Friday, 21 November 2014

A Tribute to “Larry Doolan”

A Tribute to “Larry  Doolan” 
HIS pen was a facile pen, and his heart was a heart of gold;
His poems were thrilling and beautiful in the happy days of old.
Gaels beyond the ocean with loyalty hold his fame,
And here in Mayo we cherish James Wallace Melvin’s name.
A lover of our games was he – a patriot, dreamer, poet—
With a gradh for beauteous Granuaile in every line he wrote.

Deep and undying was his love for our dear motherland,
Her dauntless men, her glorious faith, her language pure and grand.
To me in golden hours gone by, ’mid a group of true Irishmen,
’Twas a joy to read poems sweet and gay from “Larry Doolan’s” pen.
But, alas! that pen is laid aside, and in Leigue his grave is green,
Where the Connacht breezes softly blow and oft with sadness caoin.
God called him to the halls above in April’s golden glow,
When flowers bloomed in the green fields of sweet and brave Mayo,
When skies were blue and Spring’s green cloak fell over hill and leas,
When the blackbird and the mavis sang upon each budding tree;
And, well he sleeps the last long sleep that shall never dreaming bring
While his memory and his verses to the mind of each Gael cling.

With a soul as white as the purest snow, and a heart both warm and true,
He worked for our dear Gaelic games when there was work to do.
He wrote, he dreamed, he sang his songs, and his clever brain and pen
Brought hope and vigour to the hearts of athletes and men.
May the sod rest lightly o’er you, may your memory e’er be green,
Faithful, noble “Larry Doolan,” gifted son of Rosaleen.
                         

                                                       Celt

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