Co. Leitrim Percy French Society

17/12/2025

The County Leitrim Percy French Society has long stood as a vital guardian of the legacy of one of Ireland’s most beloved songwriters. Through dedicated stewardship of Tish Dunleavy and Frank Cadam, the Society continues to honour Percy French’s wit, warmth, and enduring musical influence. The coming year, 2026, promises to be a particularly vibrant one, with performances scheduled at numerous venues across the country, including Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan, Meath, Dublin, and Mayo, with further locations to be announced in due course. These performances will bring French’s timeless songs to new and loyal audiences alike, celebrating their relevance and charm. For admirers of Percy French and his music, 2026 is set to be a richly rewarding year of remembrance, performance, and cultural pride.

14/09/2025

King House, Boyle
Saturday, October 18
7:30 PM
Step back in time and celebrate the wit, charm and musical genius of Percy French, one of Ireland’s most treasured entertainers.
Featuring performances of classic songs like:
"The Mountains of Mourne"
"Phil the Fluter’s Ball"
"Are Ye Right There Michael?"..and many more!
Live music, humour and storytelling in the historic setting of King

31/10/2024

'Come back Paddy Reilly' composed by Percy French (1854-1920 ) in 1912. Paddy Reilly mentioned in the song was a jarvey who often drove French to appointments, When French returned to Ballyjamesduff after a short period away from the town, he discovered that Reilly had emigrated to Scotland. The thought of so many young Irish people being forced to emigrate in search of work saddened French so he wrote the song as a kind of lament for them.
On one level the song is about Ballyjamesduff which is described as being a latter day Garden of Eden, such is its beauty. As French describes its charms, he appeals to Paddy Reilly to come back to his homeland to enjoy what it has to offer. Tish Dunleavy and some members of the County Leitrim Percy French Society sings Come back Paddy Reilly........

20/09/2024

27/08/2024

A night not to be missed.......More details to follow

02/05/2024

We had a fantastic event in Strokestown Park House in honour of the 170th anniversary of Percy French's birth (01/05/1854). What a captive audience.