Ode to Paddy

Patrick was born in the Irish Free State
To Edward, Mary and a sister called Kate
For 13 years County Wexford was home
A rural landscape with places to roam



Emigration to England and Manchester beckoned
A good place to find work it was reckoned
A baby was born, now he had a brother
He was christened John by his father and mother

Paddy worked hard for a drink and a song
As humble and honest as the day is long
His favourite tune was Raglan Road
He always attended Mass, wherever his abode

A well read thinker who liked a bet
There may be a statue of him built at Aintree yet
In his life England played a major part
Ireland remained forever in his heart

Accepting, likeable, knowledgeable and fair
Qualities he possessed as we remember him in prayer
Paddy retained his Catholic faith to the last
We pray for his onward journey now he has passed