On The Passing Of Dick Kiely

Dick Kiely was the principal teacher when I was in primary school
And he seemed quite impartial and with fairness he did rule
He did not have his favourites as some other teachers had
A good and honest fellow and in him nothing bad.

A famous gaelic footballer when he was in his prime
But I never see him playing it was before my time
By all accounts the mighty Dick was a renowned athlete
One of the famous sportsmen for to represent Millstreet.

In Millstreet they raised their children he and Chris Walsh his Millstreet wife
And in Millstreet he was born and he lived there all of his life
And in his beloved Parish his remains in peace now lay
And his fame will live in Millstreet for forever and a day.

In Millstreet his life’s journey ended and in Millstreet his life’s journey began
And to many he was a mentor and a well respected man
He was honest and trustworthy and for others he did care
And the Dick Kielys of this world sad to say are all too rare.

And though his remains to the reaper who will claim us all has gone
The great soul of Dick Kiely in Millstreet will live on
He was the Principal teacher when I was in primary school
And he seemed quite impartial and with fairness he did rule.

by Francis Duggan

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from the Corkman – September 2000:

RICHARD KIELY (NT) RIP: The death of former Millstreet Scoil Mhuire Boys National School Principal Richard (Dick) Kiely NT caused sadness across the North Cork community. A highly efficient and dedicated teacher, he will be remembered with esteem and affection by many hundreds of past pupils.

His advise and profound knowledge on matters education and otherwise were generously shared with colleagues, pupils and the public. During his early days, Richard was educated at Rockwell College, Co Tipperary, where apart from academic interests, he took an active interest in recreation and sport including rugby.
That sporting trait continued with his active involvement in GAA and athletics.He played for Millstreet against Dromtarriffe in the inaugural Duhallow Junior FC final in 1933 and in latter years assisted Dromtarriffe, when they won the intermediate football title in addition to playing for Cork Junior and Senior football teams, and he figured on the Duhallow West triumphant team-historic winners of the 1936 County Senior FC, where Richard scored three goals in the first round against Beara and continued to play prominent roles in wins  over UCC and Clonakilty in the decider. Also prominent in athletics, he was actively involved in the early days of Millstreet AC.

Richard was deeply religious and took an active role on Corpus Christi Procession days in Millstreet. The large attendances at his removal and funeral were an indication of the esteem and popularity of a true gentleman.

Sympathy is extended to his wife Chrissie and family.