The late Michael Holland When all is said and done it is only a game and even though we rant and rave when games are lost or players do peculiar things on the pitch, we can walk away and come back again another day for more. Not so Michael Holland. The untimely death of the Kilbrittain GAA stalwart shook the whole division to the core and evoked huge sympathy amongst all who knew him. Michael never knew anything else except how to give 100% in every thing he did, whether it was playing for his beloved Kilbrittain, Carbery or Cork,or training some team. He continued playing right to the present which is very rare at a time when players are retiring at a younger age all the time. During the past few years he trained the Oliver Plunketts' hurling team which won the county B title, again putting everything he could into the effort. This year, as well as continuing playing into his forties, he took over the Carbery team which had been a disaster for the past few years. Once again it was all or nothing as he put a huge effort into training and enticing players to get involved. It seemed he had again restored pride in the divisional hurling jersey and the team was due to meet Duhallow. As a player himself, Michael was a rare talent. Yes, he was fiery, and impetuous at times, but that was part of what made him so competitive and he never knew how to take a backward step. Small of stature, he was built square and solid and you took him on at your peril. A hurler of outstanding ability, he won many a game for the black and amber and he was no mean footballer either. His untimely passing has left the division poorer for his going, but the greatest loss is to his wife and young family who must face the future without him. Our deepest sympathy goes to them and to his own family. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal. Courtesy of the Southern Star 4th June 2005 Tweet

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