Steven 'o Riordan 'the Power Of One' Poem by Francis Duggan

Some people as unsung do go to their grave
But as it is said fortune favors the brave
And the bravest and most honorable of people speak out for the oppressed
What is all wrong with human society by them is addressed

The barrier of injustice some help to tear down
One such a person is Steven O Riordan he hails from Millstreet Town
In his fight for the rights of 'The Forgotten Maggies' his has become a great name
Life for him will never again be the same

In his late twenties Steven is a person worthy of being admired
By the 2006 Peter Mullan's film The Magdalene Sisters he was inspired
Into action on behalf of the women who had lived through hell
Of their silence he helped to free them their harrowing stories to tell

Of the abuse they suffered in catholic run institutions in Ireland years ago
Their stories are stories of sadness and woe
The likes of Steven has forced the Irish Government to them for past wrongs to apologize
The power of one is far greater than anyone seem to realize

Abuse of young innocent people in catholic run institutions in Ireland for too long has gone on
And one cannot say that the past is the past and in the forever gone
When the crimes committed against them are only being addressed today
Though too late is better than never as some do like to say

Steven O Riordan the man who spoke up from the silent crowd
His parents of him have a right to feel proud
The great flag of justice he proudly does wave
There is truth in the saying fortune favors the brave.