Halligan, Mick
August 08, 2010Michael (Mick) Halligan of Straboe, Carlow, who died on Sunday 8 August at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow, was a man of quiet disposition who was highly respected within his local community.
Aged 72, Mick's death followed a 13-year battle with serious illness. Having suffered a stroke in 1997, he had periods of hospitalisation in St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny and was a resident at Borris Lodge and Hillview Nursing home before spending the four-and-a-half years of his life at the Sacred Heart Hospital.
Whether in hospital or nursing home, Mick received the best of nursing care.
A single man, Mick was a lorry driver all his working life. He started off with Byrne's of Killerig and later worked for Robert E Fegan, Grangeford, the block-making, sand and gravel concern. When Fegan's was taken over by Dan Morrissey Ltd, Mick drove for Morrissey's with whom he finished out his working days.
A dedicated GAA man, Mick lined out with the Paulville Football Club in the 1950s, playing minor and junior. When Paulville went out of existence, he played junior for Grange and was regarded as a sound full back, with good hands and a mighty kick on the ball.
When in the early 1970s, Fegan's claimed a Leinster Inter-Firms junior football title in Geraldine Park, Athy, Mick Halligan played with the side and was very proud of the team's achievement. The team played under the name IPL(Insulation Products Ltd).
After his playing days, Mick continued to follow the local club, as well as Carlow county teams. He travelled the country with his brother Paddy to follow Éire Óg during the Carlow Town Club's tremendous run in the Club Championship during the 1990s. Mick always did the driving on these football trips.
Paddy Halligan is a well-known and popular figure within the GAA in Carlow, being former Grange Club chairman. He was treasurer of Carlow Co. Board for three years, having served previously as assistant treasurer.
A man who enjoyed a social drink, Mick liked nothing better than a sing-song. He enjoyed traditional music and was himself a good singer. His local was Walsh's of Killerig.
Throughout his life, Mick Halligan was a popular individual and his passing is deeply regretted by his family and many friends.
His remains were removed to John The Baptist Church, Grange, with a guard of honour being formed by Grange GAA Club members from Killerig Cross to the church. A blue and white Grange jersey was placed on the coffin.
Fr Andy Leahy, CC, Tullow received the remains, with Mgr Brendan Byrne, PP, Tullow also in attendance. Fr Leahy celebrated the funeral Mass, during which he paid a fitting tribute to the life of Mick Halligan, highly complimenting Mick's brother Paddy and sister-in-law Elizabeth (Dolly) for the wonderful manner in which they cared for him over many years.
Fr Tom Dillon, PP, Baltinglass and Fr Paddy Gaynor, PP, Walsh Island, both Grange natives, were present at the funeral mass.
Mick was laid to rest in Grange Cemetery, with Fr Leahy reciting the final prayers at the graveside.
He was laid to rest in Grange Cemetery, with Fr Leahy reciting the final prayers at the graveside.
He is survived by his brother Paddy (Straboe), sister-in-law Dolly, nephew Michael Halligan (Innishannon, Co. Cork), niece Mrs Ann Rooney (Rathoe), by other relatives, neighbours and his many friends.
Courtesy of The Nationalist
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