The Late Mick Cunningham 1922-2003 There was great sadness in the Claregalway, Annaghdown and Corrandulla catchment areas at the passing to his eternal reward of Mick Cunningham, Kilgill, who died at the age of 80 after a short illness. Mick was especially well known in the GAA world, as he was a life-long committed Annaghdown football man, first as a player of considerable ability and exemplary dedication and for the rest of his life as a keen follower. From farming stock, born in an era when times were hard and life was simple, but essentially what you made of it, with faith and fortitude, Mick's chief boyhood interest was in playing football, first at minor level, and he went on to become a member of the Annaghdown junior and senior teams that won the West Board championships in the early 1940s. He had many very enjoyable memorable days in the Annaghdown colours through the 40's and into the 1950's and when his playing days were over he took to supporting his club with the same enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty. One of his proudest days came in 1982 when Annaghdown won the County Senior Football Championship at Tuam Stadium, after a lapse of 51 years. Mick cried with joy in the jubilant dressing room after that never-to-be forgotten game. A mere three weeks prior to his death, he was in the stand at Cregg watching his beloved football club playing their next door neighbours and arch rivals Corofin. When people heard he had attended two games on the one day, at separate venues, they considered it typical of him. He liked hurling, too, of course, indeed he was very knowledgeable on all aspects of the GAA and shrewd in his observations and opinions. His close friend from childhood, Joe Davin, who resides in Rockmount, Claregalway, paid Mick a warm tribute, saying he was a gentleman and that it was a privilege to know him and to have spent so much time with him over the years. In their youth Mick and Joe were very positive about life and happily lived each day as God intended them to do. Joe said Mick put his heart into everything he attempted, not just in sport but also in farming and the rural ways of life, which meant a lot of him. They cycled many a mile together, and they enjoyed every minute of it, especially the long journeys on their bikes year after year to cut turf at Cloonascragh, near Tuam, on the Athenry road. Joe Davin was best man when Mick Cunningham married Eileen Greaney, also from Kilgill, Joe has fond memories of a lovely day at the reception in the Banba Hotel, Salthill; it cemented their friendship. Annaghdown GAA Club also paid tribute to a cherished friend and supporter they will greatly miss, but they say he will live in the hearts of all who knew him. There was a large and representative attendance at both days of his funeral, reflective of the very genuine respect, affection and esteem in which he was held. Mick is survived by his daughters Mary, Kathleen, Josephine and Nora; sisters Mary Joe Lawless and Kathleen Kindregan; brother Willie (Birmingham, England), grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relations and a wide circle of friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dhilis. Courtesy of the Tuam Herald December 2003 Tweet

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