Paddy Kelly - The Offaly Rover Lyrics

A rover I have been and a rover I will stay
But to that faithful county I will return someday
Oh Offaly how I love you with your heather scented air
Silently the peaceful brosna calls her sons from far and near

Oh Kinnitty I long to see the woodbine's in full bloom
To stroll the fields around Ferbane, hear the wild birds in full tune
At Clonmacnoise I'll see you, onto Banagher we'll stray
From the fishermen we'll drink and hear of the ones that got away

Oh dead are still in exile are some friends I used to know
Still I must pass Killoughy where great sportsmen are laid low
By Croghan Hill I see you where in childhood I did play
So adieu to you beloved true Bloom, I must be on my way

I'll throw some brown turf on the fire, bring a keg in from the barn
Let the blacksmith sing his rebel song and the poacher tell his yarn
Come close my friends and neighbours, fill your glasses to the brim
And we'll toast to all the hero's from the heather, hill and glen
And we'll toast to all the hero's from the heather, hill and glen