Edward Walsh

Born in Doire he lived  for a while in Millstreet
The fame of Edward Walsh known far and wide
His poems still read beyond the shores of Ireland
Beyond the borders of his countryside.

A good friend of John Mitchel the Irish patriot
Who was exiled by the English in the convict boat
His friend a prisoner in distant Tasmania
And Edward became a major gaelic poet.

Edward Walsh died young but he is not forgotten
His literary works have kept alive his name
As a major gaelic poet and a translator
He lives on in the literary hall of fame.

Ireland was once the land of saints and scholars
The land of music, gaelic verse and song
The poet then was looked on as a hero
To such a culture Edward Walsh belong.

A cultural change has swept through modern Ireland
And the age of the computer here to stay
But it's thanks in full to the history preservers
That a once great culture lives in books today.

Few people nowadays talk of Edward Walsh in Millstreet
Though his verses and translations living still
And I feel pride at his association
With that old Town by ancient Clara hill.

Yes I feel proud that he once lived in Millstreet
Though nothing there to honour his renown
For I am one who come from that green country
From Claraghatlea just west of Millstreet town.