Paddy Byrne

He was a champion athlete in his day
Duhallow's finest sprinter many say
And for years a priest in the U S of A
From Millstreet Town a half a world away.

When I was a young boy he was in his prime
And still the memory not been lost to time
Of Paddy Byrne that marvellous athlete
His fame spread many miles beyond Millstreet.

Years back a name we used to celebrate
But time ticks on and time on none does wait
And though few could hope to beat him at his best
He too lost out to time like all the rest.

He seldom finished out of the first three
And he raced to many a thrilling victory
And back then his was quite a famous face
And he brought honour to his own home place.

And people talk of Paddy Byrne still
In that old Town by Clara's ancient hill
The man who now lives half a world away
He was a champion sprinter in his day.