnsometimeswrong]

Jesus he flung himself into that song in a split second. What a voice, What a powerful

[eireoutdoors]

This is one of the best hidden gems I have found on YouTube

[ehmfaedundee]

I never get tired of listening to this man sing, one of many from a very cultured land.