When People Ask Michael Kelleher Poem by Francis Duggan

When people ask Michael Kelleher where he is from his usual reply
Is far north of this Land as the migratory bird does fly
Claraghatlea in Duhallow near the Town of Millstreet
A short walk through the fields to where the rivers do meet

With children and grandchildren to Rosemary his Australian wife
He has lived in Australia for more than two thirds of his life
They now live in San Remo in South Gippsland by the Pacific shore
South of Claraghatlea by eighteen thousand kilometers or more

The Duhallow accent he was born into he does retain
And perhaps with him it will remain
For as long as he live till his last night and day
His accent with him it is destined to stay

His heritage Michael Kelleher does never deny
In Claraghatlea he first looked on the sun and the moon and the stars of the sky
In the school yard in Millstreet Town he played games with his friends as a boy
As a young fellow a carefree existence he did enjoy

Michael Kelleher often talks of his friends in and near Millstreet Town
Where he used to live when his hair was light brown
And though he lives far south of old Clara today
The good memories of his younger years with him stay.