The Gentleman Joe Kelly Poem by Francis Duggan

The gentleman Joe Kelly I can still recall today
And he had a lot of knowledge that he'd learnt along life's way
And when he was in reflective mood profound things he did say
And he retained his wisdom as an old man bent and gray.

His chats with Eddy Collins to this day I can recall
I often heard them talking about hurling and football
And on track and coursing greyhounds their knowledge was profound
And they had their own opinions on the fastest dogs around.

Only knew him as an aged man never knew him in his prime
And a chat with old Joe Kelly never was a waste of time
He was knowledgeable and witty and from life he'd learnt a lot
And in his old age he still remembered things most others had forgot.

He is one I still remember people like him one doesn't forget
And the wisdom of Joe Kelly has outlived the grave of death
In life he had a good innings and his was a lengthy span
And in Millstreet he's remembered as a good and clever man.

There was only one Joe Kelly People like him are quite rare
And his knowledge and his wisdom with all others he did share
And he had a splendid memory as an old man bent and gray
And in Millstreet in Duhallow he's remembered still today.