Sentimental Journey by John Paxton
I've travelled many places from Cork to Antrim town Donegal and Cushendall and some I've been around, but of all the many places I know my dearest wish is to ramble around where I still call home down there in Tullylish.
Think of the days in old Chapel Row the neighbours and friends living there; of the clean swept floors and the old half-doors with seldom ever a care. But years have rolled on the Row long since gone with memories still fresh in some ways and as for me - I'd still love to be back in those carefree old days.
I just can't forget the old School Road - I recall it all so plain, alas, some of my friends that have gone on before are friends that I won't see again. They've gone on to another land; to Heaven and all its joys But I won't forget the dear old school where we played when we were boys.
I'll take a walk round Holymount with its overhanging trees, where the sweet scene of honeysuckle still lingers in the breeze, and walk along the riverbank where the Bann flows freely on and listen to the birdsong - their chorus from early dawn.
The cart tracks, they are no more round that broken down old Mill - Mill Park is but a shadow as I move on to Rabbit Hill. I can hear the rippling river as it kisses rocks below. It keeps forever rolling on It's only us that come and go.
The Church stands still as beautiful with majestic tower on high and that little Church Turn village has grown since days gone by, but the kindly folk are still the same and my heartfelt ever wish that everyone in this old world be like the folk in Tullylish.
Drumhorc , it looks inviting as round Bodel's Hill I stray and though I'd like to climb those hills I'll come another day. The evening's drawing in now and I've still some way to go - these old limbs now, are slowing up, slow unlike some years ago.
Then 'Adieu' to dearest Banford, Tullylish and Knocknagor, your haunting smile keeps coming back and will forever more. The fleeting years are only hours or so it all would seem but the memory of my ramble has fulfilled my lovely dream.

Chapel Row
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