Yes the Rocky Road is a great song. As you say - breath control is tricky on that one -as is The Galway Races. Its that bouncy thing, whilst still keeping the intimacy. I love Paddy Reilly's version. The Dubs used to make it look so easy, I have had to say to their critics - you try it - see how easy it is. The voice is like a bodhran - swinging the melody round.

trouble is, theres some pretty weird interpretations.

I remember my Dad used to have an old 78 of it by Count John MacCormack with The Old Bog Road on the other side. Then there was that Brendan Something who used to do that one and The Blaydon Races. He was a big hit round the Teacher Training Colleges in the 1960s. Very fruity! I think that sort of thing turned me to drink.