Iveraghs Gallant Fifteen

 (Written in The Strand, London 21/10/1956)

hurrah old Iveraghs gallant 15
 who conquered Strand Road in gold and green
 they fought a hard fight for its plain to be seen

that the Gaels of The strand are no footballers mean.

From defense to attack they were there to a man
and brimful of thrills the excitement it ran
blood pressure was high as the scoring began
 and the cheers could be heard on the banks of the Bann

O'Neill playing goal was a glorious sight
 Dennis Bailey fullback leaped for balls at great height
 Frank O'Connor and Murphy in defense left and right

showed the boys from the North how South Kerry can fight

Jerome Shea,O Dwyer and Sugrue were there,
To stalwarts of valor excelled in the air
 For place kicking straight so few can compare
 It was the pleasure to watch the most satisfying fare

O'Neill at midfield was a resplendent of course
 When McCarthy, O'Connell or always in force
Ned Fitz and McAuliffe sent balls always close
For the Griffins and Gerald to shoot at the posts

 And here for good measure, reserves are at hand
 Tadhg Connell, June Murphy can well take their stand
Mossy Fitz and Bill Keating, two footballers grand
Will rank with the names who defeated The Strand

 Sure it was a fine game with thrills they are galore
 Fuse all such fine football played ever before
 Their names will make history a thousand times o'er
Like the famed Kerry players in fond days of yore

Then lift up your glass and give them a toast
 For the Gaels of South Kerry of football can boast
We send you fond greetings from far distant coasts
In the manner we send the proud vanquished a toast.

Patrick Joseph Griffin, Lisbawn