In the month of November on a cold stormy day
I left my own home and to town made my way
I met with a young man on the road I did go
And he told me the news of the death of John Joe
John Joe O'Reilly has left us behind
He was called by the Lord to the faithful and kind
He called him to heaven a proud land to show
A true son of Breffni was the gallant John Joe
Brave clan O'Reilly proud is your name
You've raised many sons of great honour and fame
But not even the princes of long long ago
Could compare with our sportsman the gallant John Joe
He led Cavan to victory on that memorable day
In the final against Kerry in New York far away
The next year in Croke Park when our boys beat Mayo
Sure once again they were led by the gallant John Joe
His record's a proud one without blemish or stain
He played his first football with the club Cornafaen
Now he lies in his cold grave where the wild flowers grow
A true son of Breffni was the gallant John Joe
At each corner of Breffni there's sorrow and pain
Such a true hearted sportsman we'll ne'er see again
Young players may come and old players may go
But there'll ne'er be another like the gallant John Joe