It is with the greatest of pleasure, as a native of Mick the Miller`s birthplace of Killeigh, Co Offaly, Ireland, that I open this topic dedicated specifically to him. I feel there is no better introduction to Mick`s story than the Ballad Of Mick The Miller which was written by Danny Coughlan. The ballad pretty much captures everything! THE BALLAD OF MICK THE MILLER. Mick The Miller, this famous dog, his name it is renowned; He is the most famous dog of all the greyhounds. He was owned by Father Brophy, in his kennels beside the mill-race, In this lovely village of Killeigh, you could pick no better place. Let`s sing the praises of this dog, Sing them low and high. Let`s give three cheers to good old Mick As he goes flying by! Father Brophy brought Mick to England, in 1929, To enter him for the derby, that great race of all times. Mick ran a blinder, the best ever seen in time, Left all the other dogs beaten far behind. Let`s sing the praises of this dog, Sing them low and high. Let`s give three cheers to good old Mick As he goes flying by! While the Killeigh folk were overjoyed when they heard of Mick`s great win; They went and told each other that a party would begin. They all assembled on the green and a bonfire they did light, They gave a twilight procession and a welcome home that night. Let`s sing the praises of this dog, Sing them low and high. Let`s give three cheers to good old Mick As he goes flying by! This wonder dog ran again, winning the great St Leger; He ran so well, you could almost tell, his name would live forever. Then one day he passed away, and to keep his name a treasure, Mick was preserved by a great expert so he would last forever. Let`s sing the praises of this dog, Sing them low and high. Let`s give three cheers to good old Mick As he goes flying by! A copy of the ballad has hung for decades in the pub in Killeigh, and it was was often performed there by local musician Frank Hill.
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