Ode to Bill Egan

by Denis Hickey

I.

In Cregane old dwells one man bold, five-and -three-score years is he
Whose passion for his native land is known well to you and me.
His heart's emblazoned on his sleeve, young Bill will ne'er forget,
Those who gave their all to freedom's call, when they the challenge met.

II.

Bill, this night with friends in the Booney house, we gather to regale thee,
We welcome siblings Kit from Charleville, Eugene from Durlas Éile.
Let us briefly take a backward glance when life seemed so sublime
And the Egan clan from sweet Cregane marked deep the sands of time.

111.

At school young Bill, you're talked of still, as example bright to all
You ne'er drew Master's heavy hand and were lauded by Mrs Wall.
Your essays won the highest mark; of maths you had no fear
While with hurley stick you showed a trick and brought the loudest cheer.

IV.

And dawned the day when Liam O's name was called on Roll no more
Then Jimmy Roche the tractor king, knocked loud on the Egan door.
"I've heard about this fine young lad - I'll pay a goodly fee
Should he brave the border to Granard and labour there for me".

V.

Some years Bill served complaint unheard, for happy a man was he,
Tending fold as in days of old and with horse, to creamery.
But ambition bold will plans unfold and he did Roches flee,
For sweet Travel Pass and Pension large in the ranks of CIE.

VI.

At Carnival in Fancy Dress you oftimes took the prize
But your Stage was set at Sheehan's Forge and you did realise
That music was your food of love and with Nora Farrissey
You travelled far on bye road and tar when joined by Pat de Lee.

VII.

Distance was no barrier as your accordion gave much pleasure
To those who came to enjoy your play or simply tread a measure.
And as Airforce 1 roared home from gigs, women thanked in prayer alike
'The Good Lord is in his Heaven and Bill Egan's on his bike'.

VIII.

At his Cregane home Bill is known as a gardener self-sufficient,
As with a spade at Adam's trade, he's rated most proficient
New spuds undrilled at Cahirmee with the whitest cabbage too
Bacon green or smoked, with fresh milk soaked, a kingly meal 'tis true.

IX.

There is a Credo writ so clear and treasured as a right
To defend our home from they that roam - those villains of the night.
We urge on them to give wide berth to Bill Egan's home so handsome
Or a walking-aid will be debt paid from buckshot up the transom.

X

We trust Young Bill you'll linger still for a decade two or more,
For men as you are rather few - you form Ireland's core.
And when at last you join the cast on that great stage in the sky
The hosts will thrill to Thady Quill and the Galtee Mountain Boy.

First delivered by Denis at Bill Egan's 65th birthday celebration in
the Booney House in Churchtown on Thursday 2nd October 2008.

The surprise birthday celebration was organised by Noel Linehan
of the Ballyhoura Ramblers. Many thanks Noel.