FR. DAN HICKEY
The mourners came from far and near Their grief was hard to hide. They knelt in prayerful silence As his funeral mass was read Then laid him down in hallowed ground Among the silent
dead Just a lad, like other lads So full of life and fun Uncertain of his future Not knowing which course to run Then the Master smiled and whispered "Dan, Come follow me" He knew he had a winner An Apostle Dan would be. His sacrifice was great indeed he did not count the cost Full in the flower of youth and life He set out to find the 'lost' Seven years in Maynooth College To test his zeal and faith then at last a priest forever Back in June of '38. Knocknagoshel, Killeentierna Dear Lixnaw and Millstreet Town, Castleisland and Listowel Then P.P. of Brosnan Town. Whereever he has ministered He's remembered to this day. We will not forget his memory And we know for us he'll pray. At last to Abbeydorney Near his hometown Sweet Tralee Where the final words were spoken Of his priestly ministry. In this peaceful bit of heaven God was very close indeed, With the loving care of Hannah Who took care of every need. In the good old days of youth's life He was full of wit and fun. The games of life with zeal he played With ball, or hound or gun. His family were his pride and joy He was theirs through thick and thin To enlighten and to counsel When their case was put to him. * Nothing stays the same in life And illness takes its toll. At times, dear Lord, the going is tough Sure it pains the very soul For a sensitive man in many ways And shy beyond our ken, The duties of his priestly life Could be quite a cross for him. * But now the trials are over For this good and kindly man. There's a spot just filled in heaven By a priest called "Fr. Dan" His spirit now shines brightly forth Tho he lies beneath the sod; A grue pastor, friend and confidante Fifty Golden Years for God.
Anna Bella (Reen) O'Sullivan |