In a cold and wind-swept graveyard we laid him down to rest.
Men bared their heads in silent prayer for one they sadly missed.
With tear-filled eyes the women prayed, the children’s hearts are sore.
Slán leat dear Willie Clancy in this world we’ll meet no more.

A piper plays a sad lament we heed not wind nor rain.
When on his grave the wreaths are laid, the tears we can’t restrain.
But in our grief we realise, this was God’s holy will.
Alas he’s gone and left a place we cannot hope to fill.

Slowly now from Kyleatreem the mourners turn away.
Some north to troubled Belfast and some south to sweet Coolea
Some east, some west, throughout Ireland, each their respective way.
Ah but, in each heart a sadness left, that time will not erase.

One day we too must leave this world in answer to God’s call.
We know that up in heaven then, you’re there to greet us all.
With Garrett Barry by your side, once more we’ll hear you play.
And we’ll reminisce on bygone days around Miltown Malbay.

“The book, ‘Martin Junior Crehan: Musical Compositions and Memories, 1908-1998’ by Angela Crotty gives three songs by Junior, all bearing this title – this is not one of them. The authorship of this seems to be unknown – Marty’s own possibly? He was certainly a friend and lifelong admirer of Willie. The air is the same as that sung by Tom Lenihan for ‘Willie Reilly and his Colleen Bawn’."
Jim Carroll

See also
Willie Clancy sung by Martin ‘Junior’ Crehan.