Mick Kelleher’s Heart

He works hard and he has drunk many a beer
And he has lived in Australia for many a year
As good a person as one could wish to meet
But Mick Kelleher’s heart it is still in Millstreet.
.
In Claraghatlea in Millstreet he first saw light of day
And he often recalls old friends and places far away
Where the old Finnow river it babbles on down
To the mighty Blackwater close to Millstreet Town.
.
He talks of Claraghatlea, Inchaleigh and Claramore
So many miles inland from Hibernia’s shore
But distant from Duhallow he may live out his life
With his children and grandchildren and Rosemary his wife.
.
What is a great loss to Ireland is surely Australia’s gain
But loyal to Duhallow Mick Kelleher remain
And though here he may live out his last night and day
His heart is by Clara Mountain far away.

by Francis Duggan