A Song For Jimmy Cotter Poem by Francis Duggan

A gale force wind there is no moon tonight
But in the high field I see dazzler light
It's someone lamping rabbits seems to me
Or Jimmy Cotter's ghost who knows maybe? .

On nights like this with heavy gales about
Netting hares or catching rabbits he'd be out
He knew the countryside for miles around
And he often walked over twenty miles of ground.

On duck shooting season he was oft times seen
Walking the river bank down towards Dooneen
And on pheasant season with his gun and dog
He'd walk all day through rushy fields and bog.

I have heard that Jimmy is forever gone
But the legend of hunting man will live on
And he'll always be remembered in Millstreet
As the little fellow with the tireless feet.

And though the big heart of the hunter may be cold
The stories of his life will still be told
Of how he walked for miles with hounds and dazzler light
In upland fields in wild and moonless night.

I last saw Jimmy Cotter years ago
On Winter's day when hills were capped with snow
On pheasant shoot in field at Claraghatlea
How time can fly seems only yesterday.

I have heard that Jimmy is forever gone
But the stories of his exploits will live on
And he'll always be remembered in Millstreet
As the little fellow with the tireless feet.