Of Toots Kelleher Poem by Francis Duggan

Of Toots Kelleher only the memories remain
But in fancy i often does seem him again
In full flight for Millstreet in the green and gold
Though it is true about great men they too do grow old

Never found to be wanting when put to the test
For Cork, Munster and Millstreet he always gave of his best
In Cork, Coachford, Macroom, Killarney and in famed Croke Park
The Pride of Duhallow often left his mark

One of Ireland's best forwards in his day playing gaelic football
His many great displays too many to recall
A sportsman supreme and a marvelous player
He did play it hard but he always played fair

With Toots there was never an excuse in defeat
He would say by the better team today we were beat
His opponents of him had only kind things to say
And for him there was many a loud hip hooray

Tall dark haired, strong and handsome in his glorious prime
Though that is going back many decades in time
But even great players do grow old and gray
May he rest in peace now wherever he lay

Since Toots Kelleher played Gaelic football many Seasons have gone
But with those who watched him play the good memories live on
Of one never found to be wanting when put to the test
In the Gaelic playing fields of Ireland he always gave of his best.