Patrick Cafferty, Bridge Street, Ballina: An Acrostic

In Memory of

Patrick Cafferty,

Bridge Street, Ballina

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In moments when reflection on the past

Narrates the friendships of the kind and true,

Lamentingly our thoughts are fondly cast

On those whom death has taken from our view.

Vividly the sunshine of his gaze

Illumes the memory of our bygone friend

Now so deplored and justified with praise,

Gleam after gleam retracing to his end.

Might many landed men imply their fame

Entirely wrapp’d within their pampered pride;

More honoured, loved and cherished is the name

Of humble worth our citizen supplied.

Retiring, calm, and friendly evermore,

Yet always cheerful to the poor in need,

Obtaining blessings at his favoured door,

For good example he was placed to lead.

Perpetuated by such worthy ways,

And deeply centred in more hearts untold,

Those memories shall arise in future days

Resplendently in letters of gold,

Impressive though his charity has been,

Combined with pleasure of a peaceful glow,

Kind nature strewed his path with love serene,

Commanding all good wishes could bestow.

A sense of pity moved the fervid mind

For valued men to vanish in their prime

From noble work while man a worthless kind

Enjoy and live and fatten more with time.

Remembrance that shield his fostered esteem

To place his thoughtful widow’s fond esteem

Yield admiration justly as they claim

Beside the Altar of the Great Supreme,

Alike his grand memorial in Kilmore,

Love looming up with glory o’er his grave.

Long shall the angels’ voices round it pour,

Imparting praises for the love he gave

Now, fervently, let grateful feelings roll,

And raise a prayer for his departed soul.

                                                                  John Ginty

Kilmore, Ballina, 17^th April, 1914.