Poetic tribute to Gooch

SIR, Here is a little poem that I compiled as a tribute to the recently retired Kerry footballing great Colm (The Gooch) Cooper. I hope readers of The Kerryman will enjoy it. Sincerely, John Galvin, Scartaglen.

A TRIBUTE TO COLM ‘THE GOOCH’ COOPER

When you talk of Kerry footballers, They were good, great and super. But the daddy of them all, Was the mighty Colm ‘The Gooch’ Cooper.

He played the game with a will to win, He terrorised defences and had them in a spin. He had wonderful skill and vision. And could pass the ball with military precision.

Colm scored goals, the best we have seen, There was simply no stopping the flying thirteen. And many the time when we were put to the test, The magician responded – he was simply The Best!

At games in Croke Park he lit up our days, He was just real gifted in so many ways. There was no one better of that there’s no doubt, When Gooch was on fire the supporters did shout.

With Dr. Crokes he soldiered for many a day, In good times and bad he has been in the fray. Whether in the green and gold or black and amber, Your heroic feats we’ll always remember.

Enjoy your retirement and free time to spare, For sheer class and brilliance there was none to compare. Your absence and loss we’ll sorely lament, Enjoy all the plaudits of the times you have spent.

So farewell to a legend that we’ll never forget, You live in our hearts so no need to fret. Thanks for great memories and the joy you did bring, May God bless and keep you and long live the King.