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Hidden Histories: On Raglan Road

Have you ever heard of the poem, ‘Dark Haired Miriam Ran Away’? You probably have, even if yo...

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12.42 31 Jan 2021


Hidden Histories: On Raglan Road


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12.42 31 Jan 2021


Have you ever heard of the poem, ‘Dark Haired Miriam Ran Away’? You probably have, even if you don’t know it. It first appeared in print 75 years ago this year - but it’s better known by a different name: ‘On Raglan Road’.

Last year, it was voted Ireland’s favourite song, but it began life differently. A poem of love lost, it was perhaps the masterpiece of Patrick Kavanagh. For a poet so synonymous with his native rural Monaghan, most of his poetry was written in the urban environment of Dublin.

But who was the girl who got away, and how exactly did a poem become such an iconic song?

Gavan Reilly is joined by Donal Fallon for another episode of Hidden Histories.

On The Record with Gavan Reilly

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Baggot Street Dark Haired Miriam Ran Away Donal Fallon Luke Kelly On Raglan Road Patrick Kavanagh

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