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© Copyright 2009 J P McMenamin

Below is the actual dedication featured in the book:

This book is dedicated to the memory of the greatest Irish dancer in the world, Micky ‘Sticks’ O’Toole.

Born in Co. Tyrone, Micky O’ Toole was known all over Ireland as the dancer with the lightning feet.  Then at the tender age of nineteen, tragedy struck when Micky lost both legs in a mysterious, freak, gardening accident. The Irish dancing world was devastated. But it was then that Micky showed the guts and determination which amazed both the medical and dancing professions and earned him the nickname ‘Sticks’.

The world of Irish dancing was stunned and amazed to learn that Micky O’Toole had carved two wooden legs from his mother’s kitchen table and was practising day and night to regain the title of “The Fastest Irish Dancer In The World.” And, to the astonishment of everyone, in just three years, Micky ’Sticks’ O’ Toole was back at the top.  The world lay at his feet. (Wooden though the feet may be.)

Then, would you believe it? Tragedy struck for a second time. One night as Micky was performing a very tricky and complicated dance sequence, which required great speed from his wooden legs, he set himself on fire and burned to the ground before the local fire service arrived.

At his funeral, (the largest ever seen in Ireland), thousands cried as they remembered a great dancer and a man who showed that, while legs may make a great dancer – it also takes guts. 

RIP MICKY ‘STICKS’ O’ TOOLE

 WILL WE EVER SEE HIS LIKE AGAIN?