Dermy Leary

The wanderlust was in him for places far away
And he left Millstreet Town as a young man for to live in the U S of A
The likeable Dermy Leary in life he made many a friend
Far from his beloved Hometown and Millstreet’s old West End.

He always seemed so cheerful with great warmth in his hello
The dapper Dermy Leary a nice person to know
‘Tis so sad to think in Millstreet he will not be seen again
But with those who knew him from the past the good memories will remain

Of a memorable character his likes one don’t often meet
One of a very famous clan of the Parish of Millstreet
The Learys Gaelic footballers a family of renown
Known for their sporting achievements many miles from Millstreet Town.

And whether Dermy did or did not play Gaelic Football is a thing I cannot say
The wanderlust was in him in Millstreet he did not stay
Every few years he returned to the West End for a few weeks holiday
And so sad to think forever that with the dead he lay.

A well loved character of Millstreet where he did not remain
But what was a huge loss to his home Parish was to some other place a gain
His warmth and generous nature one readily can recall
And the reaper who claimed Dermy will one day claim us all.

by Francis Duggan