Bergin, Michael
October 21, 2005
Michael (Mick) Bergin
Anybody who ever met Mick Bergin had the utmost respect for him. He was a giant of a man in every respect. He stood over 6' 2'' tall, possessed a keen intellect, never shirked to debate an issue and almost invariably was proved correct. He was a highly successful farmer and a wonderful all-round sportsman.
Born November 29, 1913 in his beloved Blackwood, Mick worked of the family farm. In February 1947 he married Mary and they reared a family of six sons and two daughters.
In his youth Mick excelled as across-country runner and won the Leinster Cross County Championship in the 1930s. He was an ardent GAA supporter and played football for his local team Blackwood.
It was however as a selector with St Lachtain's that he probably achieved his greatest success. Together with Jim Bergin (RIP), Joe Mullan (RIP), Jack Lalor (Cooleshall) (RIP), John Butler (Threecastles), Michael Dowling, Tom Waldron (RIP) and Kieran Dooley (RIP), they masterminded a Junior County Final win in 1959 and then they led them to success in the 1961 Senior Championship.
His height and great strength were used to advantage in two other, perhaps lesser known sports, sheaf-throwing and tug-o-war. He was an acclaimed sheaf thrower, winning numerous competitions throughout the country. With (Big) Ned Campion (RIP), Pakie Bergin (RIP), Jack Obbins (RIP), Joe O'Leary (RIP) and his brothers Paddy (RIP) and Jim (RIP) they formed the formidable Blackwood Tug-o-War team.
His ecumenical sporting spirit was seen to good effect during the 1970s when Wellbrook Soccer Club had no place to play. On hearing of their plight Mick readily offered a field free of charge. It was a wonderful gesture in keeping with the sporting spirit he always portrayed.
However greyhounds were his greatest sporting love, establishing the prefix Cilldubh, now known in every corner of the greyhound world. He bred, reared and trained his own greyhounds and in 1976 he recorded perhaps his greatest victory in the National Produce Stakes in Clonmel. Later that year he was crowned Kilkenny Sports Star of the year for Greyhound Racing, a richly deserved award.
Other notable breeding success included Land Master (Trial Stake winner, bt 1L in Derby by winning Mourve Monarch, Gt. Whistler Cup Kilkenny), Highland Drive (McAlinden Gold Cup) and Solar Symphony (Scottish Derby).
Considering his great interest and love for greyhounds and his sporting generosity it was no surprise that he made a field available to the local coursing club, despite numerous very serious threats from animal rights organisations. Coursing had flourished at the venue since 1986 and huge improvements have been made, all with Mick's approval and blessing.
Outside of his sporting pursuits, Mick took a keen interest in politics and was not easily dissuaded from his point of view. While DeValera probably wasn't God, in Mick's estimation he was definitely a good substitute. His political affiliations and his undivided loyalty could never by questioned. His political knowledge was unrivalled and he had a great memory for dates and details.
He was very highly regarded in the farming community, running a successful dairying, tillage and beef farm. In the 1960s he was one of the first silage contractors. He strongly supported his brother Jim (RIP) in the farmers' rights campaign of that time.
Religion too played a huge part in his life; despite his many sporting, farming and political interests, Mass and religious ceremonies were never forgotten. For many years he went on pilgrimage to Lough Derg and Croagh Patrick. Such devotion will surely guarantee a white flag from St Peter at the escape.
First and foremost Mick was a family man and he instilled in the family that unrivalled Bergin spirit. To his wife Mary, daughters Sheila and Breda, sons Paddy, Matt, Michael, Sean, Seamus and Brendan and to his extended family we offer our deepest sympathy. Mick a legend in his time will be sadly missed by all. May the sod rest lightly on him. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
Courtesy of Kilkenny People
21 October 2005
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