Ronnie McGinn's Poetry Page

We got a shock last week when we heard of the sudden death of our friend Kevin Gregan from Crosshaven in Co. Cork.

Kevin was the husband of our esteemed colleague Marie Piper Gregan of the Douglas Post in Cork.

On behalf of all of us here in Irish Examiner may I offer our condolences and our sincerest sympathy to Marie and to their sons Daren and Gary, their grandson Ryan and to the entire Gregan and Piper families.

Kevin was a good husband and a good family man, an excellent carpenter, loved sport, didn't drink or smoke, but he knew how to enjoy life, and to me he was a good friend - always in good humour - he even used to jibe me about this column - always passing comments like, "What do you know about poetry ?"

Rest in Peace Kevin!

Kevin Gregan

The news exploded in my brain
It can't, it can't, be true
The unexpected shock! The pain
To lose a friend like you!

Your pride was in your family,
Your heart was with your wife,
Your two fine sons were royalty,
Young Ryan lit up your life

Your skill was in your craftsman's hands,
A master at your trade,
Your dreams were with your future plans,
Who ever thought they'd fade.

So suddenly the Angels came,
A bolt out of the blue,
We close our eyes and call your name,
Our prayers are now with you

I stood beside your grave today,
As sunshine pierced the sky,
Still can't believe you passed away,
And never said goodbye.

© Ronnie McGinn