<P> John (Johnny) Francis Patterson (1840--1889) was an Irish singer, songwriter and circus entertainer . He is now best known for composing the song "The Garden Where the Praties Grow". </P> <P> He was born in Kilbarron, Feakle, County Clare . Both his parents had died by the time he was three years old and so he was raised by an uncle in Ennis . At the age of 14 he enlisted in the 63rd Regiment of Foot which was based in Limerick at the time . He learned to play various instruments especially piccolo and drums . When a circus came to Limerick he got a part - time job in its band and so bought himself out of the army . </P>

Who wrote the garden where the praties grow