On Hearing Of The Death Of Mattie Owen Poem by Francis Duggan

He had been dead for a couple of years something I had not known
A citizen of Claraghatlea the man called Mattie Owen
And sad I felt to hear such news his passing caused regret
I knew him since I was a boy and him I won't forget.

His brother Denny the politician was a Minister in the Dail
And Matt too was a popular man as I can well recall
As the Manager of the Millstreet mart his reputation grew
And he became well known in the Cork Marts and well respected too.

He never owed to anyone and always paid his way
And if there is a heaven his soul is there today
The man has gone from Claraghatlea but the memories remain
And I hope he had a peaceful end and he did not suffer pain.

The passing years bring with them change and time for no one wait
And with the dreaded grim reaper we all must keep a date
But if there is a World for the good a World that's free of care
Then I know of one his name is Matt and he is happy there.

Time has brought change to Claraghatlea that place by Clara hill
But the elders of my childhhood years memories of them living still
And Mattie Owen was one of those his passing caused regret
I knew him since I was a boy and him I won't forget.