The Late Mike O'Leary On November 12th, 2004, the world in general and the GAA world in particular lost a great person with the passing of Mike O'Leary. Mike died tragically and suddenly from cardiomyopathy although only 39 years, Mike packed a lot into a short but wonderful life. Mike was an exceptional family man. He leaves behind a wonderful wife Eithna and five beautiful children, Eilis, Conor, Cian, Michael and Mark. He ran a busy veterinary practice in Caherciveen and its surrounds for fifteen years gaining a reputation as a very capable and caring vet. On the playing field he enjoyed much success. He played Under 21 and Junior football for his county. Honours won include Junior, Intermediate and Under 21 county championships and 2 South Kerry championships. While a student at U.C.D. he won a Sigerson cup medal and also captained that team for two years. He was also a talented rugby player, lining out at wing forward for Roscrea College. Following Mike's death a charity trust fund was se up with three main aims: 1. To fund research into Cardiomyopathy. The O'Leary family and the Cardiomyopathy Association (part of the Irish Heart Foundation) believe more screening for this condition would save lives. Screening is not an invasive test. It consists of an E.C.G. stress test and a cardiac echo test done by ultrasound (both external tests on the chest area). GP's or the Irish Heart Foundation can supply further information. All sporting bodies including the GAA should advise any individuals who is into serious sport to have cardiac screening. Communities should become involved in providing defibrillators for general community use. 2. To raise funds for G.O.A.L. To date a commitment has been made to fund the construction of a school bearing Mike's name in the Sundarans region of West Bengal. This will involve a commitment to G.O.A.L. of Eu320,000. 3. To raise funds for V.I.V.A. (Volunteers in Irish Veterinary Assistance), which sends vets to educate third world farmers in animal husbandry. As a memorial to Mike, a challenge match was held in Caherciveen last August between a U.C.D. team from the eighties and a South Kerry team from the same era featuring such stars as Jack O'Shea, Ger Lynch and Maurice Fitzgerald. Much fundraising took place around this event and to date 330,000 has been raised. Any donation would be most welcome and can be made to the : Mike O'Leary Memorial Trust AIB, 41 South Main Street, Naas, Co. Kildare A/c no. 13947-187 Bank Sort Code. 93-32-36 These are all worthy causes and the fundraising also serves as a fitting tribute to Mike, a truly outstanding individual who left an indelible mark on life. Ar dheis De fo raibh a h'anam dilis. May 2005 Tweet

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