Memories Of Toots Poem by Francis Duggan

In his day a famed Gaelic Footballer a legend around him did grow
A hero for Cork and for Millstreet but that was a long time ago
One of the best forwards in Ireland when he was in his glorious prime
He is at rest with life's departed we all become victims of time.

Toots Kelleher is one I'll remember 'til to the scythe of the Reaper I'll fall
His great games for Cork and for Millstreet one cannot but help to recall
He never was found to be wanting he proved himself in every test
One of the sporting greats of Duhallow and in his time one of Ireland's best.

One who was quite joyous in victory and one who was gracious in defeat
And a person who was celebrated when I was a boy in Millstreet
But that was in the nineteen fifties and time keeps on ticking away
The boy back then now in his sixties and the years have left him looking gray.

With his opponents he shook hands when the game was over he treated the game as a game
He gave of his best on the playing field a man well worthy of his fame
He left us with such happy memories and those who knew him do recall
The sportsman who was a true sportsman and a credit to Gaelic Football.