Thomas Kelleher Poem by Francis Duggan

Thomas Kelleher was a great Gaelic Footballer but he passed away in his prime
When he was only in his twenties he had such a brief span of time
He played football for Cork and Millstreet and he was one of his County's best
And on the playing fields he was never found to be wanting he proved himself in every test.

And what's more he was a good person devoted to family and wife
And one can say truly of Thomas that he made the most of his brief life
He adds some credence to the saying that the good are destined to die young
He was such an honourable fellow and his praises they ought to be sung.

It was killer cancer that claimed him with the dead of Millstreet he lay
For the Millstreet Club a dashing half forward some great games for them he did play
He left Millstreet fans with marvellous memories and him they will always recall
The Reaper claimed the life from him early though sooner or later death comes to us all.

A well liked young man from Murphy's Terrace and a very nice person to know
He died when he was in his twenties going back some three decades ago
As another victim of cancer from life his was a painful release
Thomas Kelleher he was a good person and he is forever at peace.