Big Tim: As promised the words to the second (or rather first in my opinion)ballad of Michael Collins.

THE BALLAD OF MICHAEL COLLINS
By
BRENDAN O'REILLY
1.
An old man whispered in my ear; 'twas the saddest thing he knew;
When Ireland's proudest son was shot at the age of thirty-two.
He held my hand; his eyes held tears and my eyes filled up too,
With the power of full emotion for a man I never knew.

2.
Michael Collins, fearless son, you touched the nation's soul.
Ten thousand pounds upon your head; you still achieved your goal.
'Twas thus behind the barricades you fought the last gunfight.
You beat the enemy at their game;you undermined their might.

3.
'Twas in the crowded banquet hall, the old man meek and mild,
A simple man from off the land with the blue eyes of a child;
For the memory that an Irishman shot down the rebel son;
And Ireland lost Her Laughing Boy before his work was done.

4.
Michael Collins, Fearless Son, you touched the nation's soul;
Ten thousand pounds upon your head; you still achieved your goal.
You knew the Orange and the Green would keep us Gaels apart,
But the dream of Ireland one and free was the dream that filled your heart.

5.
And an old man in a banquet hall some fifty years gone by,
Held a sadness that would never pass, in his blue eyes still to cry
With the memory that an Irishman shot down the Fearless Son;
And Ireland lost Her Laughing Boy before his work was done.

6.
Michael Collins,Fearless Son, you touched the nation's soul.
Ten thousand pounds upon your head; you still achieved your goal.
'Twas thus behind the barricades, you fought the one time fight.
You beat the enemy at their game; you undermined their might.
You beat the enemy at their game; you undermined their might.

In a few places the background music blurs the words somewhat, but I am sure that most if not all the above is correct. If any 'catter spots any mistakes please feel free to make them known. In passing, Johnny McEvoy also recorded a song called "Michael" which is another tribute the Big Fella.