Last June I received an email from my good friend, Terry Reilly, who lives in Ballina, Ireland. He described his plans to turn “On A Wing And A Prayer,” his book about Monsignor James Horan, into a musical. Born in Partry, Ireland, Monsignor Horan is known for building the Basilica at the Shrine at Knock. He was also responsible for the Knock International Airport built there. Terry asked me to help write one of the songs that would appear in the play. That song is “Lion Of Partry.”

Terry and I spent a good part of the summer working on this project. Terry was, at the time, also working with other writers on additional songs that would be used in the play. The musical “On a Wing and a Prayer” will be performed at The Royal Theater, Castlebar, Ireland for three nights, November 25- 27. The performance will benefit the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. It looks to be a complete sellout.

Rita and I went to Ballina about a month ago. We attended a rehearsal during which the chorus performed “Lion Of Partry.” Cynthia Clampett sang it beautifully along with Lavinia Gilmartin, the Musical Director. Tommy Marren, one of Ireland’s big talents, directs the play. I was allowed to video the cast singing “Lion Of Partry.” The man at the beginning is the fantastic and multi-talented Terry Reilly.

I loved working on this song because I never had to be concerned with the radio, but only the character of Monsignor Horan.

Enjoy, Rory