Death Of A Great Tullamore And Offaly Gael
Thursday, 29 December 2011
The late Mr Michael Noel Byrne.
THE sad death took place last week of one of Tullamore's and Offaly's best known citizens, Michael Noel Byrne, a man who gave a life time of loyal and unstinting service to the GAA.
84 years of age and resident at Arden Road, Tullamore, Michael was an exceptionally well known and popular individual. In declining health for some time, his death was nonetheless a shock to the many people who knew and admired him.
A real gentleman, Michael Noel Byrne was particularly well known for his lengthy involvement in the GAA - He served the GAA in every capacity, including player and administrator and his contribution was recognised at national level when he received a president's award from then GAA president, Nicky Brennan in 2008.
As a player, Michael Noel was a talented goalkeeper and he had the unique distinction of winning Senior Football Championship medals with two clubs in the 1950s - His native Tullamore and Durrow.
He was a tremendous GAA man and he served the Offaly GAA County Board as Development Officer from 1989 to 2007 when he stood down - In this role, he proved to be a highly efficient officer and he was extremely helpful to the many clubs who undertook development projects during his time, particularly with accessing grant aid from Leinster and Central Council. Indeed part of Michael Noel's legacy can be seen with the many fine dressing rooms, pavilions and stands throughout the country.
In his role as Development Officer, he also acted as the County Board registrar and again, he was very helpful and patient when dealing with clubs.
He was involved in organising the homecomings of all successful Offaly teams since 1960, when the Leinster Senior Football Championship was won for the first time.
Michael Noel was Chairman of the 1984 Centenary Committee in Offaly, which organised various events throughout the county and was responsible for producing the Offaly Centenary Publication. For many years he was official announcer at club and county games in O'Connor Park.
In 1998 he was instrumental in organising the inaugural Sean Gael Awards in Offaly and himself was a very deserved recipient of an Award in 2001.
He was a good character and a great conversationalist, he worked in sales during most of his working life - He was an advertising representative for the Offaly Independent before retiring some years ago.
Mr Pat Teehan, chairman of the Offaly GAA County Board paid tribute to the deceased, describing him as being 'part and parcel' of the GAA in Offaly for over fifty years. He outlined his lengthy involvement and described him as one of 'life's gentlemen'.
Evidence of his immense popularity was provided by the massive crowd at his funeral. Predeceased by his sisters Mary Molloy (Croghan) and Bridie Byrne (Tullamore) and brother, Monsignor Las Byrne, he is survived by his beloved wife, Kay; sisters Kathleen Guinan (Tullamore), Olive Doran (London) and Dympna O'Connor Skerries, sisters-in-law Sr Therese (Moate) and Lily O'Brien (Tullamore), brothers-in-law Goerge and Paschal, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
May he rest in peace.
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