In Gaelic Football for Cork and Millstreet Toots Kelleher did play
One of Ireland’s best forwards when in his prime day
One never found to be wanting when put to the test
For Club and for County he always performed at his best
That he never played a bad game a remarkable feat
One jubilant in victory and gracious in defeat
In Croke Park and Killarney, Cork, Coachford and Macroom
He made a big name for himself in the prime of his life’s bloom
The spirit of the true gael the great man personified
For his ability and sportsmanship in his chosen sport he became known far and wide
In Gaelic Football circles Toots Kelleher from Millstreet Town became a household name
In the length and breadth of Ireland he knew of widespread fame
Fond memories of the man he was to this day I retain
And often in my flights of fancy I watch him play again.
From the Hogan Stand magazine – 01 January 2001
Kelleher, Denis ’Toots’
The death has taken place of Denis ’Toots’ Kelleher, acknowledged as one of the greats of Cork football. He was in his seventies and had been ill for some time.
A native of Millstreet, he had lived in Kerry Pike, Clogheen, since his marriage to his late wife, Angela Walsh, a member of a well-known and highly-respected local family. He played a key role during the county’s successful period in the mid ’fifties when they contested consecutive All-Ireland finals and captured two national league titles. He served for a period as senior football selector. He and his late wife were also well-known in greyhound circles and he was prominently associated with Millstreet Coursing Club.
He is also remembered with great respect as an outstanding forward with his club, Millstreet and at inter-county and provincial level. He played at midfield in the 1952 league final victory over New York in Croke Park and also played in that position in that season’s Munster final victory and in the All-Ireland defeat by Cavan. When Cork won the 1956 Munster title, he was in the half forward line and in the All-Ireland final he scored two second half goals against Galway.
He was deprived of a medal when Louth won the 1957 final. He was also on the losing side in the Railway Cup finals of ’53, ’57 and ’58. Sympathy has been extended to his family, Bill, Val, Jim, Barry, John and June, his brother John, sisters Mary, Monica and Kathleen, grandchildren and his extended family.
Everyone who had seen Toots Kelleher play of him had their own story
A famous Gaelic Footballer in his prime years he reached the heights of glory
The fans of Cork in red and Millstreet in green by him often delighted
When he was racing goal-wards with the ball one could not but feel excited
In defeat a gracious and sporting man and in victory elated
In Gaelic Football in Ireland in the nineteen fifties he was one of the celebrated
Fearless on the field of play and in courage never lacking
And quite dangerous near the opposition goals when his side was attacking
When Cork and his club Millstreet were playing often the main attraction
Toots Kelleher in his glory years was Duhallow’s man of action
When he was in his glorious prime than him not any greater
But time takes care of everyone if not sooner then later
Strong as a horse of skill and dare he was a great footballer
Toots Kelleher was a mighty man he made big men feel smaller
Quite fair but hard on the field of play and fearless in every tackle
To opposition defenders he was one who proved too hard to shackle
Though long deceased good memories of Toots with us are remaining
Of umpires and referees in defeat one who was never heard complaining
And everyone who saw him play of him had their own story
In Gaelic Football in the fifties he reached the heights of glory.
“Toots Kelleher Was A Mighty Man” is by Francis Duggan
http://francisrhymer.blogspot.ie/2015/12/toots-kelleher-was-mighty-man.html
(mdc)
Excellent as Usual BY Francis Duggan.
THANKS FORM HIS FAMILY.