Ikie was one of a king who will be greatly missed. Relatives, friends and neighbours were shocked and saddened when they heard the news of the passing of Michael 'Ikie' Seeler of Stack's Villas, Tralee when he passed away on Tuesday, the 5th of August. Michael, or Ikie as he was better known, was held in the highest regard of all who knew him. He was 62. Ikie was born in 1946 to parents John and Helen Seeler (nee O'Shea) and was one of six children. Sadly, his brother John Jnr died in infancy. He attended Balloonagh National School, Strand Road and the Christian Brothers at Clounalour and CBS, The Green. After finishing his education, Ikie emigrated to England to harvest beet. As a youngster, Ikie loved Gaelic football and he wore the black and amber of Austin Stacks. His love of sport never diminished over the years and loved watching the matches on television. It wasn't just football and soccer Ikie was interested in; he loved to see Ireland doing well in any sport. In his childhood, Ikie and his siblings enjoyed many happy summer holidays in Glenbeigh from where his mother Helen came - helping his grand parents on the farm or in the bog. Ikie also had a keen intellect and enjoyed doing crosswords and puzzles. He never used the easy clues in the crosswords but instead loved to test himself with the cryptic clues. It was very seldom that Ikie didn't complete a crossword and many times he was on the winning team in the pub quiz. Ikie was also very good with his hands and enjoyed passing the time drawing and sketching. He gave many of his creations away to his friends. He was a proud Irishman in his younger he served with the 15th Battalion FCA and Military Police where he made many life long friends. Family was very important to Ikie and he was loving brother to his sister Mary and Bridie and brothers Willie and Denis, Willie, Denis and Mary were at his side every day when he became a patient in Kerry General Hospital and Killarney District Hospital as Ikie's health started to suffer for the past few years. Ikie never wanted anything with the love and support he received from his family. Ikie was also a very compassionate person who had time for everyone from all walks of life. He was a very fair-minded person who didn't like seeing snobbery in society. Ikie was a well-loved neighbour to all who lived in Stack's Villas. He always had a smile and a salute for anyone who walked past when he was sitting outside his house. He will be deeply missed by all his neighbours who were fortunate enough to know him. At the removal from Hogan's Funeral Home to the Church of Our Lady at St. Brendans on Thursday the 6th of August, comrades from the organisation of national Ex-service men and women flanked the hearse where his coffin was draped with the tri-colour. Requiem Mass took place on the following Friday morning - Frs Pat Crean-Lynch and Danny Broderick PP officiating with interment taking place in New Rath Cemetery at his Mass, music was provided by his life long friends, the Curtin family and other musicians. His family were greatly touched by the outpouring of support they have received and their hearts have been lifted knowing how important Ikie was to his friends and neighbours. They are also very thankful for the support and affection Ikie received from the doctors, nurses and staff in Killarney District Hospital and Kerry General Hospital and also to the curtain family. His family have been touched by the support they have received from their neighbours in Stack's Villas, not just since Ikie passed away, but all through his illness. Ikie is survived by his brothers Willie and Denis, sisters Bridie and Mary, relatives and friends. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Kerry's Eye, 21st August 2008 Tweet

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