Finbar O

He was a man when I was a Primary schoolboy And that was many, many years ago A strapping man over six foot and sturdy And we referred to him as Finbar O. In my young years I see him as a hero He was one I felt privileged to know But the grim reaper came and took him early He did not live to see his children grow. He did not live on to see his grandchildren To be an old man stiff and frail and gray But Claraghatlea for his passing the poorer As men like him are not born every day. To some who did not know him he seemed different But in him there was nothing cruel or cold A gentle giant known for his acts of kindness And Finbar truly had a heart of gold. You cannot judge a book just by the cover With such a saying how can one disagree A pretty cover may attract the buyers But the contents you have to peruse and see. And those who knew Finbar will only tell you That he is one that they never will forget In Millstreet Parish and around Duhallow The news of his passing brought with it regret He was a man when I was a young fellow And that was many, many years ago And in Millstreet he will never be forgotten One of my heroes the mighty Finbar O.