One of nature's gentlemen

The death took place of Michael (Mickey) Egan of Coilbee, Listowel, on January 31st. He was one in a family of seven sons and two daughters born on July 22nd, 1926 to Denny and Madge Egan.
Educated in Clounmacon national school, he left at an early age - which was typical of his time - to work with local farmers.
He worked with the Finucane family in their farm in Clonphorus and was very happy there as he was treated as one of their own. He later met his future wife, Eileen Walsh from Tullamore, and the happy couple were married on September 21st, 1945. Their union was blessed with five daughters and he doted on each one.
Mickey worked in various places throughout his career including Bord Na Mona, the Board of Works and Kerry County Council. He spent twenty-eight years in the employment of McNamara Bros. before his retirement. His reputation as an honest and hard worker was known throughout North Kerry.
His great pastime was Kerry football and was long associated with the Clounmacon Club. In 1987, when the football field was developed, Mickey's experience with drainage of land was called upon and he was appointed clerk of works for the entire project. He devoted enormous energy and commitment to the success of the field and when Sean Kelly, then president of the GAA, officially opened Pairc na Gael in 1992, it was indeed a proud day for Mickey. He continued his service to the club for years after, lining the pitch before matches and maintaining the general upkeep of the club.
He took enormous pride in his grandchildren, especially when they played football with their respective local clubs. When his grandson Sean O'Sullivan made the breakthrough with Kerry, it was a particularly proud day for him.
Another pastime for Mickey was saving and bringing home his turf. He liked to remain active and thought nothing of cutting trees and wood chopping.
Above all, Mickey was a kind and respected neighbour, who would go out of his way to help anyone. He was very witty and was positive in all aspects of his life. He loved a game of cards and to talk and chat in the company of his wife (Lal) with his friends over a pint on a Saturday night.
The Egan Family wish to thank Dr. O'Connor, nurses and staff at KGH and Listowel Hospital, also to Clounmacon GAA Club for the guard of honour at his well attended funeral.
Mickey will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Courtesy of Kerry's Eye
March 4th, 2010 Tweet

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