The achievements of Tom Crean remained secret and uncelebrated for too long. It is a sign of a nation which is maturing that our sense of national identity is no longer so fragile that it prevents us from admiring a man who is perhaps more legitimately deserving of our respect than some of our long standing national heroes.

SILENT HERO

Ice bright under cloudless sky

White night for a thousand miles

Cold face into restless winds

Cold grave for his restless sins

Ice breath over snow-blind eyes

Each step under endless skies

No rest for a boundless soul

Each step is a journey home.

Clear day, ice white, no horizon, no night

Strange reflections, bright snow, ice breaks, ice flows.

Wild heather, soft rain, her voice, home again.

Flames dance in an open fire

Closed doors under Sunday spire

Soft day settles on the ground

Soft words make a hollow sound

Soft options and rebel songs

Back home where he can't belong

Silent as the snow to find

Winter is a frame of mind.

Clear day, ice white, no horizon, no night

Strange reflections, bright snow, ice breaks, ice flows

Warm light, soft curls, same sun, different world.