The sudden death took place of one of Callan's best known American emigrants. Mike Donovan from Whitestone New York, on originally from Mill Street, passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning whilst on his annual vacation to his beloved Callan. Mike had spent 3 weeks in Callan with his wife Nora, and had, as always, attended the All-Ireland Final to see Kilkenny claim their 30th title. He took particular pride in seeing his grand-nephew Eoin Larkin play a starring role for Kilkenny on the day. The annual trip to his home town always revolved around all the All Ireland Hurling Final, and Mike was as true a Gael as there is , despite his 50 odd years in the States, They say the greatness of a man can b measured in how they remember where they came from, and although Mike made his home in the United States for the Vast majority of his life, he most certainly never forgot his roots. Mike was a founding member of the Emerald Golf Society, and this year had one of his most successful trips ever, culminating n an astonishing 43 points at the Championship course at Ballykisteen Co. Tipperary. He formed many great friendships over the 30 years of the society, the highlight of which was always the Thursday of the Classic in Callan Golf Club. Mike was at the top of his form in both golfing and social terms, and his team of great friends Martin Murphy, Leo Keogh and his brother Tom, broke the 90 point mark on the day.He laughed and joined in the singing into the early hours, as he reminisced on old times and spoke excitedly about returning to see the Cats claim the 3 in a row in 2008. Mike was a staunch GAA man and one of his biggest playing regrets was the fact that he emigrated a year before the Lockes won the senior title in 1957. He continued his close affiliation with all things GAA in the United States, and played in the National League Final of 1963 for New York against Waterford, ironically in Nowlan Park. He was a regular player and later a spectator at Gaelic Park in the Bronx, and was always immersed in the American GAA scene. A successful business man, Mike always had a welcome for any of his family or friends that visited his adopted City, and indeed helped many people get started in their new lives in the United States. Mike got a fitting send off from his native Callan. His funeral ceremony in Ireland was attended by well known National GAA figures as well as his colleagues and officials from his beloved John Lockes. His fellow American Golfers, and his many family and friends in Ireland were also in attendance. The eulogies were delivered by his great friend Martin Murphy in Callan, and by his nephew Johnny Greaney in New York. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as "The Rose of Mooncoin" was sung in Callan by Denis Walsh and in New York by his nephew Nigel O'Donovan. One only had to witness the outpouring of goodwill and sympathy from his family and numerous friends in New York this week, to appreciate the impression Mike made on so many people. Mike was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, and uncle, and a fantastic friend to anyone lucky enough to know him. He will be sadly missed by his adoring wife Nora, his son Stephen, his daughters Noreen and Colleen and his five grandchildren Charlie, Kyle, Briana, Tara and Sarah, all of whom he always spoke so fondly and proudly of. He is also survived by his brothers Paddy and Tom, his sisters Peggy, Aggie, Teresa and Biddy, and his many relatives and friends in New york and Ireland. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 28 September, 2007 Tweet

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