Rita Hickey

The last teacher link to Millstreet's first secondary college Colaiste Padraig from life has passed away
Which brings back old memories of a long bygone day
With her late husband Garrett and Joe Garvey and Miss McAuliffe she taught in the West End for many years
And her passing in Millstreet will not go without tears

A good mother to her children and to Garrett a good wife
Like many she knew of the good and sad days of life
Predeceased by two of her children she had her crosses to bear
Of sorrows she was one who knew of her share

Rita Hickey nee Kelly her associations with Millstreet goes back decades in time
She was in her nineties years past her life's prime
Though she died in Fermoy in Duhallow she was widely known
And in Millstreet many will mourn the passing of one of their own

Colaiste Padraig in the West End of Millstreet closed down years ago
Going way back in time half a century or so
The changes keep happening and time ticks on fast
And only the memories remain of the past

In St Mary's Cemetery by Cashman's Hill in Millstreet her last remains lay
For all of us there is this last night and day
Hope her passing from life for her was a painless release
Rita Hickey nee Kelly may she now rest in peace.